People have become totally desensitised to insanely high prices - eg £1k for an iPhone pro…£800 for an Apple Watch Ultra 2 - when borrowing is as easy as clicking a button. £5k for an IWC MkXX (don’t start me on the Ingenieur), the new TAG Heuer dato chrono is £6k, even a Speedy Pro is £6.5k now. Crazy.
Many people today have more money than they deserve. And despite that, they don't know what to do with it. That's why we have so many luxury products today, and everyone wants to join that market segment, including traditionally cheap brands (like Timex and Casio). Also, people today are even more into perceived luxury, which is a paradox, since it's the 21st century and humans should be much smarter, more modest and think in a more practical ways... Just one more indicator that humanity is actually getting dumber.
@@Unlucky1776 yes, this is my unpopular opinion. Movement is great, finishing is superb, but really boring printed dials with lifeless basic design. Not minimalist basic, but basic basic. (Not all of them of course there are some stunning iWC pieces ofc.)
When I look at my iphone for the time I get stressed out by a million messages and updates. When I look at my Q Timex reissue it makes me smile every time.
This is a brilliant think piece. I have an EasyReader and a beautiful Marlin Automatic 40mm in blue. Both are wonderful watches. Timex is in a renaissance now.
Timex does not release any financials as they are a privately held company. However it's estimated they sell 10 million units a year word wide. Mostly under $100 USD retail. That number likely has them among the words top seller with Seiko.
@@bikeman123 that only shows you how much $ they made. The number of units isn't disclosed neither is their, margin nothing just how much they earned and the tax they paid.
When I was a kid they had Timexes in a glass case at the grocery store and I just knew they were the best. I bought an indiglo the other day and I love it.
My Timex Marlin reissue has remained my absolute favourite of my collection since I got it in 2020 (there’s been many additions) Watches have had a similar trajectory to vinyl. The market has moved more towards the passionate niche than a necessity. By leaning on their heritage and appealing more to the enthusiasts than the fashion brand style they had in the 2010s, I feel like Timex has made a great comeback. Really hoping for some more vintage style reissues or reimaginings and a restock of their mk1 range. Timex are killing it in the 2020s
I fully agree. Beside the Timex Marlin I've got other high price luxury watches - the Marlin still remains one of my favorite watch: Keeps accurate time, solid quality and a vintage look (box glass, domed dial).
Timex has been killing it. I had a field titanium north and was super impressed. I ended up selling it because I didn’t wear it enough but it’s definitely worth the money compared to hamiltons that have a quarter of the water resistance and no screw down crown. Also, the James brand and huckberry limited edition are awesome!
But what i never get is if you think the watch is amazing, why did you not wear it enough? I see those comments al the time under watch video's. 'yeah i liked the watch so much, amazing' etc. But then they decided not to wear it.. and sell it. i dont get that?
@@navboi12 the 38mm doesn’t have a screw down crown. That’s one of the major things people bring up but either way it’s way more expensive and is still less water resistant. The titanium expedition has 200m.
@@userbrytje008 I think is amazing for the money but I have an overloaded collection and I’d pick my pelagos over the Timex when I wanted to wear a darker metal black dial watch.
I live in New York City and recently at a Kid’s birthday party had a conversation with a parent who used to work for Timex. As a watch enthusiast, I was ecstatic and excited to chat watches. However, it was soon revealed that they had been recently laid off as Timex was undergoing a massive round of layoffs and basically, as a company, has been foundering lately. Seems the company is caught in a weird middle ground where watch enthusiasts seem to love their pieces generally, but the layman thinks them cheap. So rather than lean into the enthusiast niche, it seems Timex is instead cutting all costs and outsourcing their movements and labor, in effect reducing their bottom line and becoming less and less a quality watch and more and more an item that can increase margins by being cheap to make. It was not a fun conversation to have had, as a fan of Timex generally. I really hope that the company can turn it around and capitalize on the enthusiasts that dig them and find them generally unimpeachable and get back to being a great American watch company.
That is sad to hear. I think you're right that Timex should charge a bit more for better watches and go for the enthusiast market. Besides enthusiasts, who's buying wrist watches these days, anyway?
I'd love more brand analysis videos like this- the research doesn't go unappreciated! These watches are frankly objectively a little overpriced for specs in my opinion, but Timex really has been killing the design game lately.
Ben I'd love to see a video reviewing Swiss Military Hanowa. Some of them are expensive but many are more accessible and a good fit for your channel. I'm quite impressed with mine.
The retro watch violates one huge pet peeve of mine. The second hand does not hit the markers. If you have a second hand, and second markers, it is not asking a lot for them to align.
You are guaranteed to have good alignment only in high end japanese watches, like Casio Oceanus or Grand Seiko. Also, quite often people get lucky with affordable Casio and Citizen pieces. But everything else is a complete lottery (including swiss), especially with those dirt cheap movements Timex uses. So maybe it's asking a lot after all.
It’s near impossible due to most quartz movements being plastic, including the wheels (gears). Which are not machined perfectly like in a more expensive watch. Looking at vintage Seiko quartz watches, that were still made of steel and brass, the movements are better, accurate and servicable.
