Timex just introduced a new version of their popular vintage reissue Marlin watch as the Todd Snyder + Timex Marlin Blackout model. It is sold directly via Timex partner Todd Snyder on the men’s fashion website. Why is this small, 34mm wide vintage-looking wristwatch so popular? Much of the reason is the price. Timex decided to re-release a classic model in its original 34mm wide size with a mechanical movement for under $200. The combination of good quality-for-the-money, style, and brand affinity helped the original Timex Marlin (aBlogtoWatch review here) sell out, as far as I know. Timex has a few new Marlin watches in the pipeline, and this “Blackout” version with a black dial will no doubt appeal to fans who may have missed out on the “oyster” toned dial of the original (modern) Timex Marlin.
In steel and water-resistant to 30m, the Marlin is 34mm wide and 10mm thick with an 18mm wide black “lizard-style” leather strap. In true vintage form the crystal is acrylic and the overall poise of the watch is unpretentious and a little bit playful. It was German Glashütte Original that for me popularized these “Tiki-style” Arabic hour numerals on their Senator Sixties watch collection.
The fashion designer Todd Snyder understands how to best wear the Timex Marlin Blackout – and that is with sleeves and a suit. Smaller dimension timepieces are best paired with long versus short sleeves, and when the watch is simple and black, it is best paired with something more formal and elegant. The Marlin isn’t a sports watch, so it isn’t intended on being worn casually or for sport-related purposes. One certainly can, but when paired with a dressier outfit such a wristwatch size and look appears remarkably appropriate, even today.
To keep costs down the manually-wound mechanical movement inside the Marlin is produced in China and is relatively basic in operation with just the time. The simplicity of the movement hearkens to the vintage-style nature of the Marlin product overall – and results in what I believe is a satisfying experience because of how affordable the product is compared to the vast majority of name-brand mechanical watches out there. This particular Blackout version of the Marlin will be exclusively available at Todd Snyder’s flagship store in New York City, as well as via the toddsnyder.com website for the price of $199 USD. timex.com
