Review: Armitron Wave 40mm – Meet the $95 Watch Cleaning Up the Ocean
Plastic, fantastic, and good for the ocean
The Armitron Wave isn’t just a throwback—it’s a smart nod to classic 1970s sport watch design, with a sustainability angle that fits today’s market. This new release in Blue/Black (also available in Pink/Blue) updates the original 2023 Wave collection with new colorways and continues Armitron’s commitment to recycled materials and affordable style.
Design and Build
The Wave’s 40mm case is made from #tide ocean-bound plastic, giving it a lightweight feel without looking cheap. Its round shape and prominent pushers hint at vintage dive watches from the early quartz era. The textured silicone strap adds some grip and comfort, and the matching blue dial and accents tie everything together. The look is casual but purposeful—this isn’t pretending to be a mechanical dive watch, but it holds its own on the wrist.
Functionality
This is a day-date quartz watch with easy-to-use side pushers for setting the functions. The crown is standard (not screw-down), but the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. It’s safe for washing hands or brief swims, but not for diving. The dial layout is simple and legible, with white hour markers, luminous hands, and a clear day/date window at 3 o’clock. Note: this is not a chronograph — the side pushers control the date, which is a feature that could get frustrating for folks looking for something a little smarter. That said, it’s a cool feature for folks looking for day date functionality in a $95 watch.
Sustainability
The highlight of the Wave is its materials. Armitron partnered with #tide Ocean Material SA to produce the case from recycled ocean-bound plastic, part of an effort to reduce marine waste. The brand also supports the Wildlife Conservation Society and has donated $30,000 to their global conservation programs. It’s not greenwashing—the product’s materials and partnerships are spelled out clearly, and this watch feels like more than just a style exercise.
Price and Availability
The Wave retails for $95 and is available exclusively on Armitron.com. At that price, it’s an easy pick for someone who wants an everyday quartz watch with a clean look and an environmental backstory.
Final Thoughts
Armitron’s Wave isn’t trying to compete with luxury dive watches or boutique quartz pieces. It’s affordable, thoughtful, and well-executed. If you want a lightweight, stylish watch that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, and supports ocean cleanup efforts, the Wave delivers.