A Dream Within a Dream : Timex American Documents Review (TW2R82900US)

[@ReubenPsychol.]

The simplicity is what makes me find this watch so beautiful. It isn't a simplicity that feels "empty", but it's a simplicity with harmony and beauty. The price is psychotic, but the watch itself -is beautiful.

[@RelativeTime]

I could understand that. I do like the look of it on that tweed strap. I just think for the price and what they were trying to do they should of gone a different route.

[@Br0ns0n]

Solid intellectually honest review. Well done. The closing of the box on the watch was some really powerful symbology. Ouch. lol

[@tremelo8508]

I am glad to see Timex is slowly making strides to move beyond fashion watch territory. This is a bit of an over reach. They need to fix smaller issues first like no hacking on their automatics. They are certainly moving in the right direction at least. Would love to see Timex gain back respectability.

[@stevek8829]

Seiko's most popular auto, the 5, has no hacking.

[@tremelo8508]

Steve K I could be wrong I but I thought Seiko is moving to upgrade their entire line to hacking and winding eventually .

[@MrBacchus18]

Timex headquarters is like 15 minutes away from my house. I am pretty interested in this watch, I wish Timex luck in expanding this line of watches.

[@b.2221]

Give us Timex, and Hamilton anytime, but totally agree with your summation on this watch Sir. I live in Scotland and when I was a kid at school I had a Timex watch made in Dundee, and man was that my favourite watch. 👍 Tam.

[@saintdave1877]

Shame about the actions of Timex in Dundee...bringing in strike breakers , laying loyal workers off and locking them from the plant www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/2015/08/28/the-good-the-bad-and-the-timex-a-factory-of-the-future-until-tough-times-hit/

[@samsum3738]

Unframed date window .A frame , would add some class and make the dial less boring .For quartz timex , too expensive for what you are getting .For one eighth of that price ,you could buy a timex weekender , which i myself own and get indiglow .

[@RelativeTime]

Yah... it just needs something more. At the very least something to give it some real depth. otherwise it looks like every other Timex with Indiglow. Except this doesn't have indiglow.

[@ZCherish]

Iirc, Vortic Watch Company also uses Gorilla Glass, for the same reason of U.S. made.

[@RelativeTime]

I didn't know that but it makes sense. I'd love to get one at some point.

[@perfectwatchquest3091]

Yeah, I like their effort for American made! A price point of $295-345 for this to get into the market and continue developing this pursuit. Thanks again.

[@Strat_inthehat]

Timex is getting there, between this, the 34mm Marlin, and the S1, the designs are becoming more and more appealing- but those prices vs product value, oof. If the S1 was below 40mm and $100 cheaper, it’d be on my wrist right now.

[@RelativeTime]

They are definitely on the right track design wise. I might try to get a Waterbury Auto later this year to review. I'd love an S1, but I'll wait until I can get a good deal on one.

[@porkfat8109]

I just got that Marlin for Christmas, and I love it. I give Timex credit, great move for Made in America. Even if the movement is Swiss, thats still better than China.

[@porkfat8109]

@Truthfears Guilty Easier said then done I imagine, that watch is pricey enough right now....but it is a start.

[@spg5658]

I'm a huge fan of Timex but could not agree more with everything you said here. You said exactly what I have been saying since I first saw it. I'm hoping they make a new design of this that is attractive and unique. And if so I will gladly pay the $500 mainly to support the cause, understanding the watch itself is probably on par with several foreign made $200 to $250 pieces. But good for them for at least trying! 🇺🇲👍

[@RelativeTime]

I'm with you on that. And $500 isn't completely unheard of for what they are doing, it's right in line with Shinola. And while Watch Enthusiasts and collectors may not be fans of Shinola, they seem to be doing just fine with the general public. It just needs to be more interesting. The Mickey Shinola I briefly show near the end was a Christmas gift from a friend. Evidently, they have been discontinued and he just happened to run across it on clearance. One cool thing I noticed was that the leather strap says "Sewn in USA with American hides". Shinola has said that they would like to use more and more US-sourced components. So nice to see they are trying.

[@dennisc.1189]

I like the clean, simple looks of the watch just would like to see some raised marker instead of just painted on the dial and for the gorilla glass will scratch but hard to break. It is a bit pricey but should hold up to every day of use.

[@davidtaylor6663]

Relative Time...I love your Bret Easton Ellis character honesty and straightforward approach...I am all in. Your reviews have been spot on.

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

Great review. Like you said, Timex is headed in the right direction. Ameriquartz movement + 36/38mm case and I'm sold. Keep it coming Timex!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. I recently reached out to Ameriquartz to find out more about their process. I know they are partnered with Titan, but curious how much is their own technology and parts.

