Looking at the momentum that Timex has with today’s collectors, much of their success can be traced back to the earlier 34mm Marlin re-launch. Sure, Timex has been pumping out cool sport models left and right. But it’s easy to forget that people really started to take a new, passionate interest in Timex after that hand-wound dress watch was released all the way back in 2017. At the time it was their first mechanical release since 1982. Now, for 2024 Timex has announced a new model (not a re-issue) inspired by space-age 1960s designs—the Timex Marlin Jet Automatic.
I still actually have one of those earlier 2017 Marlin watches. It’s a charming piece but I’m not really reaching for it at 34mm. The new Timex Marlin Jet Automatic is a little larger at 38mm and the domed acrylic crystal seems like it would make the watch look a bit larger. From the looks of it, this crystal is fitted over the bezel and slopes down deeply into the case sides. It almost gives the watch a bit of a flying saucer look, which I guess would work with the whole futuristic jet age theme.
I’m a bit torn on the approach, if I’m being honest. While I see this as a fun way to experiment with the Marlin, I just can’t get over how huge some the branding seems. Seeing MARLIN twice and so in your face feels like too much and it detracts from just how clean this watch could’ve been. I also think the text just above the 6 o’clock mark could shrink down slightly. Maybe I’m not getting it without seeing it in the flesh. Otherwise, it’s a nice evolution of the Marlin and I hope Timex keeps experimenting with crystals this way.
Timex Marlin Jet Automatic Specs
- Case diameter: 38mm
- Case thickness: 11.5mm
- Water resistance: 50m
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Movement: Miyota automatic
- Crystal: Acrylic
- Strap: Fabric
- Price: $289
Timex, you were so close. But I guess they can’t all be winners. At least the price is approachable (like most Timex releases) and it wouldn’t be too much of a risk if you did want to experiment with one of these. I’d say just minimize the branding next time and the watch would be solid.
Learn more about the Timex Marlin Jet Automatic on the brand’s official site.
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.
I disagree with this review. I am not certain it’s helpful to review a watch without seeing one in real life. I can see why you would have the opinions you do after seeing the photographs. I have one of these and even though it’s obviously the same as the watch in the photographs, I can report that the experience is different when one sees the actual watch. The “MARLIN” texting the bezel is much more subtle, because the curvature of the crystal bends ambient light in such a way as to make it less obvious under normal conditions. The dial is a lovely sparkly silver/grey colour and the applied indices are crisp and precise. The text on the dial seems to float slightly above it. The stripes and concentric circles in the decoration, plus the milled stripes on the movement create a theme that is consistent over the whole watch. It seems really well thought out. Personally I think it’s full of character and Timex has achieved exactly what they set out to do. It looks like my grandpas’s watch from the ‘60s at the same time as it looks fresh and cool.
Hi Keith.
This is not a review. This is a news piece covering the release of the watch.