The Timex Marlin collection has been high on style since it was introduced in 2017, tapping into mid-century modern vibes with relative ease. The collection has grown to encompass a wide range of style, including plenty of Snoopy collaborations, but at the core these are simple, classic designs brought together with respect to a specific era, all while not taking themselves too seriously. Their latest addition to the Marlin collection is the Jet Automatic, which represents a slight departure from those formal tones, and a move to capture a sleek future forward look that leans a touch retro. The result is something unique, walking the line between chic and sporty.
Timex certainly isn’t afraid to borrow from more established design trends, but they also boast a rather rich heritage of original ideas brought to life in approachable and accessible ways. Their collection of Giorgio Galli designed watches are some of the most interesting of the genre, regardless of price. Likewise, their digital and field watches are pillars of their respective genres. The Marlin is looking to establish its own roots in a similar manner, and the Jet Automatic opens a new chapter for the collection, establishing another piece of that foundation.
This new design sets a sector design into a highly dimensional dial structure that features a slope inward at its perimeter. The hour markers are set into this structure creating a prominent negative space that will capture light and shadow in dynamic ways depending on the angle and the light. The peak of this structure forces a dramatically domed crystal, and the opportunity to play with the surface area on the other side sloping toward the case, which gets some sporty stripes and a Marlin label at 6 o’clock. A deeply set 24 hour sub-dial is situated at 9 o’clock breaking up the dial asymmetrically, and adding an element of intrigue along the way.
All of this is set within a 38mm steel case that’s fully brushed, and somewhat industrial looking, which may be a reflection of the price point, but it also works with the theme overall. Thanks to the domed acrylic crystal the total thickness is 11.5mm, meaning this one will likely feel a bit tanky on the wrist, and the chevron style fabric strap that runs under the case won’t help that situation, but again, this one isn’t exactly going for formal vibes.
This watch is all about the look, and while it does feature a Miyota mechanical movement, the details of this design should be the focal point. This watch will likely serve as a base for a new area of the collection to build upon, as this is a watch that will offer plenty of color opportunities to play with, especially heading into spring and summer. Best of all, the watch rings in at $289. Here’s hoping that Timex not only builds onto the Jet Automatic family, but utilizes some of the details across more of the collection as a whole. Timex.