Timex Marlin: A Guide to the Classy Vintage-Inspired Automatic Watch

Since the inception of watchmaking, mechanical watches have been a staple of the industry. Although there have been brief surges where attention was turned to alternatives like quartz movements, mechanical watches have always been appreciated because of the complexity and effort that goes into making them. A huge number of outstanding watch models in the past were mechanical, hand-wound pieces, including Timex’s own vintage 1960s Marlin watch.

In recent years, however, as watchmaking technology has developed, automatic or self-winding watches have come to dominate the industry. Able to wind themselves using the kinetic energy from the movement of the wearers’ hands, the convenience afforded by automatic watches makes their popularity a no-brainer. Many watchmakers have also pivoted towards using handy automatic calibers for their modern timepieces, and that includes Timex too.

In 2017, the brand reintroduced the Timex Marlin, this time with contemporary innovations and an advanced automatic caliber. The upgrades made to the Timex Marlin were well-received, and it has quickly become one of the brand’s more popular lines. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the Timex Marlin and everything it has to offer.

First Impressions

Those who are familiar with the vintage Timex Marlin released in the 1960s will probably immediately recognize this contemporary version of the Marlin. With its straightforward, minimalistic design, the Timex Marlin has almost the same design as its predecessor, just with a few tweaks to stay in line with the modern age of timekeeping. Sleek and well-balanced, the Timex Marlin is the perfect versatile watch to bring to either your next office event or on your everyday routines. For today’s article, we will be examining the classic Timex Marlin Ref. TW2T22700ZV, along with its details and specifications.

Specifications

Case

The Timex Marlin Ref. TW2T22700ZV boasts a 40mm rounded stainless steel case and thin, long lugs that emphasize its mid-century design. This is a very quintessential design, which can also be seen on other watch brands like Fossil and Tissot, This in turn makes the Timex Marlin a great alternative piece, versatile enough to elevate just about any outfit. Fitted on top of the watch case is a layer of domed sapphire glass which has been treated with anti-reflective coatings, so it protects the dial from scratches and allows for a clear, glare-free view of the watch face.

On the right side of the case, you can find a well-sized stainless steel crown. With its grooved sides, this crown provides a nice grip so wearers can easily turn or adjust the crown to wind the watch. This crown is also securely screwed in, keeping the inner mechanisms of the wach safe from any moisture or dust. As an everyday watch, this watch has a fairly standard water resistance rating of 30m. While this is enough to withstand some splashes and showers, the Timex Marlin is not built for underwater use, so you should avoid bringing it to any heavy water sports activities or dives.

On the underside of the Timex Marlin’s case, you can find a transparent caseback made of sapphire crystal. Using this caseback, you can admire the new automatic movement that this modern Marlin timepiece is equipped with.

Dial

The dial is the true highlight of this watch. Sleek and minimalistic, this dial may not look as grandiose as some other luxury dress watches, but it shows off a simple, classic charm that is hard to beat. This silver dial showcases a metallic, finely brushed sunray finish that you simply cannot take your eyes off. It comprises slim applied indices, thin, luminous sword hands, a minute track on the rim of the dial, and a compact date window with a white background and black text at 3 o’clock. With no flamboyant or overly complicated designs to distract from the watch face, the focus is placed squarely on the splendour of this quintessential dial.

Movement

As a modern automatic watch, the Timex Marlin is driven by the popular Miyota 8215 self-winding caliber. This is a standard-grade movement that excels in providing basic timekeeping needs and is very commonly used in the watch industry. With a beat frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), this caliber has a solid 42-hour power reserve and an average accuracy rate of -20/＋40 seconds per day. It also comes with a quickset date function. While the Miyota 9215 Caliber is not the most precise movement available, it is fairly standard for a watch of this price range.

Bracelet

The Timex Marlin Ref. TW2T22700ZV makes use of a handsome brown leather strap with brown stitching, which perfectly complements its polished case. Stylish and handsome, this leather strap adds to the quintessential look of the Timex Marlin without detracting from its minimalistic dial. If you prefer it, Timex also offers leather straps in a variety of other colors, so you could easily swap the brown strap out for something that is more to your tastes.

Price

One of the best things about the Timex Marlin is that it is one of the most affordable automatic watches in the market. For just $259 USD, you can enjoy the simplistic beauty of this watch without causing a massive dent in your savings.

