I’ve stated it many occasions: there are nice watches available at each worth level!
However because the “resident collector” right here at Quill & Pad, it’s not sufficient for me to specific my admiration in some summary type; on the finish of the day the query is whether or not I’d spend my very own cash for a watch or not.
Timex Marlin Re-edition, 2017
Enter the Timex Marlin re-edition of 2017, a watch that I personal, put on, and love.
If we’re nitpicky about it, I didn’t really purchase it for myself as I requested MrsGaryG to buy it for me as a Christmas reward. However given California’s neighborhood property legal guidelines and the chance value related to asking for this versus another current, I’m prepared to declare it shut sufficient if that’s okay with you.
How the Timex Marlin Re-edition suits in my assortment
In my buddy Terry’s taxonomy of watch gathering, that is fairly clearly a “enjoyable” piece for me; at its $199 retail worth I feel that the identical would maintain for the overwhelming majority of watch fanatics who’re longing for a little bit of a classic look however who don’t need to break the financial institution to realize it.
Reasonably priced enjoyable: Timex Marlin
The wonderful thing about “enjoyable” watches is that you simply personal them, not the opposite approach round.
No considerations about getting damage financially in your buy or obsessional guilt about each hairline scratch. And as we’ll see in a bit, with the Marlin I used to be really daring sufficient to take away the case again fastidiously with a case knife to see what was inside and evaluate it with a Timex from one other period.
Why I requested for it
I’m not the one fanatic who needed the Marlin as quickly as I noticed it; the primary set of watches offered out earlier than I might sprint off an electronic mail to my spouse, and it was with some aid that I realized that Timex was going to supply a second tranche.
Because the success of this watch and the considerably comparable Sixties pieces from Glashütte Original clarify, there’s nice visible attraction to what I’ll name the “clear retro” vibe that features using elongated, stylized numerals.
As well as, Timex was devoted to not solely the spirit of the unique watch however to its unique dimensions: the 34 mm diameter of the case and the domed Plexiglas crystal, amongst different options, present a sense of authenticity that I feel would have been lacking in a re-sized or extensively refreshed design.
Horny Plexi: Timex Marlin re-edition with domed Plexiglas crystal
And, after all, it has a mechanical motion! The Marlin is the primary Timex since 1996 to function a manually wound mechanical motion.
All these parts factored into my selection, however extra vital was the shock of recognition that went by way of me the second I noticed the watch: it’s a very shut facsimile of the very first wristwatch that I ever owned, given to me by my mother and father for (if reminiscence serves) my ninth birthday.
Timex Marlin Mannequin 2014 manufactured in 1964 (photograph courtesy alanwatch.homestead.com)
Regardless of a number of searches I’ve performed for it, it appears that evidently my Marlin could have been misplaced to historical past, however it appeared just like the one within the picture above, a Mannequin 2014 manufactured in 1964 with numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 and with barely straighter case sides and bigger dimensions than the Mannequin 2024 re-created in 2018 by Timex.
1964 Timex catalogue illustration, Mannequin 2014
My dad had an older Longines that he wore after I was fairly younger, however for the final 50 years of his life he was a Timex man. As a rising boy proudly owning my very own Timex was an vital ceremony of passage for me and an vital connection to him. And whereas I’m unhappy to have misplaced the Timex he gave me I’m more than happy to haven’t solely the Marlin re-edition but additionally certainly one of his outdated Timex watches from the early Seventies, which I put on on events after I need to expertise the sensation that he’s shut by.
Like father, like son: the writer’s Timex Marlin along with his father’s Seventies Timex
It’s a bit onerous to explain simply how pervasive part of standard consciousness Timex was within the Nineteen Sixties as “the most important promoting model of watches on the planet.”
Mass manufacturing and distribution strategies, inexpensive pricing, and relentless promoting of Timex because the watch that “takes a licking and retains on ticking” stored Timex on the forefront of demand.
A well-liked promoting collection featured veteran commentator John Cameron Swayze in mock newscast segments by which Timex watches endured numerous types of torture. On the finish of the video under you may see the Marlin Mannequin 2024 featured in a single such stunt.
I hoped to discover a photograph of myself carrying my unique Marlin, and I’m guessing that someplace in my containers of outdated household images there exists at the very least one. However at the very least thus far, no luck, though I did discover a highschool yearbook photograph of me carrying the primary watch I ever purchased for myself (and nonetheless personal): a Bucherer chronometer that you may see in A Watch Collection Begins: GaryG And His Bucherer Chronometer.