Great video content, these both watches are beautiful 38mm is perfect for my small wrist as well. I love how Timex is heading with all the reissues yet adding some newer fresh designs in their models. Its a little dear with the newer model but the trade off is your getting better movement, build quality. More choices is good for buyers like me / us.
Don’t understand why Timex supplied a pass through strap to block out the display case back BY DESIGN. Either ship it with a two piece strap or with a solid caseback.
Cut crystals used to be a common sight in the 70s seiko and citizen catalogues. Ladies, low end, high end, quartz and automatic all often had a cut crystal variant. It’s really sic to see this come back.
I’d’ve bought almost all of their reissues by now if they weren’t all 200$+ I just picked up a 34mm Marlin California dial reissue for 79$ brand new on eBay and that’s about as high as I was comfortable going
Grey market, while making savings, comes with a price, adding on not having brand's warranty, the watch can have QC issues, I bought a bulova lunar pilot, the glaring issue was the tachymeter being misaligned, then again I payed half the price. My point is how far are you willing to make a compromise on favor of savings.
I was skeptical about Timex for ages but a couple of years ago had to grab a Weekender Bold that reminded me of the Raketa Big Zero. It was probably my most-worn watch in 2023. If they ever make it in a steel case and/or with a better crystal, I'd snap it up immediately, but it's still a lot of fun for a cheap price.
Enjoyed your view of the Timex lineup . I’ve been looking at them much differently lately , perhaps I will add one to my modest collection . Great work !
I don't believe people who say that. I have a wide variety of watches, some really distinctive, but no one has ever commented on my watch. No one cares.
02:50 Seiko is the wrong adres. Timex (and Seiko) copied this shape from the Rado Diastar from 1962 which was the first scratch resistant watch and had therefore an angular diamant shaped crystal. Rado brought a reissue with the Rado Diastar Original one year ago.
I hate the thought of scratching one of these halfway through a wear and having to see that or take it off until I get home to buff it out… that said, these designs are beautiful IMO
I'm looking to buy both of these. I absolutely love the Marlin, the dial is beautiful. Love the way it curves up and has the indices set into it. I agree about the 24 dial though, and having a date there instead. Another great video Ben 😊
Casio, Timex and Seiko are still the kings of budget watches but Timex opened that door. The iconic Marlin was made and marketed as a durable and practical EDW watch. It's due to Timex that watches were sold in grocery stores. The 1954 Marlin sold for 11.54 USD, about 134 USD today. Between dressy versions to ubiquitous Ironman Triathlon, they are killing it.
Couple of interesting pieces there Ben - thanks for reviewing them. I absolutely refuse to buy any watch that has the vile Miyota 8xxxx series movement in it so it would be the quartz for me 👍
It all depends if you get a good Miyota? I have a hackable 8215 or 8315 in my Marlin and it is smooth sweeping with no stutter. Doesn’t gain or lose much at all. It makes that fidget spinner noise and rattle occasionally and I can feel it on my wrist but I love that element because it feels like clockwork and a living thing. Of course it depends on what kind of movement you like and what you want to live with. I’ve found the miyota v good so far. I hope to try an Orient in the future too for comparison.
I used own one that looked like the Degrade but it was cream in the middle and brown loved the look of it. Best thing about Timex was the vast models they had and some unique looking ones at that.
I think Timex has been successful because their designs since the 2017 Marlin have been excellent. They design better looking watches than most "luxury" brands.
I do not know if it previous to Timex but you have a Enicar model that has the same glass concept known has diamond dial and it is a mecanical watch hand winding 4:32
Watch are the ultimate Men's accesories！Enjoyed watching your collection. Keep going！As a watch enthusiast and watch reviewer, I can say MAMACOO this was a great choice. Enjoyed your video!
I found a chap on ebay who services timex watches, so i bought a lovely old watch and sent it off to him. My daily driver is an easy reader and I absolutely love it. This ridiculous pricing will end when people can't afford or refuse to pay for things. I'd like to see Rolex making some of their basic, functional watches again, say in the £2k range. I don't need 14 diamonds and half a bar of gold on my wrist. I want a well made, precision timepiece that I can rely on and be proud of
Timex digitals are my favorite Command urban T300 Command boost shock Also love my Timex Temp Tide Compass If I were to get another one it would be that Enicar esque 40mm Marlin with the 12 3 6 9 sitting in the little rectangles; but I’ll pay $150, not $250.
I have a gold Orient TriStar with a green dial and a faceted crystal just like this one. Not sure the exact movement, probably an in-house Orient automatic caliber, but I literally paid $69 for it 10 years ago. It's definitely my favorite watch I own, and the one that receives the most compliments. Kinda hard to stomach the price on the Degrade when there's just so much competition in the sub $300 price point. It's also a Quartz....nothing against Quartz, I have several, but Timex is way overcharging.
I love Timex watches. I love their new retro or reissue line. My biggest gripe is and has been for the longest time is their water resistance is little to be desired. I honestly don’t understand why they haven’t gotten their water resistance rating higher. To be honest I have bought other watches that were in the same price category over Timex over their water resistance not being great. If they can put at least 100m of water on a majority of their watches. I would buy more Timex watches.
