In a country filled with returning heroes, rugged military-style watches are in. But, if you aren’t actually hunting down terrorists, this Structure watch offers the commando look at an affordable price for daily wear.
In offering a military-style watch, Structure is walking down a well-worn path. This Structure watch offers the basic styling cues for a military-style analog watch that have been set for about 60 years. Like most military field watches, this Structure brand watch is simple and straight forward in form and function. True to military watch form, the Structure watch presents Arabic numerals for the 12-hour time at each hour around the dial and much smaller numerals for the 24-hour time set inside the larger 12-hour numerals. An inverted triangle marks the twelve o’clock position. The watch does not have a date function. The hour and minute hands of this watch are coated with luminous material and there are luminous dots to mark every hour around the dial. Usually low-priced watches don’t include luminous material for night time wear so it was a pleasant surprise to find luminous materials on this Structure watch.
Structure offers the essentials of the style and offers a variation on the military theme by adding a non-rotating bezel with minute marking at quarter hour intervals. Most military field watches have a plain bezel. However, as an inexpensive fashion watch brand, Structure can afford to take a few risks. For example, the watch has the most attractive silicone straps that I’ve seen on a watch. The brown strap is 24 millimeters wide, stitched around the borders, and very comfortable. At first glance, the strap looks like a rich suede material. However, I was pleased to find that it was soft, supple, and supremely comfortable silicone. Silicone is quite washable.
The Structure military-style watch looks like a very high end timepiece. But, closer examination reveals a series of compromises that allow Structure to hit the $30 to $35 price point. There are at least three compromises that any prospective purchaser should know about. First, the 47 millimeter case of this watch is made of black plastic or resin. While it looks great for a plastic case, you will always know it’s not metal. Second, the watch has a silicone band not leather. Third, the bezel doesn’t rotate. These trade-offs allow Sears to sell this watch for 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of a less compromising military watch. If you want a watch that is tougher than your arm, you’ll pay much more.
Despite the compromises, this Structure watch is one of the best looking men’s watches for under $35. It’s robust, readable, and masculine. The strap is super comfortable. Overall, this Structure watch is a great “bang-around” watch that looks just fine in a business casual office.
Other articles by this contributor:
Wristwatch Review: Timex Expedition Vintage Metal Field Watch
Wristwatch Review: the Men’s Timex Expedition Core Analog Watch
A Guide to Vintage-Style Men’s Watches Inspired by Military Aviation