[@bastieniezzi6539]

Timex is having a go; they’re not there yet but they are on their way. Thanks for review. 👍

[@diamondbed86]

So glad you reviewed this one. Not too much out there about it. Love your channel. Have a good New Year!

[@seanpollard4844]

Timex should not be afraid to make their own movements in America. I think it would be worth double with applied indices and an American movement. Look how Bulova innovated with the sweeping seconds quartz in the Precisionist. There is an untapped marked for watches made in the USA.

[@Barry4B]

I bought this watch ( I’m delighted with it ) just to remember the very first watch I had : it was a timex and I was was given it as a Christmas present in 1966 , I was 6 years old

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

I think the made worn version is really interesting.. it had a crazy high msrp but with the Timex sale I nailed one for 300 bucks which made it worth it. Only 300 made but some are still available and would make a really interesting review.. hence why I bought it.. keeping it? We’ll see…

[@timyoungnc]

Excellent review! How does this compare to the S1? I love made in US! Wish the S1 had a date feature.

[@JusttheWatch]

Also if they were going to charge that much they should have just thrown in a Miyota 9000 series movement and charged a grand for it.

[@RelativeTime]

It's kind of hard to judge value here, as I'm sure it was expensive to make. But for the price it should have a miyota 9015. Even they should know that as that's what they are charging for the new S1.

[@Texmotodad]

Yep, agreed. Boring dial. Too many words.........I’ll stick with my Explorer Chrono and Weekender. Thx for showing this though. Hopefully Timex will learn from this.

[@RelativeTime]

I'm hoping they will. Even if this isn't a success, they now have contacts that have experience building components. So hopefully they try again and improve as they go.

[@richardb22]

Timex explorer? Do you mean expedition or have I missed something . Thanks

[@Texmotodad]

Richard Bartram Yes you are correct. My wife read my post and said the same thing. Was too lazy to correct it after I re-read the post 😉

[@dustinjones8432]

Wow. Just found your channel (and I know it is bad netiquette to comment on old reviews) but this video is really excellent. Most reviewers on youtube feel like they are "pitching" the watches they review. You had an opinion on this watch and an idea behind what a video on it could be and didn't shy away sharing that idea. At the same time, you gave the watch a fair go before breaking it down for some of its flaws. Your radio voice really works with the dictation, editing, and shots

[@Goob2112]

I like what they're trying to do here, but this one isn't for me, it's just not there yet. I have purchased the Giorgio Galli S1, I think that's a fantastic watch, and the first Timex I purchased since I bought an Indiglo in the early 90s. I hope they can improve on this model, I'd love to own one some day.

[@RelativeTime]

I'm very tempted by the S1. I just love the look of the case, How do you like it?

[@Goob2112]

@@RelativeTime I love it, the dial is very reserved yet beautiful, and I think that was a great move. I think Timex crossed a threshold with the S1. It will be interesting to see where they go from here with their mechanical watches. Maybe a collaboration with an American artist to take it to the next level, some type of limited edition with a sellita movement.

[@russellalfonso2962]

I think some vintage watches from American companies [for example Gruen and Hamilton] used Swiss movements?

[@robbabcock_]

That would be a pretty decent $150 watch. I understand why it's so expensive, just not really sure it's worth it except from an academic standpoint.

[@RelativeTime]

I think people are willing to pay more for an American made (assembled) watch, but still has to be within reason. Or has to be something special to justify it. Love them or Hate them, Shinola has been doing it for a bit now and a good chunk of their components are still imported.

[@chadbailey7038]

Great video! I love that Tweed strap 🤩. Such a shame they are sold out it seems 😢.

[@RelativeTime]

Check again sometime later. I think they have stopped selling some straps temporarily while they fulfill all the orders for their new watch. As far as I know, it's just Ivan & Judy that run Vario, so they sometimes have to prioritize their time.

[@kennyfriend339]

I own one these. It's an excellent and well built watch! Honestly just the fact it was all built in America is worth $500 to me personally. Honestly $500 is not a big pill to swallow. You don't get much for $500 now days

[@TheBryan1284]

In the quantity of movements Timex deals with and material of the case,stainless...guessing 20 to 40 bucks more per watch than the quartz. So why do they cost so much? Timex marlin 34mm has a 20 dollar seagull movement in it..on my list but not at 200.00 I'll wait till I see a deal used.

[@RelativeTime]

I think with the Marlins (and I'm guessing all the autos) they are outsourcing to one of the Chinese factories a lot of other companies use. While I think they run and control their own factories that make the quartz watches. Which I think are either in the Philippines or India. So I have no doubt that producing the components in the USA is going to be a bit more costly, just from labor alone. The big question is if it's worth it.