I never got the whole, “why do you need a watch you have a phone in your pocket?” I spend enough time looking for my phone, glancing at my wrist still seems easier even in 2024.
Timex has a retro T80 digital bracelet watch now! Ben, I think it’s worth a look and comparing it to the Casio A700! For starters, the shape is the same but it has the four buttons that you had mentioned wishing the Casio A700 would have. I think a comparison video between the T80 and A700 or A168 would make a great video!
One of my favourite watches I own is a Snoopy ‘beagle scout’ Marlin. Runs nice, lovely acrylic dome and a really subtle green sunburst dial. I think they are well worth their price in a world where everything is so expensive nowadays. Granted, a few of their watches are quite overpriced. I wear the Marlin or my Vintage Omega most days, both of them came to under £600.
Such a shame, not a fan of limited edition items in general, and they're not good for us either, as viewers like yourself find our videos later and can't ever get the watch at a decent price. Might be worth subscribing to our In The Loupe channel, where we tend to cover watches slightly earlier
Interesting timepieces. Never really considered Timex's recent resurgence and your views on what they are concentrating on; unique, interesting designs and not specs, makes a whole load of sense. As they are still relatively budget when you compare them with the other major players in the watch industry, they don't really need to worry about the homage brigade occupying the same price points and stealing any of their thunder.
I purchased the Marlin Jet, but was very disappointed. As you say, the strap is very poor quality and I found it irritated my wrist. Hard to find a good replacement at 19mm. I also found the crystal felt very cheap. I returned mine. The design is very nice though.
Honestly the Degrade reminds me of a Seiko Vanac. I love the crystal and the funky dial. It maybe over priced but all mechanical/quartz watchmaking is. I think Timex raised their prices and rereleased their catalogues best pieces with better materials. It’s a good strategy. Using nostalgia to launch a watch renaissance or resurgence for the brand.
Your Oceanus video led me to get a T200, just wondering if you could do a video on high accuracy quartz? It's the nerdiest bit of horology, and therefore, the best! If there's not many options , also include radio/atomic sync? A £50 cheap brand Amazon radio talking watch would lose fewer seconds per year than any Rolex chronograph per day. I think that's so cool.
I love that Timex finally made a legit spec dive watch, I’ve wanted to wear a Timex other than my expedition chronograph for a while and I love divers so these guys are about to get my money.
Timex consistently produces some great dial designs but I find it odd that many of their most desirable models are always out of stock. Thanks for reviewing these new models, I haven't seen them reviewed anywhere else yet.
I got the Marlin Jet. I love it. I love the continuing theme of the double line repeated on the crown and case back. I love how the dial looks like a satellite dish. Even though it’s completely original it still somehow reminds me of my grandfather’s watch. I am very pleased with it. You may feel the 8-series movement is lacking, but my example has kept time to within a second per day so far. Astonishing and probably a fluke but hey I’ll take it. They even decorated the movement a bit, which also looks quite nice with the parallel lines on the back, bezel and crown. Honestly this watch is a triumph for Timex. I admit I like cheap watches but I wasn’t expecting to like it THIS much.
I've been eyeing this since release, and for 3 months have never seen this in stock. Looking at how much attention this piece has gotten, I don't get why they don't produce more of it.
I’m very tempted to buy the Marlin but I struggle to get past paying £180 for a pretty watch that I don’t really have any brand attraction to. It is mechanical so maybe that justifies the price point but I just think cheap watch when someone says Timex. I’m not really a brand snob either, I have a Accurist that looks a bit like a vintage Tag chronograph but I only paid £60 for that. I should probably just get over it & but it. 🤷🏼♂
I do have a couple modern Timex watches. I had one as a 10 year old in 1971, on a leather NATO strap! While I'm neither a fan of cheaper watches nor quartz, I unabashedly love these watches.
I've got a Casio A159WGED-1, which has a similar faceted crystal as the Timex Dégradé, but that has factory set natural 💎 DIAMONDS 💎 as well. If you're interested reviewing it I could send it in. Although unfortunately it has some brownish discoloration for some reason. Which reminds me, does anyone know what could cause a golden coating on a resin watch to tarnish? And if yes, how to remove it?
Timex swapped out the 24 hour dial for a date wheel I noticed today, but they only have it in Tiffany blue or bronze, here in Canada anyway. The fabric strap, 38mm size, and $379 price tag has made me pass on this. I'm a sucker for anything Tiffany blue, but I have my limits.
When I was younger I always thought them as boring bland watches But when they released the marlin and Q 1975 I fell in love with them and they are back on the radar for me
Yeah there is not a chance in hell I will spend the amount timex charges for their quartz things when I can get very upmarket brands for the same amount from Japan
Great points made here! To me, Timex are, if I may call them that, a true fashion watch. A watch that attracts with its design first and foremost. As long as they don't claim to be more than they are, there's nothing wrong with that. And I appreciate the designs of the watches they've come out with recently. Your point on the acrylic crystal being used for impact resistance though, I don't agree with. I don't actually think acrylic is more impact resistant than sapphire. The reason they used acylis here is cost-cutting: it's costly to make shaped sapphire, and they would have to custom make the crystals for these watches if they eanted to make such a highly domed sapphire crystal. This would add a lot to the price of the watch. I don't mind the acrylic, but let's be honest, it isn't inpact resistance that pushed Timex away from using sapphire.