Other Notable Timex Marlin Models

The Timex Marlin collection also provides a number of variations that you might enjoy more than the Timex Marlin Ref. TW2T22700ZV. All of these models share the same classic builds and minimalistic designs, but there are a few differences in terms of the style and the watch complications they come with. Here are four of the most notable Timex Marlin models you should look into if you want something more with a bit more character.

1. Timex Marlin Automatic x Peanuts Featuring Snoopy Secret Agent Ref. TW2U99500

If you are a fan of the Snoopy series or cartoon characters in general, the Timex Marlin Automatic x Peanuts Featuring Snoopy Secret Agent Ref. TW2U99500 will give you the nostalgia factor you are looking for. With its adorable Snoopy-inspired design, this collaborative Marlin watch is suitable for all ages. 

Like the Timex Marlin Ref. TW2T22700ZV, the Timex Marlin Snoopy Secret Agent Ref. TW2U99500 comes with a 40mm polished stainless steel case that perfectly complements its brushed silver sunray dial. This dial is also adorned with slim hour indices in grey and slender luminous sword hands. The main differences between the dials of the two models is that this Snoopy watch lacks a date aperture and bears an intricately painted design of Snoopy in a detective outfit at 6 o’clock instead.

To match Snoopy’s black outline, Timex pairs this edition of the Marlin with a cool black alligator leather strap. This watch also runs on the same Miyota 8215 self-winding caliber.

Quirky and fun, you can get this Timex Marlin Snoopy watch for around $259 USD.

2. Timex Marlin Featuring the Chicago Cubs Logo Ref. TW2U93300

Are you an avid fan of baseball? If so, you might have already heard of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The Timex Marlin Featuring the Chicago Cubs Logo Ref. TW2U93300 also offers a similar design and feature as the Timex Marlin Ref. TW2T22700ZV. It is presented in a 40mm polished stainless steel case, with a smooth brown leather strap and a brushed silver sunray dial.

The dial is furnished with jet-black hour indices and luminous sword hands for a better, more readable contrast, along with a date window outlined in black at 3 o’clock. At 6 o’clock, you can find the Chicago Clubs logo. The caseback of this watch also bears a carefully engraved baseball emblem. Finally, this watch has been upgraded to be able to withstand depths of up to 50 meters.

For approximately $259 USD, you can now represent your favorite baseball team with your watch.

3. Timex Marlin Automatic California Dial Ref. TW2U83200

The Timex Marlin Automatic California Dial Ref. TW2U83200 offers a nice change of pace whilst still boasting the same minimalistic style. This watch comes in a 40mm polished stainless steel case paired with a light brown leather strap. Instead of using a silver sunray dial and slim applique indices, this particular model bolsters its uniqueness by showcasing a rustic peach dial with Roman numeral hour markers in a block typeface. This is accompanied by hour markers in various shapes and sharp dauphine hands in black.

The Timex Marlin Automatic California Dial Ref. TW2U83200 has a retail price of $249 USD, which is a few bucks cheaper than most of the other Marlin models in this article.

4. Timex Marlin Automatic x Peanuts Featuring Charlie Brown Ref. TW2U12700

Of course, this list would not be complete without a Charlie Brown edition of the Timex Marlin. The 40mm Timex Marlin Automatic x Peanuts Featuring Charlie Brown Ref. TW2U12700 also capitalizes on the nostalgia factor, much like the Secret Agent Snoopy version. The best part about this watch is its polished look and canvas-like dial that portrays Charlie Brown playing with a kite. This dial design allows the wearer to relive their childhood, while also being appropriate for all ages since the sketch of Charlie Brown and his kite does not look too “cartoony” or childish.

Unlike the Snoopy Secret Agent Timex Marlin, this watch also bears a small date window at 3 o’clock. With a nice, nostalgic twist that will surely bring back memories, this watch sells at an estimated price of $259 USD.

Final Thoughts

Timex has always been one of the best watch brands that offer affordability and reliability through their watches. With its quintessential looks and elegant designs, this is a straightforward and versatile dress watch that you can pair with virtually any ensemble. If you want a suave dress watch for any occasion, you should definitely consider the Timex Marlin.

Image courtesy of Times, unless stated otherwise.

Featured image courtesy of Timex.

If the Timex Marlin fascinated you to some degree, check out our review on the Tissot Visodate—it will surely appeal to your tastes!