Skmei 1894

Hello Hello and welcome back to another Cheap Heat review - this time I’ve got the Skmei 1894 up for discussion. What initially attracted me to this model was the large clear LCD display, the uncluttered placement of time, date, and day of the week, lugs that looked like they would accommodate a single pass strap nicely, and of course, its price of $5.08. The Skmei 1894 is available in five different colors, in both positive and negative LCD displays. I opted for a black and green case with a positive LCD and matching green rubber strap. I either choose full army olive drab or 80’s/90’s retro pop colors when I pick out these watches, there is no middle ground. 

When it comes to reviewing these Cheap Heat watches, I am finding that I often have been taking features for granted and don't realise how important they are until they aren’t there. Some things I have previously taken for granted are countdown timers, evenly illuminated backlights, and second time zone functions. With the Skmei 1894, the beeps threw me off. It is standard for digital watches to beep as you cycle through the modes, culminating with a loud BEEP once you return to the main screen. The Skmei 1894 doesn't do this - just even toned beeps as you cycle through modes with no change in volume or tone; I didn’t realize how useful this feature was until it was time to review a watch that doesn't have it.

The case is made of hard ABS plastic with a stainless steel caseback. The watch measures 40mm across with a lug to lug of 48mm and a height of 11mm. The caseback advertises a 5ATM water resistance. The lugs are 22mm wide and the strap is a soft rubber, honestly one of the better straps I’ve worn at this price point. The buttons of the watch are wide and easy to toggle, and made of the same color plastic as the case. The case is a square with rounded edges, about as simple a design as one could conceive. It lacks the retro/futuristic vibe of the Skmei 2320 and is just… plain, as no frills as possible. It wears lightly on the wrist and is comfortable on the stock strap. 

Functions are labeled on the dial, grey text against green, but more legible then some other watches I have reviewed. The 1894 features a stopwatch, countdown timer, 2nd time zone, backlight, and alarm - standard for Skmei watches. One interesting quirk to this watch, however, is that the 2nd time zone is toggled from the main time screen by activating the top right button - a feature that makes it quicker to check and set the 2nd time zone. 

The LCD screen on the Skmei 1894 is large with crisp numbers and letters. The time takes up the majority of the screen space in the middle, with day of the week and date being located above. There is absolutely no clutter, no extra doodads or flashing bits - just the information you need and nothing else. I can appreciate this watch’s dedication to its intended task - telling the time. It makes no attempt at looking cool or anything other than displaying the relevant information in a clear, legible, format.

So what’s the verdict? I think the Skmei 1894 looks sort of cool, in a completely dorky way. The combination of the nice backlight, legibility, light weight and comfortable strap make it a good watch for wearing overnight. The quick access to the 2nd time zone is also an interesting feature, possibly making it useful as a travel watch as well. Other than the odd lack of a beep sequence and the overall simplicity of the case design, I have no real complaints. I like it enough to keep it from the sin bin (still not sure what that entails).