I remember in the 70-80s times dealt with their loud movement with the marketing slogan: takes a licking, keeps on ticking. I prefer quartz, but I can’t wear a watch thinker than 10 mm at work due to uniform cuff
Ah Timex.. I purchased a Command Encounter in black/white because I couldn't read my G-Shock 2100 navy/cream. It's a shameless 'homage', and I have yet to see a kind word spoken about it (evidently the tan one is hideous IRL) but I have zero regrets. I think Timex have a 'real' designer on board at present who is not afraid to take chances and stick it to other brands. I like both models you reviewed here.
Nice reviews, not for me but the domed crystal is pretty. It's a shame they didn't use a miyota 9000 series and squash that thickness down a bit, especially on a NATO strap! As you said!
I don't mind it; I'd trust a Timex over a fashion watch any day of the week. New watches are not my thing, especially vintage-inspired ones. Don't get me wrong; I know why people don't go real vintage. Unless you can perform repairs and servicing yourself, it can get very expensive very quickly, even if the initial purchase price is low. Interesting video I enjoyed a look at these new Timex watches. I'm behind the curve on what's happening at the newer end of the market.
I agree they look nice, even though minimalism isn't my thing, but I think that's just a tad steep for what these are. I have no issue with watches at this price point. Also understand they're going for design and you can charge for that, heck you can even cut corners on some materials. But this is a little too much corner cutting at that price point to me. Competitors like Seiko will have cut some corners at this price point (like glass instead of sapphire), but they won't have cut all of them, and it seems like Timex went out of their way to do exactly that with the movement and the materials.
I like timex for having indiglo while staying analogous. They seem unique in this aspects. P.s. other watches with this features combo are either not known by me… or they are above my budget (dont remember such models though)
The truth is Ben, Timex's sub $50 dollar range is keeping the company afloat, just like Casio's digital pieces keeps it's coffers full. Like it or not a great deal of people just want a watch, not a statement. I for one wouldn't most Timex over 60-70 dollars but cherish their pieces under that price, a lot of higher end owners feel the same. I do wish they speced their higher end pieces better as they are made in the same country as the Ali's brands, but marketing and branding has an influence on the pricing.
pictures on the timex site don't show the gold color of the degrade's dial. it's fine but i like the way it looks in the picture better. everything else about it is great. the marlin says marlin automatic marlin on it. get rid of one marlin or the other and I'll take it
People have become totally desensitised to insanely high prices - eg £1k for an iPhone pro…£800 for an Apple Watch Ultra 2 - when borrowing is as easy as clicking a button. £5k for an IWC MkXX (don’t start me on the Ingenieur), the new TAG Heuer dato chrono is £6k, even a Speedy Pro is £6.5k now. Crazy.
Yea for real. Exactly why I'd rather save money instead of debt lol. And living in a poorer country helps with that too I guess
Many people today have more money than they deserve. And despite that, they don't know what to do with it. That's why we have so many luxury products today, and everyone wants to join that market segment, including traditionally cheap brands (like Timex and Casio).
Also, people today are even more into perceived luxury, which is a paradox, since it's the 21st century and humans should be much smarter, more modest and think in a more practical ways... Just one more indicator that humanity is actually getting dumber.
Not to mention that the IWC watches look like a dollar store watch.
@@matyasd007 everyone has an opinion. I'll respect yours
@@Unlucky1776 yes, this is my unpopular opinion. Movement is great, finishing is superb, but really boring printed dials with lifeless basic design. Not minimalist basic, but basic basic. (Not all of them of course there are some stunning iWC pieces ofc.)
When I look at my iphone for the time I get stressed out by a million messages and updates. When I look at my Q Timex reissue it makes me smile every time.
Couldn't say it better
The fuck? Hahaha @dorothythelabskeleton80
Just use a focus mode and save $200 😂
This is a brilliant think piece.
I have an EasyReader and a beautiful Marlin Automatic 40mm in blue. Both are wonderful watches. Timex is in a renaissance now.
Marlin could wake u up at night tho lol
@@onraj9mml like the sound... It's therapeutic for me.
@@onraj9mmthe Marlin Miyota movement is very quiet so no it won’t wake me. The EasyReader? Sock draw or insanity with its loud tick.
Timex does not release any financials as they are a privately held company. However it's estimated they sell 10 million units a year word wide. Mostly under $100 USD retail. That number likely has them among the words top seller with Seiko.
They do tax returns so their financial are publicly available.
@@bikeman123 that only shows you how much $ they made. The number of units isn't disclosed neither is their, margin nothing just how much they earned and the tax they paid.
When I was a kid they had Timexes in a glass case at the grocery store and I just knew they were the best. I bought an indiglo the other day and I love it.
Indiglo is legitimately good too!
