Are Timex watches good? Short answer: yes, for the price. Timex makes simple, durable, easy-to-read watches that cost little and keep good time, and it is not a luxury brand. The weak spots reported by many owners are warranty service and some quality control, so buy from an authorised seller and keep your receipt. Below is what Timex does well, where it falls short, and which lines are worth a look. Prices change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
How we looked at it: we compared manufacturer specifications with published reviews and owner reports. We have not tested every watch ourselves, so we say where a claim comes from.
A short history
First, a little history: Timex began in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company in Waterbury, Connecticut. Then, the company made low-cost watches for the mass market, including pocket watches sold under the Ingersoll name, and the Timex name took over in the 1940s and 1950s. Timex introduced its Indiglo light-up dial in the early 1990s, and the Ironman line of digital sports watches is named after the Ironman triathlon. Today Timex is part of the Timex Group, an American-Dutch company, and one source reports that factories in the Philippines assemble most of its watches.
What Timex does well
- Value: most models cost far less than similar watches from bigger brands.
- Easy to read: clean dials, large numerals and the Indiglo backlight make the time clear at night.
- Simple and light: many models are light, slim and comfortable all day.
- Strap choice: many models take standard 18, 20 or 22 mm straps.
- Style range: from rugged field and digital sports watches to vintage-style automatics.
Where Timex falls short
- Warranty and service: reviews on consumer sites are mixed, and several owners report slow or costly warranty claims. Timex gives a limited one-year warranty on many models.
- Quality control: some owners report dead batteries, loose buttons or failures within a year, while others report years of trouble-free use.
- Crystals: many models use acrylic crystals that scratch more easily than mineral or sapphire.
- Ticking noise: several reviewers say the quartz tick of some analog models is loud in a quiet room.
- Water resistance varies: check the exact rating, because it ranges from 30 m on dress models to 100 m on sports models.
The Timex lines worth knowing
Weekender: simple casual quartz
A 40 mm quartz watch with Indiglo, 20 mm straps and a mineral crystal on most versions. Water resistance is typically 30 m (some newer versions list 50 m), so it is splash-proof only.
Marlin: vintage style, hand-wound or automatic
A retro 40 mm watch. The automatic version uses a Japanese Miyota movement with about 40 hours of reserve, an acrylic crystal and 50 m water resistance, according to Timex. If you want a comparison, see our best cheap automatic watches for how it compares.
Rugged outdoor watches: the Expedition line
The cases come in resin and metal from about 37 to 43 mm, with Indiglo and water resistance from 50 m to 100 m depending on the model. Resin versions often use acrylic crystals. Also, our earlier review covers the Expedition T49891.
Ironman: digital sports watches
Meanwhile, the Ironman line has 30-lap memory, timers, alarms and Indiglo, with 100 m water resistance on many versions according to Timex, in sizes from 34 to 43 mm. If you want detail, see our Women’s Ironman Essential review.
Easy Reader: classic dress and casual
The Easy Reader is a simple analog watch descended from Timex’s 1960s torture-test advertising. Also, versions are 25 mm to about 35 mm, with a mineral crystal, Indiglo and 30 m water resistance. If you prefer a closer look, see our review of the Timex Women’s Easy Reader T2H331.
Timex compared with Casio and Seiko
- Casio: often cheaper, with longer battery life and more water resistance on digital models, but a more utilitarian look. See our best watches under $100.
- Seiko: offers in-house automatic movements at low prices, such as the Seiko 5. See our best watches under $500.
- Timex: strongest on style variety, easy-to-read dials and Indiglo, weakest on warranty reputation.
Who should buy a Timex
Good fit: you want a good-looking, low-cost everyday or casual watch, a second watch for rough days, or an easy-to-swap strap watch. Think twice: you want a watch to keep for decades, sapphire glass, or reliable warranty service.
Tips before you buy
- Buy from Timex or an authorised seller so the warranty is valid.
- Check the exact water-resistance rating and crystal for the model you choose.
- Measure your wrist and check the case diameter.
- Keep your receipt and register the watch if the maker allows it.
For more choices see our best leather strap watches, best dress watches and best everyday watch guide.
More Timex watches on Amazon
FAQ
Are Timex watches good quality?
They are good for the price, with simple and durable designs, but quality control and warranty service draw mixed reviews.
Is Timex a luxury brand?
No. Overall, Timex is an affordable mass-market brand, and its strength is value rather than prestige.
Are Timex watches waterproof?
Not all. Many dress and casual models are rated 30 m, which is splash-proof only, while Ironman and some Expedition models are rated 100 m. Check the exact model.
Where are Timex watches made?
Timex Group is an American-Dutch company, and one source reports that factories in the Philippines assemble most of its watches.
Which Timex should I buy first?
The Weekender for casual wear, the Marlin for vintage style and an automatic movement, or an Ironman for sport.
Verdict
Timex watches are good value if you want style, readability and a low price, and you accept an acrylic crystal on some models and a warranty process that some owners find slow. Buy from an authorised seller and check the exact model before you order.
