This watch is an example of one of the wonders of modern life we take for granted. A working watch that costs less than a meal at a casual dining restaurant.

The timepiece is a functional, electric watch. It comes with a spare battery and it comes in a storage box. Bonus.

The casing is great for the steampunk cosplayer, with the filigree-work on the cover and the evocative face.

I dropped a star because the distance between the lid and the "crystal" (plastic, of course) is quite large and the metal of the lid quite thin. Put this in a pocket with anything else and you'll likely end up with a crushed lid the first time you sit down.

Even so, I recommend the watch to anyone needing an evocative prop that works.

[EDIT] I've worn the watch a number of times now and it always draws positive comments when people see it.[/EDIT]

[EDIT 01/21/2013] The battery went dead sometime around Christmas and I needed to change it out. Here's how to do it without dinging up the case: At the 6 o'clock position on the case back you will find a small slot along the rim, right next to the hinge for the cover. Insert a small flat-bladed screwdriver into this and gently twist to unclip the back. Carefully pull out the nylon cage, noting which way round it goes back, and gently dislodge the battery which will be on the right side of the mechanism. When replacing the battery, the "dot" side goes down, the flat side goes up and be careful not to touch both at the same time. Replace the cage, and making sure the slot is at the bottom, clip the back onto the watch.[/EDIT]

[EDIT 6/6/13] The watch I own does not have the large ESS logo on the face. It would seem there have been some changes made to the design since I wrote this review.[/EDIT]

Resources:

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Maxell-SR626SW-377-Silver-Oxide-Watch-Battery-5-Pack/dp/B002S49V24/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Maxell SR626SW 377 Silver Oxide Watch Battery 5 Pack</a>&nbsp;- Replacement batteries for the watch