My Timex Marlin reissue has remained my absolute favourite of my collection since I got it in 2020 (there’s been many additions)
Watches have had a similar trajectory to vinyl. The market has moved more towards the passionate niche than a necessity.
By leaning on their heritage and appealing more to the enthusiasts than the fashion brand style they had in the 2010s, I feel like Timex has made a great comeback.
Really hoping for some more vintage style reissues or reimaginings and a restock of their mk1 range.
Timex are killing it in the 2020s
I fully agree. Beside the Timex Marlin I've got other high price luxury watches - the Marlin still remains one of my favorite watch: Keeps accurate time, solid quality and a vintage look (box glass, domed dial).
Timex has been killing it. I had a field titanium north and was super impressed. I ended up selling it because I didn’t wear it enough but it’s definitely worth the money compared to hamiltons that have a quarter of the water resistance and no screw down crown. Also, the James brand and huckberry limited edition are awesome!
Correction, the 38mm Hamilton H70455133 has screw down caseback/crown and claimed 100m WR.
But what i never get is if you think the watch is amazing, why did you not wear it enough? I see those comments al the time under watch video's. 'yeah i liked the watch so much, amazing' etc. But then they decided not to wear it.. and sell it. i dont get that?
@@navboi12 the 38mm doesn’t have a screw down crown. That’s one of the major things people bring up but either way it’s way more expensive and is still less water resistant. The titanium expedition has 200m.
@@userbrytje008 I think is amazing for the money but I have an overloaded collection and I’d pick my pelagos over the Timex when I wanted to wear a darker metal black dial watch.
I live in New York City and recently at a Kid’s birthday party had a conversation with a parent who used to work for Timex. As a watch enthusiast, I was ecstatic and excited to chat watches.
However, it was soon revealed that they had been recently laid off as Timex was undergoing a massive round of layoffs and basically, as a company, has been foundering lately. Seems the company is caught in a weird middle ground where watch enthusiasts seem to love their pieces generally, but the layman thinks them cheap. So rather than lean into the enthusiast niche, it seems Timex is instead cutting all costs and outsourcing their movements and labor, in effect reducing their bottom line and becoming less and less a quality watch and more and more an item that can increase margins by being cheap to make. It was not a fun conversation to have had, as a fan of Timex generally.
I really hope that the company can turn it around and capitalize on the enthusiasts that dig them and find them generally unimpeachable and get back to being a great American watch company.
That’s really sad to hear
That is sad to hear. I think you're right that Timex should charge a bit more for better watches and go for the enthusiast market. Besides enthusiasts, who's buying wrist watches these days, anyway?
You can see them copying the chinese watches.🙃
I like that Marlin Jet a lot, but I wish the 24 hr subregister was a small seconds.
So glad they are still in the game and offer nice looking alternatives.
The Marlin lines is getting more interesting to date, a very nice review!
I'd love more brand analysis videos like this- the research doesn't go unappreciated! These watches are frankly objectively a little overpriced for specs in my opinion, but Timex really has been killing the design game lately.
Ben I'd love to see a video reviewing Swiss Military Hanowa. Some of them are expensive but many are more accessible and a good fit for your channel. I'm quite impressed with mine.
The retro watch violates one huge pet peeve of mine. The second hand does not hit the markers. If you have a second hand, and second markers, it is not asking a lot for them to align.
You are guaranteed to have good alignment only in high end japanese watches, like Casio Oceanus or Grand Seiko. Also, quite often people get lucky with affordable Casio and Citizen pieces.
But everything else is a complete lottery (including swiss), especially with those dirt cheap movements Timex uses. So maybe it's asking a lot after all.
Yes it is hard to align, and a lot to ask at this price. Some movements do better than others (Citizen for example) but they're still not guaranteed.
It’s near impossible due to most quartz movements being plastic, including the wheels (gears). Which are not machined perfectly like in a more expensive watch. Looking at vintage Seiko quartz watches, that were still made of steel and brass, the movements are better, accurate and servicable.
Thank goodness for high value Spagetti scameti bringing real value to our lives. I love mine. 😊
Great video content, these both watches are beautiful 38mm is perfect for my small wrist as well. I love how Timex is heading with all the reissues yet adding some newer fresh designs in their models. Its a little dear with the newer model but the trade off is your getting better movement, build quality. More choices is good for buyers like me / us.
Don’t understand why Timex supplied a pass through strap to block out the display case back BY DESIGN. Either ship it with a two piece strap or with a solid caseback.
Cut crystals used to be a common sight in the 70s seiko and citizen catalogues. Ladies, low end, high end, quartz and automatic all often had a cut crystal variant. It’s really sic to see this come back.
I’d’ve bought almost all of their reissues by now if they weren’t all 200$+
I just picked up a 34mm Marlin California dial reissue for 79$ brand new on eBay and that’s about as high as I was comfortable going
Grey market, while making savings, comes with a price, adding on not having brand's warranty, the watch can have QC issues, I bought a bulova lunar pilot, the glaring issue was the tachymeter being misaligned, then again I payed half the price. My point is how far are you willing to make a compromise on favor of savings.
