# Tell me about your nickel-free watch **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 1, 2015, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949 "2015-03-01T20:34:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/1 "2015-03-01T20:34:59Z")
Sadly, my poor watch got smashed today. I was pushing a piece of furniture, and I must have pushed against my wrist somehow. The crystal already had a fairly large chip, which probably weakened it. There was an audible crunch. My grandmother bought me that watch. ☹ I’m going to look into getting it fixed, but I have a feeling it will cost almost as much as a new one. In related news, I am now in the market for a new timepiece. Unfortunately, I have a nickel allergy, which means that most stainless steel watches will give me a rash after a day or so. I’ve tried painting the inside with clear nail polish, but I find that it ends up feeling sticky and wears off quickly. I seem to recall that there are other Dopers with similar allergies, and I’m looking for recommendations for a new watch, or a brand to look into. My smashed watch is a Skagen. Since it’s a Danish brand that adheres to European standards for jewelry metals, their watches tend to not aggravate people with skin allergies. They have some very nice styles, but I’m hoping to find something a little less expensive, since I’m somewhat broke at the moment. I’d prefer something with a metal band, relatively simple, and not too much sparkle. Ready, set, go! ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/2 "2015-03-02T00:20:33Z")
**trapezoidal jellyfish** , I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Plastics. A stupid-cheap one that is plastic on the back, too. Just for the interim, until you are not somewhat broke. BTW, I hate you because I, a cheap watch junkie, am now on a quest for the best cheap, plastic watch. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/3 "2015-03-02T00:58:47Z")
Where does one find a watch that is completely plastic? Most of the ones I’ve seen have metal bits somewhere, like on the buckle or clasp, or on the back of the face. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/4 "2015-03-02T01:06:50Z")
You are looking too high on the food chain! Try a dollar store. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/5 "2015-03-02T01:20:33Z")
> **["nickel free" in Wristwatches for sale | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nickel%2Bfree%2Bwatch&_osacat=31387&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC3.A0.H0.X%22nickel%2Bfree%22.TRS1&_nkw=%22nickel%2Bfree%22&ghostText=&_sacat=31387)** ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/6 "2015-03-02T02:53:10Z")
Not really what you’re looking for, but I wear a Timex Expedition with a velcro clasp. The band covers the underside of the watch, so the only thing that touches my skin is the band itself. Maybe you can find something with a band like that, to expand your options. ---
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/7 "2015-03-02T13:09:34Z")
> [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](#): > > Not really what you’re looking for, but I wear a Timex Expedition with a velcro clasp. The band covers the underside of the watch, so the only thing that touches my skin is the band itself. > > Maybe you can find something with a band like that, to expand your options. Good option to know about, but I really would like something dressier. Thanks! > [@dropzone](#): > > ["Nickel Free" in Wristwatches for sale | eBay](http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nickel+free+watch&_osacat=31387&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC3.A0.H0.X%22nickel+free%22.TRS1&_nkw=%22nickel+free%22&ghostText=&_sacat=31387) None of these is really what I’m looking for, but thank you. For now, I’m going to take your other advice and check out the local dollar stores! ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/8 "2015-03-02T16:14:05Z")
Another option is titanium, which is hypollergenic AFAIK. My Bulova Marine Star has lasted me over 15 years now and I wear it daily to work. I’ve snapped the band pin jumping don from a fence, where it was left outside for almost a month and when I found it, had the pin replaced and it still works like a charm. I paid less than $200 for it on sale. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/9 "2015-03-02T16:19:49Z")
Try [here](http://www.worldofwatches.com/results.asp) as a start, look for one that is either ceramic or Ti case and band. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/10 "2015-03-02T16:32:47Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > BTW, I hate you because I, a cheap watch junkie, am now on a quest for the best cheap, plastic watch. 😃 [I own this bad boy](http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-men-s-plastic-strap-digital-watch-black-silver/-/A-14051810) and I love it. Only 20 bucks, plastic, water resistant, it has steel behind the face, but it doesn’t irritate me. I have a pretty bad nickel allergy too (fucking belts, man…), and other watches have caused rashes, and this one is fine by me. It looks slightly ridiculous when I wear it as the face of the watch is larger than my wrist, but I think you’re a dude, so it’ll probably fit you better. ---
