Taking A Closer Look At The Timex Marlin Chronograph Tachymeter
The new Timex Marlin® Chronograph Tachymeter may look like the Tag Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary - if you squint, without the hefty pricetag.
The saying, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery is overly used when it comes to horology, but when a watch can literally save you thousands of dollars, then who am I to argue.
The new TIMEX Marlin® Chronograph Tachymeter range will probably be the closest I will ever get to wearing something that looks like the Tag Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary, but that is not a bad thing, as the Marlin is actually a great watch at a fraction of the price of the Tag it is imitating. Heck, even Seiko is getting in on the action with the new Speedtimer mechanical chronographs; SRQ047J and SRQ049J which are closer in price to the Carrera than the Timex Marlin.
I am well aware that this would be akin to comparing apples and rocks - they are nothing alike, even if the rock is round and red like the apple. Nevertheless, the first thing that struck me about the Timex Marlin Chrono was its looks, especially its close resemblance to the aforementioned Tag.
Beyond its looks, Timex have put some serious thought and attention to detail to their first ever chronograph in the Marlin range; like the ‘glassbox’ domed acrylic crystal, tachymeter index markers along its outer minute track, to the stainless-steel case and sleek stainless-less steel bracelet. I have to add, the domed crystal distorts around the edges, making it difficult to read the tachymeter scale - I had trouble even with my reading glasses!
What struck me first about this watch was the use of stainless steel and general silver aesthetic. The silver-tone dial, leveled-down sub-dials, the unique date window placement between the 4 and 5, and spunky retro-style square markers at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock.
Timex have nailed the iconic mid-century look with this Marlin Chrono, especially with the dial and tachymeter index evoking the look of a vintage dashboard. At sub-$400, this is an expensive Timex, but I reckon it is totally worth it.
PS: If you were one of the lucky ones to grab this watch during the recent Black Friday deals (under $300), then you got yourself an absolute bargain!
