While Tiffany (the wifey) was getting her ring cleaned, I took a quick look at some Dakota watches at the Dakota Watch kiosk.
All of the watches are quartz (with 3 exceptions) but the quality seems pretty decent for the money. I tried on this one:
It’s more a less a tactical watch. It has black ion plating over stainless steel. It has a pleasing matte finish and a surprisingly decent rotating bezel. The tachymeter on the chapter ring is a little pointless, but it does not hurt the look of the watch. Classic Mercedes hands actually work on the smaller face. It comes on a nylon band and the whole package was $49.95 – 30%, so about $35. The quality seems quite a bit better than a comparable Timex or Armitron in the same price range. I was not able to test the lume, which is very important in a ‘tactical’ style watch. It would make a great beater watch.
I also took a look at a submariner clone, but I have not found it on Dakota’s web site. It did not have a rotating bezel, which was a big disappointment coming from the nice tactical watch above. They also sold 3 different mechanical pocket watches, all of which were less than $50, after discount. They also have an amazing amount of clip watches. I don’t care for them, but some people just don’t like having a watch on their wrist for personal or allergenic reasons. So, if you at a mall, check out Dakota. They claim to use Miyota movements, so quality should be decent. However, if anyone out there has a Dakota, let me know how they stand up to the rigors of daily use.
by 
I have the Ion in black as well. have had it about 3 yrs. first one broke down and they replaced for free. I originally had the white face but switched for the black on black and I love it. batteries don’t seem to last very long and the velcro band I wear out about once a year. other than that I like it.