Timex has been making a comeback. I have actually bought two Timex watches in the past year and they are the first I have ever owned. Their latest styles are actually appealing to me. Glad to see them clawing their way back from near extinction.
Timex watches are the bomb. They were never ever near extinction. They have sold over 100 million watches. I have owned and or worn Timex watches for decades. Yes some of them are very low quality. And many if not most are out of style. As they have been in business like forever. But there is not a watch brand on the planet, that is more well-known, more worn, or have a catalog even half as extensive. I wear one at least as much as any other watch I have. Rolex, Hamilton, Omega, you name it.
I think Timex's resurgence is great. As a "watch guy", I've not bought one since I was a kid because they always have seemed just cheap, compared to my other watches. I might have to check this out.
I have Timex and Casio watches that cost $40. I have watches that cost hundreds of times more. They are different. My Timex watches may get passed down to my kids. But probably won't be, for most of them. But What timex does really well, is pull from the back catalog and bring things forward from a design and style perspective, that very few brands are willing to do.
Of all the watches I've owned over the years as my first watch was a Timex Expedition, this still has held true as one of my favorite all time watches. To see them now back in its place at the top is well deserved
Timex has really been upping their game and this is definitely a watch to consider. While the automatic version isn't out yet, I do see the quartz version of this and there is are a couple of mechanical/automatic field watches in the North collection that are still available.
Jory, you might be right if this applies to anyone who just wants a Field watch. Not for those (yeah that's me included) who just spent a fortune to snag that Hamilton Murph 38mm :) This Timex is decent at best. 49mm lug to lug is borderline overhang on my wrist. Miyota movement is rock solid, but this one is unrefined. Can't even compared to the Hamilton H10 Strap is meh. Date hole ruined the dial for me. Hands are meh. This is only good for Timex lovers. Other microbrands such as Axios, RZE, BOLDR, are miles better.
I got the Solar Expedition North field as a beater field watch a year ago and it's been great aside from the subpar lume. Still glad I got it since it was $150, but that titanium auto version is looking pretty tempting, especially if the lume is as good as you say it is.
My Citizen super tough does this with, imho, better specs for a field watch. Titanium monocoque case, so no worries about intrusion from the rear (stop smirking). 300m WR, sapphire, the strap is Kevlar so nigh on indestructible and its solar, so its grab and go. Even the price is better, you can buy one from £279 on a titanium bracelet (on the less popular green dial). There's nothing wrong with the Timex but nothing outstanding about it either. Funnily enough I have just bought my 1st Hamilton, a Khaki Field King, on a great black Friday discount. It's different enough from the myriad of other field watches, having the day date complication at the 12 o'clock and it's a little dressier with the high polish bezel. Each to their own of course though.
Nuts! It's too BIG for me. My lug-to-lug limit is 48mm. Time for Timex to go for the 38mm case diameter sweet spot and 45mm or less lug-to-lug. Also, Timex needs to lose the date complication to really be a fabulous Field Watch. Therefore, I will avidly pursue the 38mm Hamilton Murph that was just released. This is only my opinion, Jory! So glad that Timex sent the watch to you for review. You should have shared their note with us. Love Ya!
I have the green dial Navi XL Automatic. I've had it for about a year and a half now. Love field and diver's watches. Guess you could consider it loud, but considering your wrist isn't next to you're ear most of the time during the day(in a lot of cases), you're most likely not going to hear it. Especially, if you've ever done manual labor... It's been a solid watch. Plus, the handset and dial are rather unique for what it is. It's a great mix of a diver/field watch and it looks pretty sharp!! Timex is trying to make a comeback!! Support them as much as you can!!!
