BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Field watches are a big trend in the wristwatch game, especially in the $100-$2500 range, you don’t tend to see them above that when you get to brands like Omega and IWC, although they can be found if you look. You’re more likely to find field watches from names like Hamilton, Seiko, Orient and the subject of today’s article: Timex.
The Expedition North Titanium Automatic 41mm is about being rugged and ready to go out and take on the world. As the name suggests, the main ruggedness comes from the 41mm x 12.5mm titanium case, which is matte all around to hide marks and dents. It also comes on an eco-friendly ‘Ecco DriTan’ leather strap with a matching pin buckle to boot. It’s quite a compelling option with its titanium case at this price point which I’ll get to in a minute, especially when you consider what some other manufacturers are charging for titanium watches, although this one doesn’t have a titanium bracelet. The case is water-resistant to 200m, though.
As well as being rugged, field watches also need to be legible for use “in the field” which is watchaholic bro code for walking the dog in the park. The grainy black dial has big, chunky markers and even chunkier hands with plenty of lume on the hands and markers for nighttime reading. The date window is nice but stands out thanks to its white backdrop.
Powering this all and also visible through the back is an automatic Miyota 8215 calibre, running at 3Hz for a total of 42 hours. I can see lots of people making a comparison between this Timex and the Rolex Explorer and how it’s much better value, and in some ways, it might be superior to the Rolex, but not in the movement, there’s still a way to go there.
Overall, the Timex Expedition North Titanium Automatic 41mm is a good no-nonsense mechanical field-style wristwatch which will satisfy those who have a more active lifestyle and don’t care that much about brand heritage or being recognised. The watch is a part of the permanent collection and costs $349 (presumably without sales tax)or €349 which we can only assume includes VAT.
Visit Timex here.
