Nautica Custom / Novelty Quartz Dive-Style Watch (NB Logo)
Tool Watch / Novelty Fashion Watch · Nautica (Fashion/Lifestyle brand produced under license by Timex Group), positioning the watch in the accessible fashion/affordable tier.
Period: Modern Novelty (2000s-present)
Type
Tool Watch / Novelty Fashion Watch
Brand
Nautica (Fashion/Lifestyle brand produced under license by Timex Group), positioning the watch in the accessible fashion/affordable tier.
Movement
Standard Japanese quartz movement (hours, minutes, sweep seconds), likely powered by a standard battery with low jewel count.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 44mm, thickness 13mm, lug-to-lug 50mm, lug width 22mm. Wears true to its large dimensions due to the thick bezel and prominent crown guards.
Description
This distinctive timepiece blends casual sport aesthetics with bold, unconventional novelty elements. Featuring a dark-coated case accented by gold-tone studs and a prominent skull motif on the bezel, it makes a striking visual statement. The asymmetrical dial layout combines Arabic and Roman numerals beneath a prominent 'NB' monogram logo, driven by a reliable quartz core for everyday convenience.
Key Features
Mixed Arabic and Roman numeral dial layout, skull bezel detail at 12 o'clock, distinctive 'NB' monogram logo, bold dark PVD coating with gold-tone accents, and a functional vented rubber strap.
Dial Description
Matte black dial featuring a mix of Arabic numerals (4, 5, 7, 8), Roman numerals (I, II, X, XI), and baton dash indices. Luminous sword-style hour and minute hands, with a thin red seconds hand featuring an arrow tip. Prominent 'NB' interlocking script logo printed in white beneath the 12 o'clock position.
Case Material
PVD or dark coated stainless steel with metallic stud accents and a gold-tone skull embellishment at the 12 o'clock bezel position.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass crystal with minimal to no anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed or non-traditional rotating dark bezel secured with metallic gold-tone studs/screws, featuring a small skull at 12 o'clock and minute/number markers at specific intervals.
Crown & Pushers
Large ribbed pull-out crown situated between prominent, integrated crown guards on the right side of the case.
Bracelet or Strap
Black vented rubber strap featuring rectangular cutouts for flexibility and breathability, fitted with a standard metal pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel press-fit or screw-down caseback, likely bearing basic brand and water-resistance engravings.
Movement Type
Standard Japanese quartz movement (hours, minutes, sweep seconds), likely powered by a standard battery with low jewel count.
Water Resistance
Rated generally for casual splash resistance or 30 to 50 meters (3-5 ATM), suitable for daily wear but not recommended for swimming or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Designed in the United States with manufacturing and assembly typically based in Asian facilities utilizing outsourced Japanese quartz movements.
Age Estimate
Likely produced in the 2010s based on the styling, typography, and contemporary fashion watch aesthetics.
Cultural Significance
Represents the accessible intersection of fashion merchandising and casual timepiece design, catering to younger demographics prioritizing bold visual identity over traditional watchmaking pedigree.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in fair to good pre-owned condition with minor signs of wear on the coated case finish and strap. The crystal is clear, and the hands and dial remain legible.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market value ranges from $30 to $100 depending on overall condition and whether original packaging is included.
Care & Maintenance
Standard quartz care requires battery replacement every 2 to 3 years. Avoid prolonged immersion in water given the custom or novelty nature of the piece and unknown gasket integrity. Clean the rubber strap with mild soap and warm water.
Similar Watches
Nautica lifestyle chronographs, Nixon Regulus, Diesel oversized fashion watches, Invicta novelty dive watches.
Interesting Facts
Many fashion brands utilize playful customization elements like skulls and mixed numerals to appeal to niche streetwear and alternative fashion markets outside of traditional horology.