I picked one of these up and I frickin' love it. You're correct about the strap. It's serviceable and it's actually comfortable but for whatever reason it feels like artificial leather as opposed to the real thing. I feel like Timex finally got it all right on this watch. The lume kinda shocked me, because Timex lume usually ranges from pointless to just enough to get the job done. It's not the best lume, but it's actually pretty good and incredible for a Timex. Granted I'm an advocate for Indiglo everything Timex....even your automatics (that's only because I'm a mad man). And the best part is since it's a Timex it's all about waiting for the right sale, so I got mine at 25% off, making it an even better bargain. This is a great watch...I hope Timex continues down this trend, they seem to be steadily improving.
Thanks, I did the math T³. Ordered it for 256 € and picked it up today as the UPS guy couldn't find my door bell. I agree with most of the positive points you bring up, but my conclusion is a bit more harsh: - the ar coating is minimal with glare on the glass quite noticeable - the lume fades pretty fast especially the numerals were gone within minutes - the titanium received no anti-scratch treatment. I'm happy with it, because of the discount, but it won't replace my Hamilton any time soon.
Great heads up - thank you. Timex always had best field watch in them, and this is an awesome step up. Hope to see a great high spec and affordable line up in the future too.
Last month i ordered a timex directly from their site which was stock and got promised express delivery. 3 weeks later they didnt sent the watch and left all my mails unanswered. Had to get my money back via PayPal, timex to this day never came back to me except they sent a mail to review my order. What a joke, never will i order agin from them. And the hamilton is maybe a bit overpriced but i wouldn't compare a swiss watch with a timex, thats apples and pears if you ask me.
Your experience is the exception more than the rule I’m sure as I’ve never had any issues with them. Sorry you had a bad experience, but Timex is usually incredible
You didn't say a word about power reserve. The Hamilton's has 80 hours, the Khaki Field manual is still nicer without the day window and the movement itself is also a bonus in this auto/quartz world. So Timex made a nice try but should try harder for me.
You nailed it. I love the dial texture and the logo, too. The hands have an updated design, also. Hamilton has armed forces tradition; but I actually think Bulova trumps Hamilton on that front. Timex has trumped them both with this.
I wouldn't say this is a bad watch under any circumstances given the water resistance compared to the Hamilton's but you can't tell me that you would give your Hamilton over a Timex full stop. Also 350 dollars for non hacking movement that costs 35 dollars to buy separately. Thanks again for the video.
Defender 2 from Orient. ;) Wife just got one of the Timex Peanut's watches - the gold snoopy - and I was surprised at how good it looks. The Body is smexy in how smooth it is, in person. I was given a Timex to take to camp one year - I have never purchased one since. These two models change my mind.
Hamilton has some great value swiss made watches but this is an unusually well spec'd Timex. Timex clearly hired someone about 5 years ago who had a mission to revitalize the brand image from being a worse Casio option that you can buy at Walmart/Target. The Marlin and Q series have been pretty decent (even if they missed the mark) and now they are actually dropping watches with alternative case materials, sapphire, and respectable lume.
Hamilton always struck me as the opposite of overpriced for what you get. I could go into detail but I am assuming people reading will either agree or disagree and what I say wont change their mind.
Hamilton is one of the most reasonably priced brands out there. If you compare their other models with comparable brands, you'd agree. They even have mechanical chronographs well under 2k. Their khaki field mechanical is probably their most overpriced model.
Screw his recommendation; you never needed it to begin with. Don't second guess your purchase (assuming here) for one minute my friend; you purchased a fine timepiece w/some very rich history. You also can't compare the movement between a Hamilton and Timex field watch. Enjoy the Hamilton for the rest of your life buddy. Peace.
@@bodegaboylex Nice. Jazzmaster is great as well. Didn't mean to say "screw his recommendation." I was just letting you know you have a great timepiece in Hamilton. Enjoy my friend.
Timex is just such a solid value for the money. I prize utility and quality above all else, and Timex and Casio just can't be beat for both. In fact, my $40 Timex Weekender is my favorite watch. Feels great on the wrist, keeps excellent time, and I have a series of bands I change based on my mood/outfit.
