Poedagar 682 Review – $15 Captain Willard Homage with Rotating Bezel Surprising Lume

If there’s one brand that’s quietly redefining what ultra-budget watches can offer, it’s Poedagar. Known for chasing the look of higher-end designs while keeping prices below twenty dollars, they’ve built a niche empire on pure value.
The Poedagar 682 might be their most ambitious effort yet — a Seiko Captain Willard–inspired diver that actually includes a functional rotating bezel, day-date complication, and lume that rivals watches triple its price. At just $15 before tax, expectations should be low… but this watch repeatedly surpasses them.

Design & Case

The Poedagar 682 measures 44 mm in diameter, 13.5 mm thick, and an impressively compact 48 mm lug-to-lug, thanks to inverted end links that drop straight down from the case. Despite its width, it hugs the wrist comfortably and wears far smaller than its specs suggest — even on a 6.5-inch wrist. For a similar diameter watch, see the Poedagar 690 review.

The case and bezel are made of alloy, not stainless steel, which is the first and most important compromise. However, the finishing is shockingly well executed for the price: the polished flanks flow into bold, muscular lugs with crisp definition and clean geometry. Alloy cases at this price usually look soft and undefined — not this one. The curves are smooth, the transitions are distinct, and the silhouette carries real wrist presence.

From the side, the design stacks visually — snap-on caseback below, a tall coin-edge bezel above, forming a layered structure that looks more premium than expected. The push-pull crown at 3 o’clock is signed, features the Poedagar crest, and measures 6.4 mm in diameter. It’s well-proportioned, easy to operate, and sits neatly between its crown guards with minimal visual gap — an impressive detail at this tier.

Bezel

Here’s where the 682 genuinely surprises. Unlike many sub-$20 watches that use fixed “decorative” bezels, this one’s 60-click unidirectional bezel actually works — and well.
The deeply cut coin edge provides excellent grip, and while the 60-click system offers wider movement between notches (compared to a 120-click setup), the action itself is solid and mechanical. Each click has a satisfying spring-loaded snap, with resistance leaning slightly on the tight side — exactly how a diver-style bezel should feel.

There’s minimal float, no discernible back-play, and tactile feedback that’s genuinely satisfying. The bezel insert isn’t ceramic despite what listings may claim — it’s printed, likely directly on alloy — but the crisp markings and clean alignment make it visually convincing. For $15, this is a standout achievement.

Bracelet & Clasp

Despite the alloy case, the bracelet is stainless steel — a genuine surprise at this price. It uses a seven-link design, with brushed outer links and five polished inner links, producing a layered, upscale look uncommon in the under-$50 range.

Yes, the links are hollow, and there’s noticeable stretch, but articulation is smooth, and the overall comfort is high. The inverted end links allow the bracelet to drop immediately from the case, eliminating overhang and ensuring a neat fit.

Finishing details continue to impress: the butterfly clasp is signed with the Poedagar logo, symmetrical, and cleanly executed. It adds both balance and refinement, proving that even ultra-budget watches can pay attention to design coherence.

Crystal & Dial

Covering the dial is a slightly domed Hardlex crystal — not acrylic, not mineral, but a proper hardened glass that provides excellent clarity and subtle distortion at the edges. The gentle curvature enhances light play and gives the watch visual depth beyond its cost.

Beneath it lies a sunburst navy-blue dial that radiates richness. It catches light beautifully, shifting from deep indigo to ocean blue under changing angles. Around the edge sits a contrasting printed minute track, while elongated chrome-framed baton indices mark the hours. The cardinal indices at 6, 9, and 12 are slightly wider, balancing the white day-date window at 3 o’clock.

The sword-style hour and minute hands are paired with a chrome seconds hand tipped in red, featuring a triangular lume pip — sporty, precise, and well-chosen. Branding is minimal: Poedagar logo and crest under 12, and the word Quartz above 6. The result is a clean, legible, and surprisingly elegant dial layout.

Lume

The lume application is impressive for this price range. While it’s not Super-LumiNova, the brightness and usability rival entry-level Pagani Design watches that cost triple. It glows evenly, charges quickly, and although it fades within a few hours, it’s far beyond typical budget standards. Poedagar clearly invested in visibility here, and it pays off.

Caseback & Water Resistance

The snap-on caseback is simple but effective, printed with brand and spec details around the edge. It helps keep cost low, though water resistance is not specified and should be considered minimal (splash resistant, not for swimming). Still, the construction feels solid for a $15 watch.

Summary

The Poedagar 682 is the definition of “punching above its price.” For less than the cost of a takeout meal, you get a rotating functional bezel, stainless steel bracelet, signed crown and clasp, sunburst dial, and usable lume — wrapped in a design inspired by one of Seiko’s most iconic divers.
It’s not stainless steel, it’s not automatic, and it’s not waterproof — but it doesn’t need to be. The value lies in its execution, and Poedagar once again proves that design, detail, and delight don’t have to cost a fortune.

Specifications Table