This is a rugged basic watch, comfortable and reliable. I give this watch to my best friends and family as a no-reason gift and they love them. The one on my wrist is four years old, no battery change, no major scratches, and the band shows some stains but no fraying. It is not high fashion; it is high function.
12/9/17: I eventually gave this watch to a grandson after 10 years, no battery change and still working great. Yes showing ware, scratches etc.
I paid $19 in 2006, gifted another in 2011 for $21. The $44 cost now is obviously a representation of superior demand, design and function. Timex has succeeded to its level of marketing incompetence. NEXT.