[@BosunM8James]

I think Timex's strength is in their field watches. Whether a weekender or a field chronograph Timex has always made a really good field watch for remarkable prices.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I agree. I also thought of their new Giorgio Galli S1 Automatic, which is actually almost worth the $450 they're asking for it. Had it had sapphire crystal I might have bought one.

[@RelativeTime]

I got so distracted by the design and the 9015 in the S1, I forgot to check the crystal. Your right... damn it's just mineral.

[@mikequinlan9585]

The Giorgio Galli S1 38m has a sapphire crystal

[@noobfl]

a bold move from timex, but a good one. its sad, that today, almost every watch comes from china and taiwan with swiss or japanese parts, especialy in the entry level. and american watchmaking have a great history and a destinctive stile, that can bring a new (old) flair in to the watchmarket. and also great to see, that timex dont bring just another weekender, mk1 or waterburry to the market

[@Commander_HW]

Because U.S minimal wage is way too high. An entry level watch priced watch won't have an entry level price if it was made in USA. For example the watch in this video.

[@Mr_Santo5]

I really want one of these. Mainly because of what it means. I don't think I have ever seen Timex sell a made in America watch in my lifetime, and this may be the last time they ever do.

[@RelativeTime]

I'm hoping they announce some new models, but so far I haven't heard anything else about the American Documents series. I was hoping they start looking into the Ameri-quartz movements. They also aren't quite "made in the usa", but they come pretty close.

[@fletchoid]

Timex relies on nostalgia to motivate people to buy watches that remind them of the iconic pieces from the past. I fell for this when I purchased a Timex Expedition for $60. I loved the look, feel and price of the watch, as well as the nostalgic memories of watches from my youth. This glow began to fade though, as I began to notice that the Timex was not nearly as accurate as some of the really cheap watches I have bought over the years to fill the "beater watch" niche. While I can live with + or - 15 seconds a day on an automatic watch, I just can't abide a quartz watch that loses a few minutes every few days (yes, I have replaced batteries). While I still like the look, and nostalgia of many of the newer Timex watches, the premium price some of these watches command make me reluctant to try them. My Dad's cheap, 40 year old, never cleaned or serviced Seiko quartz has lost 20 seconds over the past 4 months. I will need to see more positive reviews of Timex offerings before I spend any more money chasing the nostalgia of my youth.

[@RelativeTime]

I've run into some bad quartz pieces, but that's horrible. One thing I've been thinking about doing is an experiment on quartz watches. I've seen others where they track the accuracy across brands, but I'm more curious about the precision. How much deviation between crystals are there per manufacturer per crystal.

[@jacobpartin4553]

Oooh it looks fantastic on the blue croc strap

[@wescobts]

You bring up some really good points. I was going to jump and buy one, i still might but now i must think about what im getting for my money, and also what my money is doing after this purchase.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. I wound up selling this one. As much as I like the idea of it, just didn't see myself wearing it much. Luckily I didn't loose any money on it.

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

My main problem is that the dial isn't finished well. It's got a whole lot of crap under the glass, and that's disappointing for a watch at this price...

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

Also the hands are rough to say the least.

[@RelativeTime]

Yah. It's nice to see Timex trying to do more in country, but they may have biten off more than they could chew

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

@Relative Time I grabbed one for less than half it's original price. Hopefully for that price it's not too rough

[@77cjam]

Shame the chat ended so soon. But good video aS always mate. As mentioned on the chat I do think Timex is interesting, but I do think it interests the USA buyers more than the rest of the world because of their history. But as always enjoy your watches no matter what they are 👍

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. Chat was fun. First time trying it, so I'll try it again in the future. Hard part about it is picking the time where most people might be able to join in.

[@paulsalmon4771]

At that price point the finish on the hands should be better. Or am I wrong??

[@RelativeTime]

Short answer: You're right, they should be better. Longer answers more complicated. From what I remember hearing they wound up contacting a bunch of small companies in the US that haven't ever done this before. So there was a bit of a learning curve, and everything was done in really small batches. The result I'm sure it cost them just as much or more to make the hands than other brands. But if you don't care about that aspect of it, you're just looking for the best bang for your buck. Those hands are going to be a negative. As far as I know, they've stopped making these. For me personally, as much as I appreciate the made in USA aspect. I think they should have gone for a design that could have done better and then maybe built up to something like this. Or just spend more time refining the process so that they could be truly competitive.