I was skeptical about Timex for ages but a couple of years ago had to grab a Weekender Bold that reminded me of the Raketa Big Zero. It was probably my most-worn watch in 2023. If they ever make it in a steel case and/or with a better crystal, I'd snap it up immediately, but it's still a lot of fun for a cheap price.
Enjoyed your view of the Timex lineup . I’ve been looking at them much differently lately , perhaps I will add one to my modest collection . Great work !
I simply love the new Timex collections! Life is about having fun! My Timex watches are getting way more compliments than my hi end stuff.
I don't believe people who say that. I have a wide variety of watches, some really distinctive, but no one has ever commented on my watch. No one cares.
02:50 Seiko is the wrong adres. Timex (and Seiko) copied this shape from the Rado Diastar from 1962 which was the first scratch resistant watch and had therefore an angular diamant shaped crystal.
Rado brought a reissue with the Rado Diastar Original one year ago.
I hate the thought of scratching one of these halfway through a wear and having to see that or take it off until I get home to buff it out… that said, these designs are beautiful IMO
9:44 I like the dial, but the watch looks line its missing a bezel.
I'm looking to buy both of these. I absolutely love the Marlin, the dial is beautiful. Love the way it curves up and has the indices set into it. I agree about the 24 dial though, and having a date there instead. Another great video Ben 😊
Casio, Timex and Seiko are still the kings of budget watches but Timex opened that door. The iconic Marlin was made and marketed as a durable and practical EDW watch. It's due to Timex that watches were sold in grocery stores. The 1954 Marlin sold for 11.54 USD, about 134 USD today. Between dressy versions to ubiquitous Ironman Triathlon, they are killing it.
I am so far a happy owner of the Blue Carrera @ 39 mm. 1st thing I thought before you actually showed my Heuer. Fine review Ben. Thanks!
Simple is nice. And I actually like the ticking sound.
Was given a timex watch for my 10th birthday in 1978. Still have it and still wear it
Timex understood the assignment.
Love your channel with so many stellar watches! For me the MAMACOO’ watch is my favorite. Keep the videos coming. Thanks.
Couple of interesting pieces there Ben - thanks for reviewing them. I absolutely refuse to buy any watch that has the vile Miyota 8xxxx series movement in it so it would be the quartz for me 👍
It all depends if you get a good Miyota? I have a hackable 8215 or 8315 in my Marlin and it is smooth sweeping with no stutter. Doesn’t gain or lose much at all. It makes that fidget spinner noise and rattle occasionally and I can feel it on my wrist but I love that element because it feels like clockwork and a living thing.
Of course it depends on what kind of movement you like and what you want to live with. I’ve found the miyota v good so far. I hope to try an Orient in the future too for comparison.
I used own one that looked like the Degrade but it was cream in the middle and brown loved the look of it. Best thing about Timex was the vast models they had and some unique looking ones at that.
And the second hand perfectly straddling the midpoint between the marks lol. Fail !! The Marlin Jet does look cool though.
I think Timex has been successful because their designs since the 2017 Marlin have been excellent. They design better looking watches than most "luxury" brands.
I do not know if it previous to Timex but you have a Enicar model that has the same glass concept known has diamond dial and it is a mecanical watch hand winding 4:32
Watch are the ultimate Men's accesories！Enjoyed watching your collection. Keep going！As a watch enthusiast and watch reviewer, I can say MAMACOO this was a great choice. Enjoyed your video!
I found a chap on ebay who services timex watches, so i bought a lovely old watch and sent it off to him. My daily driver is an easy reader and I absolutely love it. This ridiculous pricing will end when people can't afford or refuse to pay for things. I'd like to see Rolex making some of their basic, functional watches again, say in the £2k range. I don't need 14 diamonds and half a bar of gold on my wrist. I want a well made, precision timepiece that I can rely on and be proud of
Timex digitals are my favorite
Command urban
T300
Command boost shock
Also love my Timex Temp Tide Compass
If I were to get another one it would be that Enicar esque 40mm Marlin with the 12 3 6 9 sitting in the little rectangles; but I’ll pay $150, not $250.
Great video Ben 👍🏽👍🏽 My very first watch was a Timex 😁
Can you review the timex q chronograph panda?
It's amazing
I have a gold Orient TriStar with a green dial and a faceted crystal just like this one. Not sure the exact movement, probably an in-house Orient automatic caliber, but I literally paid $69 for it 10 years ago. It's definitely my favorite watch I own, and the one that receives the most compliments. Kinda hard to stomach the price on the Degrade when there's just so much competition in the sub $300 price point.
It's also a Quartz....nothing against Quartz, I have several, but Timex is way overcharging.
We're can i get one of these beautiful watches ????
I love Timex watches. I love their new retro or reissue line. My biggest gripe is and has been for the longest time is their water resistance is little to be desired. I honestly don’t understand why they haven’t gotten their water resistance rating higher. To be honest I have bought other watches that were in the same price category over Timex over their water resistance not being great. If they can put at least 100m of water on a majority of their watches. I would buy more Timex watches.
