Hot Take: Three Novelties From Timex

It’s not easy to keep track of all the Timex releases. There are a lot of them, but don’t panic, here at Fratello we have picked what we consider the three best models from their recent introductions. The Timex x Pac-Man T80, Timex x Snoopy Space Traveler and Navi XL Automatic.

There is something about watches with a $250 price tag. And it’s not only the fact that you can have at least four of them within a $1000 dollar budget. Magic math, isn’t it? They don’t break the bank, and they can be a lot of fun! Today we will take a look at three novelties from a brand that excels in this particular price range: Timex.

Timex x Pac-Man T80

The first watch I have here is the Timex x Pac-Man T80. It is a nostalgic cult from the first digital era, a style burnt into the brains of everyone born in the 1970s and early 1980s. A perfect gift for your young kid(s), but we will forgive you if you just keep it yourself. When I saw this new Timex x Pac-Man edition, I immediately saw the Didactic M computer we bought together with my brothers. They worked hard for months to save up the necessary 110 euros to fund the machine. I, being the youngest, ‘only’ added the crucial missing one euro.

Haute couture watch

So, what does this retro watch from the eighties have in store for you? It features all the functions you’d expect from a T80, like an alarm, stopwatch, and date display. It was revealed early November at ComplexCon in Long Beach along with all the other major drops in sneakers, clothing, and accessories. The old-school screen layout contains the company’s signature Indiglo illumination and of course, a Pac-Man engraving on the back.

Black or gold Timex x Pac-ManT80?

If you would have asked me this 20 years ago, I would have opted for the black one. Even a week ago, my answer would have been the same. But looking at it today while writing this, I am so close to pressing the BUY NOW button on the golden one. The golden model brings back all the memories from cheap flea markets that my dad and I used to wander through back in the day. And this is precisely why you should buy it. Or maybe just because of the bonus, the iconic PAC-MAN melody that’s fitted in too! For 79 dollars, it is a nostalgic bargain.

Timex x Snoopy Space Traveler

I think it is just around a year ago when Timex released the previous Timex x Silver Snoopy edition. The brushed dial beauties with quite a big Marlin figure above the six disappeared sooner than employees from the office on Friday afternoon. This 40mm diameter watch powered by a not-so-attractive automatic Miyota movement confirms that there are a lot of watches you don’t need, but want to have anyway.

Evolution, not revolution

The recent facelift celebrates the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. Of course… the resemblance to its predecessor is not an accident. The major design refreshment comes with a darker case and red central second hand beneath the domed acrylic crystal. The typically outlined Snoopy comic figure has been replaced with a black & white drawing, this time also wearing a helmet. Dark tones can also be spotted on the hands. The crown stays slightly sunk into the case, a detail I really like. I also appreciate that the Snoopy figure is slightly smaller in this rendition, creating space to fit part of the sixth-hour marker. Get it while you can. I have that feeling that with the 249 dollars price tag, the red BUY NOW button won‘t be active for long.

Timex Navi XL Automatic

If the previous Timex model might still be for up for grabs, that, unfortunately, doesn’t apply to the first mechanical “G. I. Jane” watch from Timex anymore.

The resemblance is purely random

The dark green dial with big lume plots surrounded by silver rings gives the aesthetics of a Rolex Submariner, as many other divers do as well. The cyclops on the date aperture, the styling of the crown guards, and bezel might underline this even more. Is that good or bad?! Not important, I guess – the Timex Navi XL still has a lot of its own charm. The sword hands on this 41mm Timex look like they could easily cut your fingers. If you are looking for a particular detail that will make you surrender to this watch, the transparent disc on the hour hand will probably be the one. It allows one to read the inner dial numeric track counting from 13 to 24.

Careful diving

„The best inspiration is always found while searching our archives,“ you can‘t argue with the official Timex statement. Timex indicates that the inspiration for this particular model came from their earliest diver-style watches. But don’t misinterpret it as having diver functions. With a 100m resistance and leather strap, I wouldn’t recommend going in the water with this watch. Retail price is $259USD, but by signing up for their newsletter, you already receive a nice discount.

More information can be found on the official Timex website.