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One of Timex’s Best Affordable Pilot’s Watches Gets a Sharp, Sporty Redux

The brand’s budget-friendly IWC dupe gets a redesign to be a bit bolder and more original, while retaining its high-flying spirit.

Close-up of a stainless steel watch case with a black dial, orange second hand, and black leather strap.Timex
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By Sean Tirman

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Last year, Timex launched its Waterbury Ace, a highly affordable dupe of one of the most beloved and iconic pilot’s watches on the market, the IWC Pilot’s Watch.

Now, less than a year later, the brand has given that very watch a once-over, redesigning it to give it “a bolder, sportier edge,” as the brand puts it. Launched with two configurations (to start), the new Timex Waterbury Ace is ready to fly high.

Timex wristwatch with black dial, white numerals, and black leather strap resting on stacked books.
The watch retains many of the elements that made it great, but the dial gets a comprehensive redesign.
Timex

High-flying Ace

Overall, it appears the core of this Timex reissue remains in line with its predecessor(s) from last year. Notably, it retains the same bezel-less minimalist stainless steel case.

It even measures the same diameter, clocking in at 41 millimeters. As an additional note, the case is crafted from recycled stainless steel. But don’t fret, it’s still just as resistant to tarnishing and corrosion as virgin stainless steel. It’s also just as durable and strong.

Silver metal Timex wristwatch with black dial and luminous hands on brown leather surface.
The all-metal version gives the watch a dressier vibe, great for office or special occasion wear.
Timex

That case also retains the watch’s signature oversized crown, which, ostensibly, is large enough to be operated even when wearing gloves. However, in practice, this is likely more a stylistic reference to classic pilot’s watches, including the IWC that inspired the original Waterbury Ace.

To pair with the returning case, the watch is available with two strap options: a classic stitched black leather strap or a stainless steel link bracelet. Along with their stylistic variance, the strap selection also changes the price (the strap option is $189, while the bracelet bumps up to $219).

Close-up of a Timex Waterbury watch with a black dial, luminous hands, orange second hand, and stainless steel case.
The dial swaps the more minimalist markings of the original for a more comprehensive layout that denotes both hours and minutes.
Timex

Co-pilots

Regardless of which strap option you choose, the core watch remains the same across both editions. And it’s within the case where the real redesign can be found. More specifically, the dial is very different.

The original Waterbury Ace was, while not completely identical, extremely similar to IWC’s signature pilot’s watch. It had big, bold Arabic hour markers and simple minute indices.

Wristwatch with black dial, white numerals, silver case, and dark leather strap worn on a wrist.
There’s lume applied to the hour and minute hands, hour and minute indices, and the classic 12 o’clock triangle marker.
Timex

This new version is far more comprehensive. Instead of just hour numerals, it now also features minute numerals (at five-minute intervals), making it easier to read quickly and accurately. It does, however, retain the same lumed indices, including the signature 12 o’clock triangle (a signature of pilot’s watches throughout history).

The lume is also applied to the hour and minute hands. However, the second hand has been slightly altered, receiving a coat of orange to contrast with both the dial’s black color and the white of the markers, enhancing the watch’s overall readability.

The watch in both configurations retains its reliable, affordable quartz movement and mineral crystal. They also both get a quick-release strap.

Silver Timex wristwatch with black dial and white numerals on a wrist, next to a brown leather jacket.
The watch’s case is made from recycled stainless steel, and yet it’s still resilient and incredibly strong.
Timex

Availability and pricing

The new Timex Waterbury Ace pilot’s watch is available on the brand’s site for $189. There’s also an all-steel version for slightly more, clocking in at $219.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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