[@paulsalmon4771]

@@RelativeTime base on that I guess the watch is special after all. I'll put it on my TO GET or to look at again LIST

[@stemikger]

Great video, but I disagree with you on the Q. I own a lot of watches and The Q is my favorite. Love the retro vibe that has become my everyday watch.

[@RelativeTime]

Its been a few years since I made this one, but I don't remeber talking about the Q, just the American Documents watch. What did I say about it?

[@stemikger]

@@RelativeTime Hey sorry for missing this. You said you didn't get the appeal in the beginning of the video.

[@paulweinberg2337]

Beautiful black strap with detailing at 5:10. Do you know who the manufacturer is? Where can I get it?

[@RelativeTime]

It's from Armilla. Pretty good leather for a pretty good price, there should be a link in the description to all the straps. One word of caution though. They are based in Romania, so depending on where you are, shipping can take a bit. In the past, it was a couple of weeks, but with the pandemic it's a bit more unpredictable.

[@paulweinberg2337]

Thanks very much for taking the time. I ordered two of them.

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

I agree. It´s boring. Too much text on the dial. Price tag is hilarious. 500 USD for a quartz with no other complication than a small second is imho way to overpriced. 200 USD would be okay. Also: weird lug width. But hey, that´s the same as on their Navi XL Automatic (19mm) which drives me crazy, cause I´ve to buy straps exclusivly for one watch!

[@s.k.p.1204]

try a metal expedition for a fraction of the price. I have a brass one and I'm content at $55 new.

[@internettroll7497]

Cool.Just like you said i would never buy this but wanted to see how good it was. Nice review dude. Beautiful macroshots👽🤘 Edit:the new timex autos. Would you buy any of them. Especially the new waterbury autos. Giorgio galli looks ok too.

[@RelativeTime]

I was a little disapointed in the Marlin (at least for the price), but I might get a Waterbury auto to check out later this year. Would love an S1, but not sure I wan't to spend that much. Someone else just pointed out that it doesn't have sapphire, just mineral glass.

[@internettroll7497]

@@RelativeTime oof. Timex always has to put an asterisk. Anyways we'll be looking forward to te marlin review. Keep rocking shane👽🤘.

[@cipriantanana3770]

I dont know.....why they use an swiss quartz movement?

[@RelativeTime]

For some people throwing "swiss" anything into it helps justify the price. But usually they don't know a swiss quartz movement is only a couple dollars more then a Japanese.

[@cipriantanana3770]

I saw some Hamilton s using quartz. Swiss mvmt but this Timex at this price...

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@RelativeTime ETA makes some of their quartz movements in Vietnam.

[@BarnOwl61]

I really would like it, if Timex as a brand would claim the position it lost many years ago. I even get the attraction for Americans to this revival. The watch isn't bad looking, but as stated, nothing special. The price however is ridiculous, especially for non Americans like myself. At this price you could buy a lot of very good watches as you know. Let's see what they come up with next.

[@blake70505]

I want to love this watch so badly but it's a struggle. $495 for a printed dial is just hard to swallow for me.

[@RelativeTime]

You aren't alone. I haven't heard timex say anything about it for a while. So they might have given up on the idea.

[@jaypaster8244]

It looks like one of Archieluxury's Pateks. I like the white dial best. ⌚

[@patrickbateman783]

1 Timex > 6 Pateks 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@BoogurTWang]

Thank you for the excellent review.

[@rocknroll8456]

I would like to compliment Relative Time for their review of this watch, very objective, informative and well done. I completely agree regarding the dial, this is where Timex dropped the ball. The dial needs to have "made in America" "swiss mov't" completely removed, way too much text and very tacky, not to mention that it already says this on the beautiful brass coin case back. In addition, for this price point, applied markers would have been significantly nicer and justified in my opinion, maybe even a nicely framed date window. I would have purchased this watch in a second if it weren't for the poor dial design. It is so disheartening to me that Timex gets this close to the finish line then falls just short of what could have been excellence. If anyone at the Timex corporation is watching these reviews, please take these constructive comments into consideration for future watch designs.

[@RelativeTime]

Hopefully they have someone who occasionally looks for comments like this. It would help them a lot to know what the people think.

[@timepieceobsession6602]

Excellent and fair review. Those hands seemed to have a lot of dust on them.

[@RelativeTime]

Not sure if they are dust or just scratches from when they were installed.

[@joeesparza6108]

What did you forget RGM?

[@leyay7540]

And RGM is indeed a capable brand.

[@RelativeTime]

No. I said it's "one of the most," I was thinking more in terms of Vaer, Nodus, Orion, Shinola, etc... I think RGM is the only one making an in house movement so I think they would be the most American Watch. Although I don't think they use it on every model. Not to mention the ones that do have quite a price tag. Vortic is another one, but they are sort of an exception as they use older refurbished movements. There is also Ginault...sort of...maybe. I dunno...thats a whole other conversation no one wants to have.

