The new collaboration between Timex and The James Brand caught my attention on social media for its design, functionality and affordability. After having had the chance to take it in hand, I can say without hesitation that it is probably the best GMT under $1,000, or even $2,500, that I have tested.
A Grade 5 titanium case that strikes the perfect balance
The Timex and The James Brand GMT features a Grade 5 titanium case measuring 41 mm in diameter and only 11.5 mm thick. Waterproof to 200 m, it offers an excellent robustness/lightness ratio with its 120 grams, ideally positioned between a Citizen Promaster Super Titanium (111 g) and a Tudor Black Bay 58 (145 g). The titanium bracelet, although devoid of shrinkage, impresses with its manufacturing quality and its comfort on the wrist, far from the sometimes approximate bracelets found at this price level.
A clean and efficient design, punctuated with touches of color
The success of this GMT also lies in its sober and coherent design. The touches of lime green, the signature color of The James Brand, are skilfully distilled, particularly on the circular index of the bezel which recalls the โJAMESยบโ logo. The rest of the watch plays the monochrome card with a black dial, white indexes and a two-tone gray/black bezel separated at daytime (6 a.m.) and nighttime (6 p.m.) times. Although I would perhaps have opted for a more marked contrast on the bezel, this remains a minor detail which does not detract from the overall success of the design.
A Miyota 9075 โflyerโ GMT movement for easy travel
The major asset of this Timex and The James Brand GMT lies in its movement, the Miyota caliber 9075. It is a GMT โflyerโ, where the hour hand can be adjusted independently, like the my Rolex GMT-Master II. A considerable advantage for travelers wishing to quickly adjust their watch to a new time zone while maintaining the reference time display (home time). Certainly, the finish of the movement does not equal that of a Rolex, a Tudor or even a Longines Spirit Zulu Time, but with 40 hours of power reserve and a precision of -10 ~ +30 seconds per day , difficult to be too demanding at this price!
Other highlights, the strap is equipped with a quick change system and Timex includes an additional rubber strap with pin buckle. The watch is numbered and limited to 1,000 pieces, giving it extra soul. So, if like me you travel often and are looking for a simple, affordable and reliable GMT watch, don't delay too long. At $749, this Timex and The James Brand GMT is likely to find a buyer very quickly and become a permanent fixture on your wrist, as will certainly be the case for me!
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