Timex Marlin Jet Automatic Review | Can Looks Overcome Specs?
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The Marlin Jet Automatic is part of Timex’s foray into higher-priced watches, a move driven by the changing landscape of the watch industry. This model exemplifies Timex’s focus on unique design and aesthetic appeal, targeting a niche segment of watch enthusiasts.
Watch Crystal
The Marlin Jet Automatic breaks new ground with its acrylic crystal that envelops the entire bezel, creating a distinctive look reminiscent of a sci-fi moon base. This bold design choice is both a stylistic statement and the crystal is somewhat of a practical consideration, as acrylic offers better impact resistance than sapphire.
The retro-futuristic vibe is further accentuated by the warping effect at the edges of the crystal, adding to the watch’s unique character. This choice, while unusual, demonstrates Timex’s willingness to experiment with form and function.
Dial Design
The dial of the Marlin Jet Automatic is a study in minimalism and elegance. The satin silver-grey finish provides a clean backdrop for the slim hands and inset hour markers. The 24-hour subdial, while arguably more decorative than functional, lends a unique touch to the watch’s face.
This subdial, along with the upwardly curved chapter ring, contributes to the watch’s distinctive aesthetic, setting it apart from other Bauhaus-style watches. A quick note here, this dressy watch features no luminescence.
Strap & Dimensions
The included Nato-style strap, while visually fitting, is not on par with the overall quality of the watch. The awkward 19mm strap size also poses limitations for those looking to explore third-party options. Despite these issues, the strap’s holeless design offers a comfortable and adjustable fit.
The Timex Marlin Jet Automatic is designed with ergonomics in mind, catering to a wide array of wrist sizes. It features a 38mm case diameter, a dimension that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, making it suitable for both larger and smaller wrists. The lug-to-lug distance of 43mm further ensures that the watch sits comfortably on most wrist sizes without overhang.
One of the distinctive features of the Marlin Jet is its case thickness, which stands at 13.6mm. This measurement includes the domed crystal that contributes significantly to the watch’s profile. While this thickness might suggest a bulky appearance, the actual case (below the crystal/bezel line) is only 8.5mm thick. This slim base mitigates the perceived bulkiness a little, making it just about viable for slimmer arms like mine.
Build Quality & Movement
The Marlin Jet’s steel case is fairly well-crafted, with a brushed finish and polished underside. The screwback case design ensures a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for serious water activities. The innovative design of the bezel, with its engraved Marlin logos and slim lines, adds depth and sophistication to the watch’s appearance.
Equipped with a Miyota 8000 series movement, the Marlin Jet Automatic addresses some common drawbacks of this caliber. Timex’s modification to the rotor results in a quieter operation, enhancing the user experience. The presence of a ghost position for the absent date wheel is a minor inconvenience, but it does not detract significantly from the watch’s functionality. The movement’s hacking and hand-winding capabilities are useful features, though a more advanced movement could have elevated the watch’s overall value; a slimmer Miyota 9000 series movement, for instance, could have been utilized to decrease the thickness.
Final Thoughts
The Timex Marlin Jet Automatic is a bold statement piece, combining a retro-futuristic design with practical considerations. Its unique crystal design, comfortable strap, and quiet movement make it a noteworthy option in the sub-$500 price range. While improvements could be made in strap quality and movement selection, the Marlin Jet Automatic stands as a testament to Timex’s evolving design philosophy and commitment to creating distinctive, character-rich timepieces. For a relatively low price, you get a luxury-looking design from a distance, though build quality does fall short of other microbrand options. It’s a keeper for me, though.