There’s a certain comfort in knowing Timex will always have a field watch sitting somewhere in its catalog. I even recently picked up a smaller, solar model you might see on the site soon. The Expedition line, for better or worse, has been that reliable, no-frills option for years. It’s the kind of watch that shows up on military bases, scout trips, and dad wrists alike. It’s functional, familiar, and usually one of the first watches people buy when they start caring about timepieces. The new Expedition Capstone feels like Timex proudly admitting that practicality doesn’t have to look so plain.
It’s still recognizably an Expedition—tough, affordable, purpose-built—but there’s a certain refinement here that earlier versions never quite pulled off. The 39-millimeter case is new for the lineup, and it finally hits that sweet spot for modern wearability. At just 10 millimeters thick, it should wear close to the wrist, without that clunky, “budget outdoor watch” profile we’ve seen before. Water resistance is ample at 50m.
What really caught my eye is the finish. The brushed gunmetal case adds texture and depth in a way you don’t expect from a $129 watch. The press photos make it look subtle, even a little stealthy; like a field watch that seems good enough to wear beyond the trail or campsite. It’s the kind of affordable watch that would fit in alongside the best field watches we’ve tested. There’s no bezel to speak of, which keeps things clean and in line with the Expedition’s minimalist roots.
The dial is pure function with large, legible numerals, bright lume, and a date window at three o’clock. It’s a familiar layout that doesn’t ask you to fall in love with it—it just gets the job done. That’s really what I’m always looking for when I think of the usual models in the Expedition lineup.
Timex is also rolling out a new silicone strap for this release, available in black or green. It’s flexible, looks easy to wear, and uses quick-release spring bars so you can swap straps without fighting tiny tools at your desk. It’s a small detail, but one that makes this feel like a more thoughtful everyday watch. Along with the thinness of the case, this kind of strap will probably help the watch maintain a lower on-wrist profile.
Under the hood, there’s nothing surprising, just Timex’s workhorse quartz analog movement. It’s accurate, reliable, and dead simple to live with. At this price point, that’s exactly what you want.
I love that Timex is taking a little risk reworking the Expedition. It’s such a staple in their collection and I wonder if this will open up the series to collectors that don’t gravitate toward the usual “standard” field watch design. The Expedition Capstone doesn’t exactly reinvent the field watch, but it certainly matures it. Let’s see if we start getting a few more versions in the future (different sizes, complications, etc.). That would be rad.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.