Timex is a well-known brand in the world of watches, and the Timex Marlin Automatic is one of their top-tier offerings. The watch is designed with a vintage look in mind, drawing inspiration from mid-century dive watches. The Timex Marlin Automatic is a classic timepiece that combines the best of modern technology with vintage style. Therefore, our Review will help explore the functionalities of this fantastic timepiece and help you decide whether this watch is worth buying in 2023.
A Brief History of the Timex Brand
The history of Timex watches dates back to 1854 when the Waterbury Clock Company was established in Waterbury, Connecticut. The company was known for producing low-cost, high-quality clocks and watches. In 1941, the company introduced its first wristwatch, and in 1950, it changed its name to Timex Corporation.
If you're a fan of the classic designs, check out the Timex Waterbury Classic.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Timex watches became very popular in the United States, and the company became known for its advertising slogan, "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking." This slogan was a reference to the durability of the watches and became one of the most recognizable advertising slogans of all time.
In the 1970s, they introduced a range of digital watches, including the first digital watch with an LED display. The company also introduced a range of watches with new features such as stopwatches, alarms, and timers. During this time, they also expanded into international markets, becoming a well-known brand worldwide.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Timex continued to innovate, introducing new technologies such as the first watch with an Indiglo backlight and the first watch with an interchangeable strap system. The company also continued to expand into new markets, and by the end of the 1990s, it was one of the largest watch companies in the world.
Today, Timex continues to be a leading manufacturer of watches, offering a range of styles and features for every occasion. The company is known for its quality, durability, and innovation, and continues to be a trusted brand for people around the world. Whether you are looking for a classic dress watch, a sporty dive watch, or a stylish fashion watch, Timex has a timepiece to suit your needs.
As for the marlin, It is a modern reinterpretation of the classic 1960s Timex Marlin, which was known for its simple, clean design and reliable performance. The new Timex Marlin collection was launched in 2017 and features a range of styles and features, including automatic movements, leather straps, and easy-to-read dials.
Timex Marlin Automatic Review: Watch Specifications
- Case Width: 40mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Band Color: Brown/Black
- Buckle/Clasp: Buckle
- Shape: Round
- Case Size: Full Size
- Watch Crystal: Domed Acrylic Crystal
- Dial Color: Silver-Tone
- Dial Markings: Markers (Full)
- Watch Movement: Mechanical Automatic Wind (Miyota 8215)
- Strap and Lug Width: 20 mm
Now that we've gone over the specifics, let's dive a bit into the details about the various aspects of the watch.
Watch Case
The case of the Marlin is well-designed and gives the watch a sophisticated look. The polished stainless steel case has a good weight to it, giving the watch a feeling of solidity. The crown is located at the 3 o'clock position and is easy to grasp and turn.
The case features a sloped edge giving it a nicely domed shape that implements a nice feel.
The case back is screw-down, ensuring that the movement stays protected and providing a secure seal for the watch. The case back is transparent and the mechanical movements can be seen, which is pretty neat!
If you're a fan of minimalistic watches, check out our Skagen Signatur Review.
Dial
Creating simple yet elegant dials has always been one of the strong points for Timex, and it is the same here as well. The hour markers are applied and are large and easy to read.
The hands of the watch are well-proportioned and are filled with luminous material, making it easy to read the time in low light conditions.
The date window is located at the 3 o'clock position and is well-integrated into the overall design of the dial.
Movement
The Marlin is powered by a 21-jewel automatic movement, which is based on the Miyota 8215 self-winding caliber. This movement is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a good choice for a watch in this price range.
The movement is visible through the case back, allowing you to admire the inner workings of the watch. Furthermore, the movement has a 40-hour power reserve so it doesn't have to be hand-wound very often.
Strap
The strap of the Marlin is made of genuine leather and is well-constructed. The leather strap has a comfortable fit and is easy to adjust, making it a good choice for people with different wrist sizes.
The buckle of the strap is made of stainless steel and is engraved with the Timex logo, adding to the overall look of the watch. The straps are also attached to the case with quick-release springs making it really convenient to change the straps.
However, Stainless steel lovers can also find two variants with steel straps that come in Silver & Gold color models.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable Price: excellent value for money, making it a great choice for people who want a stylish and reliable watch without breaking the bank.
- Automatic Movement: The watch is self-winding and requires no battery, making it a low-maintenance option.
- Versatile Design: The simple and elegant design of the Timex Marlin Automatic makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual to formal.
- Easy to Read: The dial of the Marlin Automatic is easy to read, with large, legible hour markers and hands filled with a luminous material for low-light visibility. It also has a date window
- Durable: The Timex Marlin Automatic is built to last, with solid construction and high-quality materials.
Cons
- Limited Functions: The Timex Marlin Automatic has limited functions, with no chronograph or other complications.
- No Sapphire Crystal: The watch uses mineral glass on the front, which is more prone to scratching than sapphire crystal.
- Fixed Lug Bars: The lug bars are fixed, which means that changing the strap can be a bit more difficult.
- No Display Back: The case back is screw-down, which means that the movement is not visible from the back of the watch.
- No Water Resistance Rating: While the watch is water-resistant, there is no official water resistance rating provided by the manufacturer, which can make it difficult to determine how safe it is to wear in water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Timex Marlin Have Indiglo Feature?
No, the Marlin sadly does not possess the Indiglo feature. However, It has luminous hands that help you tell the time in low-light conditions.
If you're looking for the indiglo feature, check out our Timex Weekender Review.
Is he Timex Marlin a Dress Watch?
Yes, as Timex was originally marketed as a mid-century dress watch, they have retained the ability to wear them with formal wear.
How Often Should I Wind My Timex Marlin?
While an automatic watch runs on its own, this should be noted that all automatic watches should be manually wound on a daily basis. In fact, most watch enthusiasts love the idea of winding their watch!
Final Words
If we want to perfectly sum up the watch, we have to say that the Timex Marlin Automatic is a well-designed timepiece that combines vintage style with modern technology.
The watch is well-made and is a good value for the price. Whether you are looking for a classic dive watch or simply a reliable and accurate timepiece, the Timex Marlin Automatic is a good choice.
If you are in the market for a new automatic watch, we would definitely recommend considering the Timex Marlin Automatic.