[@joeesparza6108]

I only mentioned RGM because the video came off as if no one else was doing truly American Made time pieces . I believe RGM now has 3 different caliber movements, one exactly being a Tourbillon! These movements are 90% fully American Made , caliber 20 being my favorite. I love how these 3 RGM's movements , cal.20 , cal.801 and Pennsylvania Tourbillon look truly American Made as in the form of the glory years of distinct American Made time pieces. Sadly as of now , I'll have to keep saving my funds ! 😫

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

US deserve an horological industry higher than TIMEX, FOSSIL, etc., and outmarking the crafted of Lancaster, (Pa) with the latest industrial equipment.

[@larryleyba6496]

I do think this watch is very elegant, I may be in if this was around $200 or less, or automatic. I don't mind a small seconds on a quarts watch like this. I think automatic watches with small seconds losses it's soul.

[@RelativeTime]

I agree with you on the small second. Also something I've thought about on a quartz watch with no second hand. I think the last one I had was a Type XX Undone sent me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKSlYqJ-bbGWndU Mecha-Quartz chrono, but no running seconds.

[@carllange3950]

It just does not have much appeal for me. The Giorgio Galli S1 has a better look and features to justify its price. Besides multiple Ironman watches, I purchased two of the Timex Intelligent Quartz watches. A 3GMT (T2P424) and a Flyback Chronograph (TW2P60600), which is my most unique chronograph.

[@RelativeTime]

How do you like the 3GMT. It looked well made, but a little big.

[@carllange3950]

Relative Time To make things confusing, there are two series of the Timex GMTs. The Allied Three GMT series, which has a blue/black bezel and numerals for both the 24 hand and the 12 hour hand (e.g. TW2R43600, TW2R70600), uses a more conventionally shaped 43mm case. The 3GMT series (no 12 hour scale numerals), like my T2P424 (silver case/bezel) or the T2P427 (black case/bezel w/brown leather strap), has a 42mm bezel with a case that slopes to 47mm. The shape hides the 47mm very well, but in hindsight, I think I would prefer the 43mm case version. What swayed me away from the 43mm version was the busy look of the dial with 12 and 24 scale numerals.

[@OPMDK]

Great take on this piece! 👍🇺🇸

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!👍

[@vargusalex]

The watch looks good and a definite step up for Timex. But, it's going to be hard for Timex to convince a lot of people to spend close to $500. To me, it's not close to being worth it. You can find plenty of watches that offer better value. The whole American made campaign won't make me want the watch more. It looks like a gimmick that may appeal to some people. When I think of Timex, I think of the jewelry section of most stores. Sitting on the shelves, not even being worth putting behind the glass cabinet. I have had a couple of Timex watches and currently have a weekender. But, it's going to be hard for me to justify paying that much for any Timex.

[@nukie404]

It really is quite a wonder how American watch making has become almost non-existant. I think this Timex as you mentioned is a step in the right direction, but not necessarily a steady step.

[@jasons6344]

I like the look of the watch however I agree the hands make it boring and uninteresting. I just would never pay that kind of money for a timex. There are too many nicer watches for that kind of money.

[@angrybanana6223]

I think it succeeds in doing what Shinola has attempted at a fraction of the price.

[@RelativeTime]

I haven't heard any new news about them in quite some time. So unfortunately at this point it looks like Timex has moved on. It's a pity.

[@angrybanana6223]

@@RelativeTime it's a real shame. Would have loved to see what that product line could have developed into.

[@imranchowdhury4972]

Don't worry with scratches as Apple is going to release a scratch proof crystal separately at $200😁. The dial is not bad but the hands are awful. Looks like they have just cut from plates and attached in the watch. Timex filed watches are available $45-50 which are quartz pieces, much better in quality but at. $495!!! Timex still need to go way long in quality watch making.

[@RelativeTime]

I've heard apple was working on something, but not exactly sure what they are doing. Unless they are planing on making screens out of diamond, not sure what would be better then sapphire.

[@morgan97475]

Right....who wants to jump into a joint effort, buy Bulova & Timex, and restart high quality American watchmaking again? Bulova will be the haute horology stuff, while Timex will be the high quality yet rugged field watch stuff (takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin').

[@RelativeTime]

That would be cool. Although right now Bulova is owned by Citizen. I was hoping they would start sharing technology across the brands, but so far doesn't seem like it. Would love for some sweeping quartz citizens or solar bulovas.

