Timex Equips Its Deepwater Meridian 200 with an Auto Movement and GMT Upgrade

Having launched only a little over a year ago, Timex’s Deepwater Meridian watch series has already become a quick fan favorite. And while the diver begs a comparison with Seiko’s legendary Turtle, the brand has just launched a new version that cops an even more grail-worthy timepiece.

The Timex Deepwater Meridian 200 Auto GMT​ appears to be the brand’s best attempt at doing a Rolex GMT-Master II impression yet. Yes, even better than the Q Timex GMT. And it still comes in at a tiny fraction of the cost.

Timex

Big styling, budget watch

The original Timex Deepwater Meridian drew many comparisons to Seiko’s similarly priced dive watches (and with good reason). It’s more than likely that this was intentional, as it truly is the most apt analogy in styling, function and price.

But this GMT sets its sights much, much higher, as mentioned, biting some of the signature styling cues of the Rolex GMT-Master II. Specifically, it imitates three of Rolex’s most iconic colorways.

Timex

Timex’s Deepwater Meridian Auto GMT comes in three colors: green, blue and black. The green is similar to Rolex’s iconic “Sprite” colorway; the blue is a clear imitation of its “Batman” option; and the black bears a striking similarity to Rolex’s “Bruce Wayne.” This is no accident.

Other similarities include the style and placement of the Cyclops lens-like date window and the markings on the GMT bezel.

However, there are some significant differences, too. Whereas Rolex’s versions all have a black dial, Timex chose instead to match the bezel color to the dial, giving these watches even more color saturation.

Timex

From the sea to the sky

I’m not going to tell you that the Timex Deepwater Meridian Auto GMT is anywhere near the quality of a Rolex GMT-Master II. That would be absurdly foolish. But it also doesn’t have to be.

The Timex comes in at a tiny fraction of the cost. While a Rolex will run you tens of thousands of dollars (it starts at over $10,000), the Timex is just $549. For under five percent of what you’d spend on a Rolex, you could get this watch, and that’s if you’re comparing it to the cheapest option.

And yet, the Timex is still respectable in its functionality and mechanisms. The Timex, for the first time, gets GMT functionality (which, I realize, is obvious, based on its name), granting it an extra hand and a bezel swap (a GMT 24-hour bezel instead of a classic dive timer). However, it also gets a movement upgrade to a 21-jewel automatic.

Timex

While this isn’t the first time a Deepwater Meridian has been given an automatic movement, it isn’t standard, either (the base model is Timex’s “analog quartz”).

It also gets vibrant lume, a smart Jubilee-style quick-release bracelet, a shielded crown, a sapphire crystal and plenty more. And yes, as the name suggests, it’s also still dive capable to 200 meters.

I suspect this watch will be another major crowd-pleaser for Timex. Even if it can’t measure up to its lofty aims, it’s a valiant attempt and an excellent ultra-budget-friendly alternative to a horological icon.

Timex

Availability and pricing

Timex’s Deepwater Meridian 200 Auto GMT is available today, July 30, on the brand’s site for $549 each.

Timex

Timex Deepwater Meridian 200 Auto GMT​

Specs

Case Size	42mm
Movement	Automatic
Water Resistance	200m

• $549 at Timex

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