👍 on the weekender .. I got the chrono on the recommendation that it eliminates the loud ticking that annoys many people ... also got a Timex Expedition Scout ... another lovely cheap tool watch
I was a Timex fan. But my last four watches were either faulty or dead or died immediately after opening the box. Crystal and hands fell off while adjusting the strap. Indiglo never worked, just displayed a little illuminated rectangle under the 6 o'clock. Hands fell off. Huge scratch on dial. A hair on the dial inside the watch. Nope. The last three years I've bought a new Timex, I've just returned it and kept my old Expedition Scout. That thing somehow won't die.
Great review! I like this watch. It's very lightweight and easy to forget it's on the wrist. A true field watch with a robust, easily serviceable (or replaceable) movement if needed, even though it gets a lot of flak at least this one hacks. The textured dial looks cool and something I noticed no one talks much about that I really like is the raised numerals. They look so cool especially when the dial reflects some light. I agree with all of the cons you mentioned but it's not too bad considering all the positives. Another gripe I wanted to add is the case seems to scratch easily, this may bother some people but it's a field watch and not some shiny elegant timepiece. Besides I think it adds character.
I'm sorry yes it's a nice watch but sell my Hamilton? Over a Timex? No way. First there's the movement. Timex is Auto but an old movement, Miyota 821 i guess. I love a handwound movement and 80h power reserve. Then the size, 38mm is perfect for me, I'm not buying a 41mm field watch would look ridiculus. Plus the Hamilton is basically looking exactly like the vintage ones with the benefits of modern production. And wears absolutely flat on wrist. There's a reason the khaki field collection is so successful and has been for many years. That's just my opinion.
For me, if this thing had Indiglo, HOLY SMOKES! It would be an absolute killer!!! Still, I am definitely going to get one. For the price the specs are very impressive. I had been a big fan of Timex most of my life, but not so much for the past 20 years or so. They are slowly winning me back. Thanks for the vid!
It's mechanical so indiglo is impossible, but if it had indiglo and thus a quartz movement with a battery, "watch enthusiasts" would be complaining about the quartz. You can never win with this community because there are too many "mechanical or bust" snobs these days. But at least Timex is trying new things and mixing it up these days with all sorts of new models across all movements.
I have several Indiglo Timex watches and just talking about viewing your watch at night, all of them are too bright if you are really in the dark. They actually have a blinding effect for me. Well-done lume is a much better night feature in my opinion.
Nice watch but unfortunately too big for my 6,5 inch wrist. I recently ordered the Boderry Voyager and fell straight in love with it when I opened the box. Same spec as the Timex, 38mm dial diameter, black dial with white hands, supplied on an incredibly comfortable nato strap at a price point of 97 USD !!! Maybe Jory should review this field watch alternative as well …
Back in the day, Timex was the biggest brand and on TV commercials constantly. They would attach a watch to a speedboat propeller and run it around the lake a dozen times an voila......the classic "it takes a beating and keeps on ticking" closing line. In fact if you bought a Timex at a store, it was probably in a fish tank and the clerk would use a net to get yours out.
Khaki king in Champaign kicks this watch’s ass. I believe I got it for 375 from Mimos with code. Hands are better, case finishing is better, day and date on the king I’m wearing it on a rubber khaki bracelet, best every day watch to pair with my hamilton coop
This Timex is definitely value for money as it's made of titanium, it's automatic and it's put out by a well recognised brand. However, people will usually buy the Khaki Field for the brands heritage and the history behind the watch plus the versatifily and the swiss ETA movement inside the watch. The downside to the Khaki field is the price, the cheapest one not even being automatic and made of stainless steel.
As someone who as no links or attachments to Hamilton, what I remembered from them before the comeback was a noisy fake wood alarm clock, I'd take the Timex or any Alpina before their field watches. They're kinda more common than a nice Timex nowadays.
