A $15 watch? I know what you’re thinking. Why would anyone bother placing a timepiece this cheap on the market? Who on earth can cram the production costs, the material expenses, the distribution, packaging, marketing, and so forth in $15? Well, you guessed it right – Chinese manufacturers can. Oulm can.
I see your brows are raised. Indeed, it’s not the most reputable watch brand, not by a long shot, but I think they’re worthy of our attention. Let’s have a look at their creations.
Specialists Since 1996
In 1996, a Hong Kong entrepreneur Mr Ou went ahead and founded Oulm, using a unique combination of words as the company’s first slogan – Dream Fly. Perhaps not the craftiest of phrases, sure, but the company specialized in a whole different area – production of incredibly cheap watches. And they’ve been doing it pretty well, in fact.
To date, Oulm claims to have exported their watches to over a hundred countries, where their unique vision of style and functionality was accepted wholeheartedly. I have a feeling something else attracted Oulm’s clientele to their production line. The price.
I mean we’re talking cost of a finer cocktail somewhere by the beach. Oulm lists some watches as low as $10! Overlooking the price, you’ll recognize Oulm watches by their large dials, low-quality leather straps, and ostentatious design. Seriously, though, some of the models look as if they’ve come out of outer space. But hey, tastes differ, and there’s a fine line between flashy and attractive.
Design and Features
It should be noted that there are models Oulm lists which really aren’t that ‘wild’. Provided you search for long enough, you should be able to find more acceptable watches, too. Most of the pieces will feature additional functions, which is rather nice. For example, Oulm 1140 has a thermometer and a compass tucked in the casing. Don’t expect top of the line accuracy when it comes to these, though.
Still, looking past the grotesque design some of these watches bluster, I can see why someone would go for it and make the purchase. First, it’s not like it’s going to deliver a heavy blow to your wallet. Secondly, if you have no issues with the design, you could actually end up with a watch you’ll enjoy wearing.
Moreover, the quartz movements which drive these pieces should provide decent reliability for at least several months, more than enough time for you to get bored with the watch. And the extra features, such as dual time zones, compass, thermometer, albeit prone to defects, will work as a great conversation starter and could even prove useful.
Final Thoughts
Make no mistake, for $15, Oulm will not be selling you a toy. If you browse through their Amazon listings, you will notice the watches rarely receive under three stars from their owners.
It seems as if the brand is picking up momentum, with a solid fanbase growing and discussions on forums sparking up every day. Low-priced watches coming at a price of a pasta skimmer are not a rarity on the market. Those which actually do their job and are worth your money, on the other hand, are.
Hi Matt
Thanks for the review. I too love watches and like different time pieces. I do look for quality movement and materials
I have about 8 watches so far and hate that the phone is taking the place of a good looking watch.
If you know some cost affective suppliers let me know. I don’t go gaudy but unique looking well
Made with a good movement
I’m a designer watch fan that has many watches and have some expensive ones that don’t work as well or even look as interesting as some of the big name brands. I have two or three popular name brands that regularly have to go to the shop while my oulm hasn’t failed me not once yet and it has been a real ice breaker at times, most people think I paid an arm and a leg for most of the ones in my collection so keep up the good work I’m very happy with mine.
I have approximately six Oulm watches that I have purchase because they are unique in design. Perhaps some may say outrageous. Well, I suppose that is indicative of my persona and it works well for me. However, is not many designs of MB&F design, manufacturers unique and perhaps outrageous? Without faulting anyone, “if” I could afford an MB&F (perhaps the mh-6 or mh-9) I would most likely donate the money to a childrens hospital (I love children) and continue wearing my unusually cheap and unusually designed Oulm watch(s) and when it expires I may replace it.
I bought one recently. Gold with black background looks a million dollars, wide straps. Bought online $54.00. Looks Rich.
I need a replacement watch strap for my Oulm HP 1349 Watch;
Brown leather;
The seller doesn’t sell them. And I was told to wait until they post it on there website.
In the meantime I have a broken strap.
Tried to call CS Oulm and the phone number that I was given is not valid.
Can anyone tell me who sells replacement straps for this watch.
I live in Sparks, NV. 89431.
As a novelty watch collector I’ve had my Oulm 9525 3 time zone watch for about a year now and it still keeps perfect time. I’ll admit it is somewhat large and gaudy or spacey looking, but it’s good for travel when I need it and I don’t have to worry much about losing it or someone stealing it. It is a great conversation starter, materials seem to be pretty good quality, mine still looks brand new and to me a quartz watch is a quartz watch, not much to them and likely the same motor used in more expensive brands.