Timex Expands the Marlin Collection with New Chronographs and GMTs

To me, a Timex watch is like an automatic Honda Civic; a taste of bigger and better fun that offers a lot of enjoyment on its own, even without a manual transmission and turbocharger. My first analog watch was a Timex Weekender, and it opened my eyes to the world of timepieces in a way that even a digital Casio couldn’t. So whenever the iconic budget brand announces something out of their normal range of basic watches, I get excited. Will it be my next easy recommendation to a young watch newbie, or “just another Timex”? It all depends on execution and, most crucially, price range. With that in mind, let’s take a look at two new additions to the Timex Marlin range: the Jet Quartz Chronograph, and GMT. 

First, the Jet Quartz Chronograph. Two references are available, both with contrasting subdials at the 3 and 6 o’clock positions, and a date window at 12. The TW2Y4600 sports a silver dial with black subdials, while the TW2Y4700 swaps in a brown dial and white subdials. Both feature a 40mm recycled stainless steel case with pushers at 2 and 4, and a knurled crown. Strap options differ, though, as the silver dial model stays secured via a matching stainless steel 6-link bracelet, while the brown dial is paired with an obsidian leather strap with quick-release spring bars. Inside both is a quartz movement and the cases are water resistant up to 50 meters; a domed Hesalite crystal and screwed-on case back with “Jet” text cap off the 1960s look of the watch. It’s not Timex’s first Marlin Chronograph, but it’s certainly among their cleanest aesthetically. 

If the Jet Quartz Chronograph sounds too boring for you, though, and you’re still not convinced by Timex’s recent attempts to join the ever-growing stream of budget kings moving upmarket, the Marlin GMT may change your mind. GMT functionality is a hot-ticket these days, and Timex is joining the fray with three new references. Like the Jet Quartz Chronograph, the Marlin GMT sits within a 40mm case and is powered by a quartz movement. The three references are differentiated by dial and detail color, as well as strap option, much like other Marlin ranges. The TW2Y47700 sports a gold-tone case and bracelet with a black dial and gold hands and indices, giving it a flashier look, while both the TW2Y47600 and TW2Y47900 feature recycled stainless steel cases and blue dials. The TW2Y47900 sets itself apart by offering a blue strap and gold hands, indices, and crown, while the TW2Y47600 sticks with a matching stainless steel bracelet and silver hands to match the case color. All models also feature a date window at 3 o’clock and faceted markers to complete the design. 

Naturally, the looks aren’t the main draw of the GMT—dual time zone functionality remains its defining characteristic. A GMT hand with a red triangle tip sweeps around the dial of each model, drawing the eye to the 24-hour numerals around the face. This is a “caller” or “office”-style GMT, which may turn those who crave a “traveller’s” or “true” GMT away. But for the time zone traipser on a budget, it does the trick just fine, and many other caller GMT watches ask significantly higher prices. 

In true Timex fashion, neither the Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph or GMT reinvent the brand or push it forward significantly, but they do build out an already enticing lineup of entry-level enthusiast watches. The Timex Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph TW2Y24600 and TW2Y24600 retail for $299 and $269 respectively; the Marlin GMT TW2Y47700, TW2Y47600, and TW2Y47900 retail for $239, $229, and $199 respectively. Timex

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