[@garluis23]

Great review as always. Guys, I'm looking for a Bauhaus mechanical watch, since I can't afford any legit one I'm looking at Chinese "homages" the reef tiger classic legend rga8215-YWB. It's a Junghans max bill "homage" Any one knows is it any good? Looks good to me. There's also a cheaper but good looking binger B5078M-5

[@RelativeTime]

Closest I've come on the Chinese front to a Bauhaus is this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3LOipl4oct4gKM Not sure what you are looking to spend, but just the watch looked at this one as an alternate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIrCZIWNe7yIaqs And I recently got a Vario Eclipse. instagram.com/p/B6tVjL0HncG/?igshid=cvsn7ms4s45e Of which they also have a sweeping quartz version.

[@saevans63]

Have to agree. It’s a very boring watch and the price is way too high for what it is.

[@JusttheWatch]

For some reason I was expecting a talk about mawaige...

[@RelativeTime]

LOL! I completely forgot about that. It's originally from Edgar Allen Poe, but that makes the title so much better.

[@skzion2]

Interesting.

[@Boswd]

So what makes Shinola worth nearly a $1000 for a Quartz watch and you have no issues with that but a $500 but for Timex it's overpriced? Isn't more of the Timex US made parts and the Shinola almost all imports? As far as the looks being boring? It's a bauhaus style of watch what did you expect, it's dress watch with a bauhaus styling So every watch that uses this style is "boring" smh

[@RelativeTime]

Well first most quartz Shinolas are $500-$700, in fact, I think the Runwell (there most popular model is around $550-$600 depending on the model). So I consider them to be about the same price. At which point I think they are both a bit overpriced. It's just I think the designs are more interesting than what Timex has here. I have a few Shinolas now, but they were all bought on clearance for around $200 rather than the retail price. That said value with both of them is really tricky. It really depends on how much you value where it's assembled and where the parts are coming from. As for Shinola's parts, again it's a bit tricky. One thing to note is that Shinola has always said from the beginning that they would like to do more and more in house (or at least in the USA) as they can. Yet they have never committed to 100% of that. Although they have increased some of that as time has gone on. Such as using more US leather, and plans to open a dial factory in Detroit (although I don't know if it ever went through). But that still leaves the case and the crystal coming from Asia. The movement is a little odd. They basically get Ronda parts shipped in, and then assemble the final movement in Detroit. Which is why they are labeled as Argonite movements, not Ronda. Then everything is assembled together in Detroit. As for the style of the Timex. It's not about the overall design, but the simple execution of it. No applied indices, no depth, grainy blue grey dial. Not to mention it doesn't look much different than some other Times that cost far less. As I said in the review, at this price in needs to be something that's visual different and stands apart, rather than just be conceptually different. Otherwise I don't think many people will buy it.

[@mikequinlan9585]

I got this watch for $395.00 I think that’s a better deal.

[@islandterror5198]

Missed the live chat format , should do more of them for us....👍

[@RelativeTime]

I'll try to in the future. Was fun. Hard part is figuring out a time for the most amount of people to join. This time it was a last min decision, but might try scheduling it a day or two in advance next time.

[@islandterror5198]

@@RelativeTime Perhaps a premier as those appear to give advanced notice . Sometimes I get YT notifications but not always . I'm sure everyone will enjoy talking with you.

[@solstar4778]

Is a white face with black numbers available? And a stem at 4 o’clock! Metal band ?

[@RelativeTime]

White face, yes. Everything else, no.

[@caseys_cozy_garage]

This watch is romantically American and pretty to me. Timex needs to keep trying

[@RelativeTime]

Hopefully they will, but they haven't announced anything yet.

[@waktosha7378]

I like Timex , they don't do enough to justify the money they charge!

[@thenexthobby]

Excellent review, and 100% spot-on. I mean, I almost didn't _click_ on this video because of how the dial appeared in the thumbnail. Ironic, given how many recent Timex's have such great dials, be they their's or Todd Snyder's. There's _so much goodness_ here ... especially on the underside (!) ... that it pains me to criticize the watch, but then again I'm not the one asking $500 effing dollars for one! (Gorilla Glass? That's actually pretty neat and I applaud Timex for making the effort.) Too-many-words on the dial isn't a problem per se, at least if a "DEEPSEA Sea-Dweller Perpetual Date yada yada yada Rolex" is any indication of class and style. The bigger issue is um, political. They literally wear their patriotism _on their sleeve_ in a way that would make a GM with "Made in 'Merica" sticker on the hood look hokey. And that's from the company that put screaming chickens on the hoods of cars. This doesn't make me "feel better" about being American and I don't understand why it would make anyone else feel "better" about themselves, either. And then 'Swiss mov't" also? Because ... that's cool I guess? Bring on the S1 ... Timex is not alone in not-quite-getting the vibe of what makes a watch tick (so to speak.) Check out the Celestial Opulence (Automatic 38mm) ... they stupidly market it as a women's model but the truth is if any dude rolled up to his weekly poker game in the smoke-filled backroom with one of these he'd be a stone-cold "made man" baller.