This is a great looking watch and no doubt excellent value / decent build but lacks the charm of the Hamilton - if it’s an ‘ultimate’ field watch you want just buy the Citizen Eco Drive BN0118-04E Promaster Super Titanium - mono block sealed case, 3mm thick sapphire, screw down crown, 300m water resist, 40mm width but wears like a 38 due to short lug to lug - it’s like the thinking man’s G Shock
I've had this watch for a month now. I agree with everything that you've said. My old eyes make the date window impossible to read, even with reading glasses on, so I just pretend that it isn't there. The strap is maybe the weakest thing, but only because everything else is so good. I've swapped the strap with a half a dozen of my 20mm straps in various materials and colors and everything looks good because of the simplicity and classic neutral color of the watch case. However, I keep putting the original supplied strap back on. It's fine and the matching titanium buckle really works on this watch. I have zero regrets from buying this watch, even though paying $350 for "just a Timex" was against my common sense. Timex ain't your drug store watch anymore like in the '60s.
Timex are doing some great things but they seem inconsistent with what they are doing across different ranges. For this, update the movement to a 9 series in this one, drop the date, you have the buying power to do it. Hands look great. Drilled lugs yes. Timex have the name to do it as well
Bravo Jory! I think you redeemed yourself after the flop Indiglo review some time ago haha, I could even almost hear my Timex Ironman watch yelling at you then for not knowing what Indiglo was, being such a great thing in Timex watches :D. I've always loved your videos, though my interests moved a bit from watches to electric guitars so I've been a bit disconnected in the past couple of years. This watch looks amazing and I'm glad to see your positive review about a Timex. Field watches are my favorite type of watch for their simplicity, readability and durability, while still managing to look elegant. I will definitely consider this watch. Yes, my dream was to buy the Hamilton Khaki Field, but after finding out that this Timex one exists I'm thinking twice and probably will think many more times about it. Automatic, sapphire, titanium, 200m, threaded crown, for under $400, amazing.
It’s a bit big, also if they made it smaller the date would be nearer the edge otherwise it’s a pretty nice looking watch. That said the mountains at 12 o’clock and especially on the crown are a bit naff. There’s a good chance I’d buy a smaller version.
Not arguing the great value of the Timex, but the Hamilton's automatic field watch in titanium is not $995 retail (it's like $100 less). They also state 100m of WR on the automatics, that sounds rainproof to me. Am I missing something? Is there another Hamilton *titanium* field watch I don't know about?
The boderry voyager kicks the shit out of both the Ti Timex and the Hamilton for the price. $63 shipped to my door for a titanium, miyota automatic, sapphire crystal, screw down crown and case back. It has 100m less water resistance than the Timex and no exhibition case back, but are those things worth the almost $300 price difference?? Not to me. I have seen bad reviews on the miyota 8215 used in the Voyager but mine works fine.
Agree with everything you said just dont know why they made a field watch this BIG. Hand set not the best also, not precise enough. But still amazing value!
Cool watch. I could spend an hour or two picking apart the idea that this “kicks the crap out of the Hamilton”, but rather than hit all of those individual items, I’ll point out that you skipped one topic… how well it keeps time. By leaving that out, you’ve told everyone within 100 miles of a RU-vid channel that the Hamilton is the better watch.
Yes, sell your ETA powered Hamilton to buy a nicely built Timex shell around a cheap 8215 Miyota... Sarcasm apart and if your main concern is the functionality/price ratio, you might want to take a look at Timex's latest solar powered field watches. They're quite good. Not to defend Hamilton, they're getting too expensive. Not to bash Timex, they're on the right track. Not to offend anyone, none of us has any reason not to wear a G-Shock while in the field, other than passion. Anyhow, thanks for all those great videos.
Another excellent review. Bonus points for making me laugh twice. Was really hoping you would consider doing a review/comparison of the Orient Defender 2 versus the Orientstar Sport field watch. I’m completely torn as to whether I should get the orient star or just get a Defender 2 which I like the looks of but it’s a little bigger than a traditional field watch. Then add a crystal sapphire if I can find someone who has one to add to it. Please!
