Croton Reliance

Sometimes, all you need is a simple, no-frills, under-the-radar everyday watch. No complications, no precious metals, no colorful dial, nada — just something you can comfortably strap on in the morning and wear to the office, around town, out to dinner, and back home again. (Not to mention on an adventure or two.) This vintage Reliance from Croton — the American distributor for Swiss-made Nivada-Grenchen watches — is one such piece. Measuring 34 mm in stainless steel, it features a smooth bezel, an acrylic crystal, an unsigned crown, and a screw-down case back. Its patinated silver dial is the picture of simplicity: With an outer minute track, luminous hour plots, stylized 'Arabic' indices, and a gold-tone 'alpha' handset, it has everything you need and nothing you don't. Powered by a Calibre UC 227 hand-wound movement and paired to one of our black alligator leather straps, it's perfect for someone who appreciates simple, straightforward industrial design — not to mention affordability.