Avalon Watches Review
This review is rather a difficult one to write, as the sorts of watches manufactured by Avalon watches are all over the map, style-wise. Ordinarily, I’ll write a review that suggests that a particular company’s watches might appeal to the reader because they have this certain quality, or this kind of feature.
That’s not the case here; they make a number of different types of timepieces that don’t even remotely resemble one another. On the other hand, they’re all reasonably well made and they’re all quite affordable. Many of them are pretty interesting, too, especially given their affordable price point.
Models include both wristwatches and pocket watches, too, which is pretty unusual. Pocket watches have been a niche product in recent decades, but then again, if you want one, they’re often hard to find. The company also makes a few pocket watches at a good price point.
Read on for the full Avalon watches review.
Build Quality
Movements
Innovation
Styling and Features
Care and Maintenance
Warranty
Prices
Where to Buy
Summary
Avalon Watches Build Quality
The build quality is more than adequate, given their price point. Most of their models feature stainless steel cases and mineral crystal to protect the watch face. Some of their models feature water resistance to 200 meters, but this isn’t typical of the brand. Then again, some of their watches, such as their pocket watches, aren’t models that you’d think to take near water, anyway, so that particular issue may be moot.
These watches feature both quartz electronic movements and mechanical movements, and as far as we know, Avalon watches movements are all sourced from Japan, likely from Miyota. The quartz models are at the lower end of their product line, price-wise, while the mechanical models are somewhat more expensive. The mechanical movements are used in some of the company’s pocket watches as well as their skeleton model wristwatches.
Click here to shop for Avalon watches at Amazon.
There’s no real mechanical innovation to be found with this brand, aside from the fact that they seem to be fond of skeleton models, which show you the working movement of the watch. Given that the company’s watches are relatively inexpensive timepieces, you’re not going to find mechanical complications such as time zones, moon phases, or even chronographs.
Styling and features are all over the map. They have a few ladies models that look rather like bracelets, complete with faux cameo decorations. There aren’t any models with gold or precious jewels, but they make a number of models that would look good as a fashion accessory for an evening out.
Men’s models include a sporty, time-only model that one reviewer said reminded him of Rolex in appearance. All models seem to be time-only, and most of them are rather austere and basic in appearance. Unlike many discount brands, Avalon watches don’t seem to include any chronographs in their product line.
What stands out among the Avalon watches product line is their series of pocket watches, most of which are of the “skeleton” variety, which allows the owner to see the workings of the movement via a window on the face of the watch.
These pieces come in both silver and gold-colored steel cases and have mechanical movements, of course. The company does make at least one pocket watch that includes a quartz movement, though it lacks the window in the face, as there’s nothing to see.
Care and maintenance is straightforward – keep them away from extremes of heat and temperature. Both of these can damage the movement and prevent them from keeping accurate time. For the quartz models, you’ll have to replace the battery every 3-5 years. Store them in a cool, dry place. Mechanical watches usually need occasional maintenance, but that often applies only to high end models. As Avalon watches are modestly priced, you’ll likely just want to replace them when they wear out, rather than pay the cost of having them repaired.
With proper care, you’ll find that your watch should last a few years with minimal trouble.
The warranty offered is the industry standard. Your watch is warranted for two years from the date of purchase against defects in materials and craftsmanship. As these watches are well-tested at the factory and use reliable movements, defects are likely quite rare.
As designer watches go, you’ll find that the prices are quite reasonable. Most models are priced in the $15-$150 range, with the lower priced models being basic quartz-powered units. The higher priced ones are the pocket watches with mechanical movements and skeleton windows.
At these prices, they are priced so that pretty much anyone can afford one.
You can find this brand at a number of online retailers, including Amazon. You likely won’t find them for sale in most brick and mortar stores, and you certainly aren’t going to find them in specialty watch shops or jewelry stores. Buying online is your best bet, as you’ll find the greatest selection and you’ll probably find the most competitive pricing that way. That would give you your best opportunity to buy at a discount.
Avalon Watches Summary
If you’re a fan of precious gems or precious metals, or need extremes of performance or style, then this brand will likely not be your first choice when it comes to buying a timepiece. On the other hand, the company makes reliable watches using high-quality Japanese electronic and mechanical movements.
They offer some interesting pocket watches with skeleton windows so that you can see the works within. They offer some basic timepieces good for everyday wear, and they’re sold at basic, everyday prices. In fact, Avalon watches are priced so low that many buyers who like their designs may want to buy more than one.
If you’re looking for a good, reliable watch at an affordable price, Avalon watches may be a good choice for you.