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A fun twist on the classic Marlin from Timex

Timex, over the last couple of years, seems to have been having quite the resurgence when it comes to releases that are based on their back catalogue. We have had some exciting watches from their Q line up like the original Q and the Q LCA that have been met mostly with success based on the aesthetic appeal and relatively low price point. It seems to be a winning formula while all things retro or vintage are taking the watch market by storm. The latest release by Timex, the California dialled Marlin is yet another example of this Formula for success in my eyes.

The Marlin as a range of watches has been around for some time in the Timex range, but this California version, as the name suggests, gets an updated dial in that California style. It’s fascinating how mixing the use of regular Arabic and Roman numerals can have such a lovely aesthetic on a watch face, but they do add some flair and interest to a dial.

There are a few theories about where this particular dial type originated. Still, the most popular seems to be a Californian based dial company that began refinishing a number of Rolex dials with this design and these became rather popular in the 80s. Other manufacturers like Panerai have also used this style, and other affordable brands like Spinnaker and Undone also have models that feature their take on this style of indices layout. Regardless of how it originated, it’s always been something that’s caught my eye. So when I saw this Marlin sporting this dial, I was keen to give it a look!

Essentially the Marlin is and always has been a straightforward watch. This California edition has basic hours, minutes and seconds function. No date or day is present, and I think that adds to the clean look overall. There are two variations available, a black and gold coloured version with a black dial and this steel version with a very slightly pink champagne sunburst dial which was my choice of the two. Both feature Roman numerals for the top half of the dial and standard Arabic’s for the lower half. Writing on the dial is kept to a minimum with Timex just below the triangle noon marker and automatic just above the 6 o’clock position.

At 40mm in diameter, the case is a straightforward classic style with a high polish finish across all the surfaces. At the rear of the case, Timex opted for a display case back, and through this, you can see the 21 Jewel Miyota movement in action. There is no decorative work done to this, which is fine for me at the comparatively low price point of the watch, but it does beg the question, why bother with a display back on a reasonably basic movement?

The crystal used is a very domed acrylic and suits the vintage style of this one very well but means thickness wise you're looking at around 13mm, which I found to be fine on the wrist, and it still easily slipped under the cuff perfectly well in daily use. The acrylic means any future marks can also be easily polished out, which makes maintenance a breeze.

This steel version comes on a brown leather strap with stainless steel hardware matching the high polish case. The buckle is signed Timex, and I’m happy to say that the strap is nicely made! Very rarely do I find watches at this price where the strap or bracelet is much more than a budget afterthought, but in this case, it’s actually very nicely done. The lug width of 20mm means that changing it if you want to won’t mean trying to find odd width straps, and the strap it comes with is also a quick-change version with built-in spring bars. So again, an excellent addition to this as an overall package. Well done, Timex!

So overall, we have a nicely sized Marlin with the addition of a famous dial layout popular in some much higher priced brands over the years with a reliable if not pretty movement. A decent strap as standard and a lovely vintage aesthetic. On paper, there isn’t anything that jumps out as particularly special about this version of the Marlin, but as a package and on the wrist, it feels and looks much more unique and expensive than it is.

The dial is not just a California style dial. It’s a California styled dial done well. The writing, although simple, is crisp, and the numerals are all applied and perfectly sized, and this adds a very nice depth to what is a simple dial overall. The sword hands are lumed and again very sharp, making reading the whole dial straightforward at a glance. And finally, the pink champagne sunburst dial really was a fantastic choice in colour. Just adding that slight pink hue to it really does make this dial come alive against the applied indices and sword hands. Catching the light across this dial really shows off the sunburst effect and the different colours from the pink and champagne finish.

As a complete package, I think the Timex Marlin California is a tough package to beat. For the money, you get the lovely vintage feel in a nicely finished package. I’m not a fan of the exhibition case back, but that’s a personal preference. I’d rather seen a nicely engraved steel one, but it’s certainly not something that would put me off wearing this Marlin. As a semi-casual dress watch, this ticks many boxes for me at this price, and I’ll certainly enjoy wearing this one! If you're looking for a simple, elegant looking watch on a budget, this should definitely be given careful consideration if you're fond of the California dial!