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/11 "2015-03-02T17:21:55Z")
**MeanOldLady** , while I appreciate the recommendation, I think it would look equally ridiculous on me, seeing as how I’m not actually a dude! ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/12 "2015-03-02T17:36:56Z")
[I also owned this guy](http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Womens-T5K085-Sports-Digital/dp/B0013HRAXE/ref=pd_sbs_watch_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0MDEJ5DF90MQNPEG2YTE) until the strap buckle broke. Still works fine, but it got annoying having the strap flopping around. I’m in general a fan of sports watches, though, so if they’re not dressy enough for your tastes, you’re free to ignore my recommendations. I like not having to change my watch to work out. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Joker\_and\_the\_Thief](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e79b87/32.png) [@The\_Joker\_and\_the\_Thief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Joker_and_the_Thief)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/13 "2015-03-02T17:52:55Z")
I hate to be a downer, but Skagen watches are produced in China using primarily Japanese (and some Swiss) movements. The company is American and is headquartered in Nevada. Their “European heritage” is basically a fraud and their watches are not substantially higher quality than any other watch brand. I would recommend a ceramic watch for your purposes. The prices have come down enormously in recent years and will have absolutely no nickel. Ceramic is also very shiny and resistant to scratches, making it very much like jewelry. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/14 "2015-03-02T17:53:14Z")
Now I’m looking at watches even though I don’t need one. Cannot vouch personally for any of these watches or say whether the metal on the face will irritate or not, but they look nice, don’t have metal bands (heh, metal bands), and don’t cost much. [Silicone watch, but kind of flashy](http://www.target.com/p/women-s-xhilaration-rose-gold-colored-case-with-rhinestones-watch-navy/-/A-14460399#prodSlot=medium_1_7&term=women%27s+watch). [Plastic watch, cute, less flashy](http://www.target.com/p/women-s-xhilaration-round-bracelet-watch-mint/-/A-14051741?lnk=Rec%7Cpdp%7Cviewed_bought%7Cpdph1). [Also cute, nylon strap](http://www.target.com/p/women-s-xhilaration-nylon-strap-analog-watch-mint-green/-/A-14977029?lnk=Rec%7Cpdp%7Cviewed_viewed%7Cpdpv1). [Cloth straps. Pretty unique looking. I like](http://www.target.com/p/women-s-xhilaration-string-and-charms-watch-brown/-/A-14422662#prodSlot=medium_2_6&term=women%27s+watch). [Resin/plastic, basic black watch. Pretty sharp looking for 20 bucks](http://www.target.com/p/women-s-casio-analog-watch-black/-/A-15027704#prodSlot=medium_2_1&term=women%27s+watch). ---
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/15 "2015-03-02T18:09:57Z")
> [@The\_Joker\_and\_the\_Thief](#): > > I hate to be a downer, but Skagen watches are produced in China using primarily Japanese (and some Swiss) movements. The company is American and is headquartered in Nevada. Their “European heritage” is basically a fraud and their watches are not substantially higher quality than any other watch brand. > > I would recommend a ceramic watch for your purposes. The prices have come down enormously in recent years and will have absolutely no nickel. Ceramic is also very shiny and resistant to scratches, making it very much like jewelry. I don’t care who owns the company or where they’re produced, the one I had for the last four years did not irritate my skin. That would be my main reason for buying another Skagen. I also like a lot of their styles. To be honest, I’m rather picky. I’ve seen some ceramic watches, but they seem to be on the thick and clunky side, which I don’t especially like. I’ll keep looking, though, and I do appreciate the tip. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/16 "2015-03-02T19:05:18Z")
> [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](#): > > I don’t care who owns the company or where they’re produced, the one I had for the last four years did not irritate my skin. That would be my main reason for buying another Skagen. I also like a lot of their styles. To be honest, I’m rather picky. I’ve seen some ceramic watches, but they seem to be on the thick and clunky side, which I don’t especially like. I’ll keep looking, though, and I do appreciate the tip. Probably out of your price range for right now, but Skagen makes a great mini ceramic watch that is really nice. I own it in both the [white](http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Skagen-Womens-White-Ceramic-Crystal-Watch/6353711/product.html) and the black versions. Be aware that the caseback is metal rather than ceramic, but if other Skagen’s don’t bother you, this one might work as well. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/17 "2015-03-03T00:41:12Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Now I’m looking at watches even though I don’t need one. You too, eh? I almost bid on a lot with a Spiro Agnew watch, along with other assorted junk. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-nickel-free-watch/713949/18 "2015-03-03T01:52:37Z")
Swatch. Still cool.