[@RelativeTime]

That Celestial opulence is pretty cool. I was actually looking at some vintage Zodiac Olympos which have a similar mystery dial for the hour hand. Timex would of been better off going with an Ameriquartz movement that's now being made in Arizona. I guess they thought Swiss on the dial would sell better.

[@mystic48209]

For $600 people l e will buy an auto swiss movement watch. Benrus has an American assembled swiss powered auto watch.

[@RelativeTime]

Yeah... They're not American made, but about his American as you can get these days. Same with Vaer, Nodus, and Jack Mason. All American assembled.

[@HVG67]

I'll go on record saying that I do love the minimalist 'boring' design. Everything else (price, materials) is a big no! Too bad 🥺

[@violinmke]

Maybe you can recoup what you paid for it.

[@RelativeTime]

I'm hoping. We will see. But as long as I break even as a whole with the Channel I'm happy.

[@NonyaDamnbusiness]

Why is it $500? Simple. They assembled it in CT which has pretty expensive labor costs what with unions and Democrat lawmakers never meeting a bill they didn't like. While I appreciate the attempt, their continued stupidity in staying in the northeast and enduring all the bullshit regulations and taxes that come with it should not be rewarded. Come home to Texas, Timex.

[@RelativeTime]

You could say that about a lot of companies. Which is one of the reasons a lot of others eventually move to Texas. This year I'm going to try and review a couple of watches from Texas companies.

[@TheBryan1284]

..well said.

[@WayneSmith-zx3tf]

Sorry but this watch is NOT worth the asking price. And the term "boring" is a great understatement. Timex missed the mark with this watch I'm afraid.

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Great review. Boring watch.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@TinBin-Craig]

looks nice... but ouch the price.. way over priced.... pass cheers

[@jacksugden8190]

Too big and bulky, the dial was too bland, thought the back looked better than the front.

[@RelativeTime]

This is true. Timex is still selling them, but they haven't tried to make a new version.

[@brinx8634]

I agree with everything you said. It is a poor value at that price and I can't think of who their target customer is. For authenticity's sake, it may not be easy to make the Swiss movement tick loudly enough.

[@RelativeTime]

Well, I can definitely say it's quieter than a normal 3 handed Timex. The brass coin in the case and the crown reminded me of a Filson Mackniaw I have (by Shinola). Which is why I was thinking that's the target customer. But love them or hate them, I think Shinola's are much more interesting to look at. Prices are just as bad though.

[@MattPryze]

@@RelativeTime They should've brought some of the design elements from the coin onto the dial. That would've been way more interesting.

[@nrs6956]

This watch comes across as a conservative if not downright staid. Your bands do enliven it. The price is somewhat unrealistic. Thank you.

[@Andrew-J316]

$500 for a Timex Quartz!!! Yikes! Rather get a Timex Q and I don't have that one! :P They have to surpass Filson / Shinola and they even failed.

[@RelativeTime]

I'll be thrown it on eBay soon. Just no desire to keep it. Especially after a friend gave me this for Christmas. instagram.com/p/B6evTyJnc7H/ It may not be as "American Made", but makes me smile.

[@rouser301]

I wanted to see the watch and learn about it.... not watch an 11 minute selfie

[@RelativeTime]

skip to 3:21 Yes the intro and background are a little long, but only as long as I thought necessary. Just to establish that this just another Timex for my regular viewers. No need to be dramatic.

[@rumatadestora]

I still think its name is funny - American Documents? LOL Why documents? :)

[@surfitli]

It is nice to see Timex source parts and assemble watches in the USA. However, they need to come up with something better. I really don’t like this. The dial looks cheap, and no lume. Also looks very delicate. It almost like it was not intended to be worn. For the price, there are some great watches out there. Some of the Hamilton Khaki Field Models come to mind. Enjoy the rest of the holidays>

[@RelativeTime]

The dial looks a lot like other Timex's with Indiglo, yet this doesn't even have that. So just kind of confusing why they went with this route. I have heard that dials are the hardest thing to make right, so maybe they didn't want to be too ambitious for their first USA attempt.

[@BrianHartman]

If you're going to make a $500 watch that's *not* a G-Shock, making it a quartz is a bad idea.

[@mercoid]

You must really like watches.