Thanks for this entertaining video Jory ! I think everyone realizes that the Hamilton for nearly a Grand is an insolence. Not more, not less. But I'm always skeptical when Timex launches a watch that costs an three-digit dollar range...🤔 . Sure, the Timex is better tahn the Hamilton, but that's not difficult either. Go on, Jory 👍
The lume looks great, does it last? All my Timex watches that have lume have absolutely terrible lume and it’s made me shy away from them because that’s important to me
I know I'm 6 months late but was curious about opinions on the movement. Have heard some people trash the Miyota 8 but was curious what the community or The Time Teller thought. Thanks!!
After all these years of people absolutely dumping on Timex (lovingly), the brand finally decided to spend a little bit on quality and design. Love it.
Home run from Timex on this one. They’ve been killing it lately. Hamilton could make a field watch better than this but it would cost three times as much. There’s just so much value here.
Coke bezel M79 was just gifted to me for Xmas from my Mother. It's so pretty! Timex will eventually bring back American made watches. I hope everyone is having a great day. Wealth and Happiness.
At this price I would choose a Boldr Venture Carbon with titanium (Seiko NH35 movement) for $299 over both of these. That said I just got a Hamilton Khaki Field King with sunburst champagne dial and it is amazing. H40 movement - based on a Swiss ETA 2835-2 movement (80 hr power reserve) for around $409 ($60 more than the Timex?). Fyi $349 is not cheap for a non-bracelet watch. Especially with what I am guessing (based on the loud rotor) is an Miyota 8215 movement (these are frowned upon movements even on Aliexpress). Btw I do own two Timex watches including an Expedition Scout.
I cut my teeth as a watch lover on Timex way back in the mid 70s so I do have a soft spot for them. It’s great to see Timex bringing out some really cool stuff lately, however, your comment that this is better than a Hamilton? Sorry, but no. First of all $995 for a Hammy field? You can routinely find them in the $325-400 range. The Miyota movement is decent but unrefined. It will last about 10-15 years but then is so cheap it’s not worth servicing. The case size limits it’s buyers and is kind of out dated as sizes are trending back down to more traditional sizes. So it’s a good watch if you can wear that size but it definitely is not better then a Hamilton.
Imho Timex Expedition North offer insane value for money, awesome field watches from 100$ onwards. Got me a quartz one and with the battery powered bg display light I can't really ask for more. When I saw this automatic version I knew I had to have one. Haven't bought one yet as my field watch collection is expanding too quickly already. But very tempted indeed, once again looks awesome bang for buck.
As a dive watch fan, I generally don't buy field watches..but I do have the Hamilton khaki.. growing up my parents only wore Timex (cheap) and thought they were good..I , however have been disappointed sooo many times by Timex (super cheap) that I will not buy another one no matter how good anyone claims it to be.. just my opinion , but I'd rather have a Hamilton.
Just got the 42mm Hamilton Khaki Field Auto for $280 (after stacking a bunch of discounts and cash-backs from the list price of $745) so I'm very happy. I'd rather have stainless steel, the H-10 movement is better than the Miyota, and the Hamilton is just better looking, IMHO.
All field watches seemed overpriced for what looked like basic watches, to me. Yet this looks cool and is priced right. May well be my first field watch.
Cool review. But I like my Hamilton H-10 caliber, My take? we should buy both.. :D this is very good value for money, Hamilton, we just need to have one because they are THE field watch.
Nice specs, great looks, awesome price. I'm in! Well done Timex. And by the way, how can you call a watch a "field watch" if you can't get it wet? Are there creeks out there in the field? No swimming holes? No late afternoon showers. Just not right.
YES! As The Timist I have to say that I've been waiting for this review for what seems like an eternity! Great job as always Jory 👏 I knew the Timex Expedition North was going to be a winner from the moment I read the specs! Plus titanium and sapphire and screw down crown?! Absolute masterstroke. Recently I found out Timex made a limited production 500 pieces black dial and 1000 pieces white dial in collaboration with The James Brand, and I think having one of those in my collection would be fitting, no? 😅
