Timex Evolves Its Seiko-Alternative Diver in Several Major Ways

Last year, Timex launched its first Deepwater Meridian dive watch. It was an almost immediate hit among fans of affordable divers, drawing obvious comparisons to Seiko’s lauded Turtles.

Now, the next evolution of that watch is here. And the Timex Deepwater Meridian 300 HEV takes it up a notch in a few major ways.

Timex

A deeper dive

The Deepwater Meridian was already a spectacular starting point, even if it does owe much of its design to the Seikos that came before it. Still, this new version certainly kicks things into high gear.

There are two pretty significant changes. One is fairly obvious, while the other isn’t. Let’s start with the obvious one: the helium escape valve.

Timex

Unlike previous Deepwater Meridians, this new version gets a helium escape valve at the 10 o’clock position, allowing built-up helium to be released to prevent damage during decompression when diving. It’s a classic element of serious divers, and it hints at this watch’s increased capability.

The other alteration is the case material swap. Previous Deepwater Meridians had stainless steel cases, while this one is titanium, making it lighter and stronger. Paired with the HEV, its capability is significantly boosted, allowing it to reach depths of up to 300 meters (an extra 100 beyond the original).

Timex

Turtle power

While these case tweaks are obviously significant enough to change the performance of this watch, Timex hasn’t completely rewritten the Deepwater Meridian book, and that’s a very good thing. The rest of the watch remains pretty much intact.

For instance, it has the same Miyota automatic movement ticking away within its revamped case, retaining its convenience and reliability. The dial and bezel styling is also wholly unchanged.

It even has the same antireflective-coated sapphire crystal; Super-Luminova lume treatment on the dial, hands and hour markers; quick-release synthetic rubber strap; screw-down crown and so on.

Timex

However, it does appear to lose the exhibition caseback in favor of a screw-down option, but that’s a small price to pay for the significant increase in performance.

The one big issue I see popping up for fans of the original: the price hike. While the original was $399, this heavily upgraded version is $999. That might be too deep a dive for some, even if the watch has the capability to back it up.

Timex

Availability and pricing

The Timex Deepwater Meridian 300 HEV is dropping today, June 16, for preorder on the brand’s official site for $999 in both colorways.

Timex

Timex Deepwater Meridian 300 HEV

Specs

Case Size	44mm
Movement	Miyota 8215
Water Resistance	300m

• $999 at Timex

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