And given the pains of the photograph search figured I might at the very least share that!
Proper (left) wrist, flawed watch: yearbook photograph day, 1972
Why I adore it
Clearly, the non-public connections related to this piece made it a no brainer for me, however on the identical time the watch itself has substantial aesthetic and purposeful attraction.
On the entrance aspect, the mixture of the silver-colored sunburst dial, the raised numerals (which look nearly like applieds however are literally stamped by way of the metallic floor from behind) and blackened fingers present a lot of visible curiosity, as does the central sweep second hand because it makes its approach across the dial.
Dial view, Timex Marlin re-edition, 2017
One significantly good contact is the inclusion of a printed reference designator on the decrease fringe of the dial that’s similar to that on the unique watch. Within the picture under, you may see the indication “20242465” signifying mannequin 2024, with motion Quantity 24 from 1965.
Consideration to element: reference designator, Timex Marlin re-edition
Whereas this re-edition is a devoted recreation of the unique, it surpasses the classic watch in a number of methods. For instance, not solely the case again however the complete case is in stainless-steel, moderately than utilizing the steel-plated brass bezel and case band of the unique.
Stainless-steel case, Timex Marlin re-edition
The grooved inside case again is a pleasant contact. And whereas the floor ending of the clasp on the embossed leather-based strap is nothing particular, the metallic piece is at the very least signed with the model’s title.
Inside case again, Timex Marlin re-edition
Timex Marlin clasp
After I pried open the case, I used to be pleasantly stunned to be greeted by a motion that had some thought put into it, from the shock-protected stability to the blue-colored screws to the rudimentary however nonetheless not-so-bad curlicues inscribed on the bridges.
Functionally, the motion retains ok time for me as a wearable piece (below my definition that if I put on a look ahead to the 5 weekdays I don’t must reset the minute hand throughout that interval), and the motion additionally hacks, making correct setting simpler.
Motion of the Timex Marlin re-edition
And when you’re inclined to be important of the look of this motion, take a gander on the unique Quantity 27 motion in my dad’s watch: no jewels, pin-lever escapement, and fully unfinished surfaces on metallic items which might be riveted moderately than screwed collectively – that means that when this one “stops ticking” its vacation spot would be the scrap heap, not the restore store.
Timex Quantity 27 motion from the early Seventies
The plastic ring surrounding the motion is a little bit of a bummer, however due to watchmaker pal Nathan Bobinchak I’ll quickly be capable of substitute it with a custom-made brass encompass, including each a contact of sophistication and a little bit of extra heft to the watch.
Timex Marlin re-edition with custom-made brass motion ring
One last purpose I really like this watch: it’s enjoyable to put on! At 34 mm in diameter it’s not super-imposing on the wrist, however the straight lugs, visible contrasts, and open look of the dial make it put on greater than its precise dimensions. And for me, after all, there’s the additional benefit of getting a real “time machine” on my wrist that whisks me again to the times of my youth each time I take a peek at it.
On the wrist: Timex Marlin re-edition
Is the Timex Marlin Re-edition best for you?
I needed the Timex Marlin Re-edition sufficient to make it my Christmas request, however is it best for you? You may need to click on over to the Timex web site and order one up if:
- You just like the classic persona of this watch and place some worth on its elevated mechanical robustness relative to the unique model
- The retro look of the piece actually catches your eye
- You’re in search of a hand-wound each day wearer (and even occasional wearer) that’s a bit totally different from others you’ve got and wearable for work or enjoyable
- A Timex like this one performed a job in shaping your unique love of watches
Alternatively, you could need to direct your consideration elsewhere if:
- You may have a powerful choice for true classic watches moderately than fashionable re-creations
- You might be saving up your “enjoyable” watch finances for one thing that speaks to you in the identical approach that this watch spoke to me
- The 34 mm measurement is simply not best for you
Clearly, I made my selection! I’ll look ahead to listening to your ideas (and experiences of others who additionally personal this piece) within the feedback part.
Parting shot: dial element, Timex Marlin re-edition
Fast Info Timex Marlin Re-Version
Case: at the moment out there in stainless-steel, 34 mm
Dial: silver-colored or black
Motion: guide winding, Chinese language-made 20-jewel motion
Capabilities: hours, minutes; hacking sweep seconds
Value: $199
Manufacturing years: 2017 onward
* This text was first revealed on July 14, 2018 at Why I Bought It: Timex Marlin Re-edition, you could discover the feedback below the unique article attention-grabbing.
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