[@mercoid]

Ga ga goo goo geee geee! Timex. Jim... your mission, should you decide to accept it.... Tick tick tick tick tick tick

[@RelativeTime]

Obviously your not a golfer...

[@mercoid]

Relative Time ... I’m a brilliant man.

[@ceeb2275]

All for countries bringing back lost industry. But there is a number of things wrong 1) price. 2) no indiglo 3) it's a timex 4) price. The number of excellent watches in the same price range is staggering. + 1 for the USA but - 2 for missing an opportunity

[@NathanChisholm041]

It's like looking a a plane white canvas! Boring...

[@RelativeTime]

More like one of those paintings that are solid black or white. "Paris seen through the eyes of a dead man"

[@saintdave1877]

The Winfield mission timer watch on OFDs channel looks like a Timex , but , done better than Timex 🤷

[@RelativeTime]

I've said that about a few things. Vaer's quartz watches are another that comes to mind.

[@michaelbedford8017]

I have to say that for the money this watch is a joke, but not a funny one. The macro shots of the dial and hands were enough to make anyone cringe; just badly printed and flat, with no applied indices. At least the subsecond dial saves us the pain of having to see the secondhand fail to hit the marker. I'd like to say 'nice try but no cigar', but it's not even close. It goes to show that once the manufacturing infrastructure for a complicated product, such as a watch, disappears from a country it takes literally decades and huge investment to retrieve it; and that just ain't going to happen. Americans are fiercely patriotic for home produced products; nothing wrong with that, but what Timex is offering here is frankly a pathetic attempt to cash-in on patriotism without delivering the goods. It takes a lot of nerve to print on a dial 'Made in America' with 'Swiss mov'mnt' directly below it. Why not just put 'Made in America, except for the difficult bits'. My first watch was a Timex 'Hopalong Cassidy' when I was four, in the early 1960's and it's probably that little watch that started my interest. 'Oh tempora, o mores!'

[@RelativeTime]

I'm sure they would love to just out made in America, but after the FCC came down on Shinola for "Built in Detroit" everyone is a little gun shy and legalistic. Agree with most of what you said. They one thing I woukd love to know was how much each watch cost to make. Help to decide if it was really a cash grab, or more of an experiment.

[@michaelbedford8017]

@@RelativeTime Thanks for replying I'm afraid it shows every sign of a cashgrab. For my sins I bought a mint Navi Harbo with box and 'papers' for $40 and still felt swindled when it arrived. As someone from an engineering and manufacturing background, it's clear they've used every trick in the book to cut corners by reducing printing and polishing passes to an absolute minimum. The company, I believe, is owned by a holding company based in the Netherlands, where no doubt they'll be paying minimum tax (so no joy for the US IRS). Looks like they'll run the brand into the ground and move on. The Navi Harbo had a rrp of $135; I can''t see it at more than $10 exworks.

[@JT-sv8il]

Its expensive because its expensive to employ Americans, LOL.

[@RelativeTime]

Very true.

[@fahd3228]

I would just get a bambino or some of the dressy/casual models from citizen or seiko. More refined, elegant and simple without the cardboard dial and the ugly US crap on it. This watch is just an overpriced $h!tter.

[@RelativeTime]

Surprisingly there is a market. I put it up on eBay and actually sold it for a bit more than I paid.

[@partybees8856]

Wow, what a disappointment. It really shows how hard it can be to create manufactured products without experience and scale.

[@RelativeTime]

That's true. I've heard that dials are very hard to make properly (and are often the most expensive component). So maybe they didn't want to try anything too complicated for the first go with US manufacturing.

[@partybees8856]

@@RelativeTime This watch aside, I think that Timex has had a phenomenal couple years. Thanks for another great review.

[@misteragb7558]

The dial finish looks terrible, looks like plastic.

[@RelativeTime]

In macro it really does. Also looks more like battleship grey than the dark blue it's supposed to be.

[@Bigaletto]

I think this watch is pointless

[@RelativeTime]

In some ways it's a "solution in search of a problem". A "what if" experiment to see what they could do, and more importantly if it would sell.

[@AntonioRodriguez-ot4dh]

I LOVE TIMEX I HAVE 4 IN MY WATCH COLLECTION BUT 400.00 NO LIKE THIS NOT, THE DESIGN LOOK IS LIKE A $40.00 TIMEX NOTHING DIFERENT

[@RelativeTime]

It just needs something to help it stand out. At the very least a little bit of depth.

[@solstar4778]

$500 .00 for a Timex !

[@RelativeTime]

That reaction is Timex's other hurdle. Same thing when Volkswagen introduced the Phaeton for $70-100k.