The one that i think is a really nice looking release is the TW2V42500 with the reverse panda dial/subdials
That Timex Timex Dégradé second hand appears misaligned in your model? I didn't catch any mention of it in the video....but I was distracted.
That's exactly the impression i have about Timex, beyond the uncreative use of quartz chronograph movements in some recent releases.
I've got both and I get more sheer watch joy from these than from several watches costing 4X the price.
I never got the whole, “why do you need a watch you have a phone in your pocket?” I spend enough time looking for my phone, glancing at my wrist still seems easier even in 2024.
The Marlin Jet looks great. Such a different yet coherent design. I only wish the 24h dial was actually a small running seconds
Love my Timex collection! In my opinion the GOAT of Horology
Timex has a retro T80 digital bracelet watch now! Ben, I think it’s worth a look and comparing it to the Casio A700! For starters, the shape is the same but it has the four buttons that you had mentioned wishing the Casio A700 would have. I think a comparison video between the T80 and A700 or A168 would make a great video!
One of my favourite watches I own is a Snoopy ‘beagle scout’ Marlin. Runs nice, lovely acrylic dome and a really subtle green sunburst dial. I think they are well worth their price in a world where everything is so expensive nowadays. Granted, a few of their watches are quite overpriced.
I wear the Marlin or my Vintage Omega most days, both of them came to under £600.
So ,is timex a good option for budget watches ,are they better than titan and casio
What was the San Martin field watch @14:15? It looked like a BOLDR watch.
Had an email from Timex today saying they have no plans to restock the Marlin Jet Automatic! There's limited edition and then there's this...!
Such a shame, not a fan of limited edition items in general, and they're not good for us either, as viewers like yourself find our videos later and can't ever get the watch at a decent price. Might be worth subscribing to our In The Loupe channel, where we tend to cover watches slightly earlier
That Dégradé looks very similar to the Rado Diastar, which was recently re-released as well.
Interesting timepieces. Never really considered Timex's recent resurgence and your views on what they are concentrating on; unique, interesting designs and not specs, makes a whole load of sense. As they are still relatively budget when you compare them with the other major players in the watch industry, they don't really need to worry about the homage brigade occupying the same price points and stealing any of their thunder.
I'm in love with Timex Waterbury. It cost RM 520.00 in my country.
Both of those look stunning, I'm loving Timex"s strategy of releasing good looking watches.
I purchased the Marlin Jet, but was very disappointed. As you say, the strap is very poor quality and I found it irritated my wrist. Hard to find a good replacement at 19mm. I also found the crystal felt very cheap. I returned mine. The design is very nice though.
You read my mind, man. Timex, Casio, and Seiko are the kings of budget watches imo.
Honestly the Degrade reminds me of a Seiko Vanac. I love the crystal and the funky dial. It maybe over priced but all mechanical/quartz watchmaking is. I think Timex raised their prices and rereleased their catalogues best pieces with better materials. It’s a good strategy. Using nostalgia to launch a watch renaissance or resurgence for the brand.
Your Oceanus video led me to get a T200, just wondering if you could do a video on high accuracy quartz? It's the nerdiest bit of horology, and therefore, the best! If there's not many options , also include radio/atomic sync? A £50 cheap brand Amazon radio talking watch would lose fewer seconds per year than any Rolex chronograph per day. I think that's so cool.
I love that Timex finally made a legit spec dive watch, I’ve wanted to wear a Timex other than my expedition chronograph for a while and I love divers so these guys are about to get my money.
Timex consistently produces some great dial designs but I find it odd that many of their most desirable models are always out of stock. Thanks for reviewing these new models, I haven't seen them reviewed anywhere else yet.
I got the Marlin Jet. I love it. I love the continuing theme of the double line repeated on the crown and case back. I love how the dial looks like a satellite dish. Even though it’s completely original it still somehow reminds me of my grandfather’s watch. I am very pleased with it. You may feel the 8-series movement is lacking, but my example has kept time to within a second per day so far. Astonishing and probably a fluke but hey I’ll take it. They even decorated the movement a bit, which also looks quite nice with the parallel lines on the back, bezel and crown. Honestly this watch is a triumph for Timex. I admit I like cheap watches but I wasn’t expecting to like it THIS much.
how did you purchase one? I have been waiting so long for them to be in stock
Mine gussl The new watch is great! I've praised its realism many times. I really recommend checking out their selection.
Timex have been using other company movements for years. I have a Timex 400 with an mechanical Seiko movement in it and a Laco.
Any thoughts on Panzera Ben?
I thought the Giorgio Galli S1 was a bit high priced until I saw the Giorgio Galli S2. How did they come at a price of 1000$
I've been eyeing this since release, and for 3 months have never seen this in stock. Looking at how much attention this piece has gotten, I don't get why they don't produce more of it.
07:01 You know that is called a perlon strap?
Can u give me your opinion on the casio mtp-1384?? Please??
That Marlin is nice. Great video.
I’m very tempted to buy the Marlin but I struggle to get past paying £180 for a pretty watch that I don’t really have any brand attraction to. It is mechanical so maybe that justifies the price point but I just think cheap watch when someone says Timex. I’m not really a brand snob either, I have a Accurist that looks a bit like a vintage Tag chronograph but I only paid £60 for that. I should probably just get over it & but it. 🤷🏼♂
Timex or the Seiko spring drive?
They are now in the same price range. 😵💫🤔🤪
That Jet is great! Hate the movement, but that’s not what it’s about. Wish it wasn’t out of stock. Let’s see when they restock.
I do have a couple modern Timex watches. I had one as a 10 year old in 1971, on a leather NATO strap! While I'm neither a fan of cheaper watches nor quartz, I unabashedly love these watches.
I've got a Casio A159WGED-1, which has a similar faceted crystal as the Timex Dégradé, but that has factory set natural 💎 DIAMONDS 💎 as well. If you're interested reviewing it I could send it in. Although unfortunately it has some brownish discoloration for some reason. Which reminds me, does anyone know what could cause a golden coating on a resin watch to tarnish? And if yes, how to remove it?
Similar to Seiko, they didn’t up the quality they just upped the price. I’m not too bothered about either of the brands these days
Timex swapped out the 24 hour dial for a date wheel I noticed today, but they only have it in Tiffany blue or bronze, here in Canada anyway. The fabric strap, 38mm size, and $379 price tag has made me pass on this. I'm a sucker for anything Tiffany blue, but I have my limits.
When I was younger I always thought them as boring bland watches
But when they released the marlin and Q 1975 I fell in love with them and they are back on the radar for me
Yeah there is not a chance in hell I will spend the amount timex charges for their quartz things when I can get very upmarket brands for the same amount from Japan
I think some of the Chinese makers like Pagani Design will challenge them too
Great points made here!
To me, Timex are, if I may call them that, a true fashion watch. A watch that attracts with its design first and foremost. As long as they don't claim to be more than they are, there's nothing wrong with that. And I appreciate the designs of the watches they've come out with recently.
Your point on the acrylic crystal being used for impact resistance though, I don't agree with. I don't actually think acrylic is more impact resistant than sapphire. The reason they used acylis here is cost-cutting: it's costly to make shaped sapphire, and they would have to custom make the crystals for these watches if they eanted to make such a highly domed sapphire crystal. This would add a lot to the price of the watch. I don't mind the acrylic, but let's be honest, it isn't inpact resistance that pushed Timex away from using sapphire.
How about just lining the secondhand up for starters.
I remember in the 70-80s times dealt with their loud movement with the marketing slogan: takes a licking, keeps on ticking. I prefer quartz, but I can’t wear a watch thinker than 10 mm at work due to uniform cuff
Ah Timex.. I purchased a Command Encounter in black/white because I couldn't read my G-Shock 2100 navy/cream. It's a shameless 'homage', and I have yet to see a kind word spoken about it (evidently the tan one is hideous IRL) but I have zero regrets. I think Timex have a 'real' designer on board at present who is not afraid to take chances and stick it to other brands. I like both models you reviewed here.
Nice reviews, not for me but the domed crystal is pretty. It's a shame they didn't use a miyota 9000 series and squash that thickness down a bit, especially on a NATO strap! As you said!
I don't mind it; I'd trust a Timex over a fashion watch any day of the week. New watches are not my thing, especially vintage-inspired ones. Don't get me wrong; I know why people don't go real vintage. Unless you can perform repairs and servicing yourself, it can get very expensive very quickly, even if the initial purchase price is low. Interesting video I enjoyed a look at these new Timex watches. I'm behind the curve on what's happening at the newer end of the market.
The case of the Degrede looks like the Vostok 060 case style.
But.. does it have indiglo?
Why do you have a "Shenzhen, Italy" hoodie?
I agree they look nice, even though minimalism isn't my thing, but I think that's just a tad steep for what these are. I have no issue with watches at this price point. Also understand they're going for design and you can charge for that, heck you can even cut corners on some materials. But this is a little too much corner cutting at that price point to me. Competitors like Seiko will have cut some corners at this price point (like glass instead of sapphire), but they won't have cut all of them, and it seems like Timex went out of their way to do exactly that with the movement and the materials.
I like timex for having indiglo while staying analogous. They seem unique in this aspects.
P.s. other watches with this features combo are either not known by me… or they are above my budget (dont remember such models though)
I have no watch,but I enjoy watching your content,hope I will get one , one day
The coolest thing about Timex watches it’s the Name itself “TIMEX”
The truth is Ben, Timex's sub $50 dollar range is keeping the company afloat, just like Casio's digital pieces keeps it's coffers full. Like it or not a great deal of people just want a watch, not a statement. I for one wouldn't most Timex over 60-70 dollars but cherish their pieces under that price, a lot of higher end owners feel the same. I do wish they speced their higher end pieces better as they are made in the same country as the Ali's brands, but marketing and branding has an influence on the pricing.
pictures on the timex site don't show the gold color of the degrade's dial. it's fine but i like the way it looks in the picture better. everything else about it is great. the marlin says marlin automatic marlin on it. get rid of one marlin or the other and I'll take it
three marlins on the dial! thats just crazy
Looks like a much less dramatic of the Xeric invertor crystal.