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The Third Time’s a Charm for Timex’s Viral GMT Watch

With new materials, details and a classic colorway, this is shaping up to be the best take on this timepiece yet.

Close-up of a silver metal watch bezel and crown with a black dial featuring white markers and an orange hour hand.The James Brand

By Sean Tirman

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When Timex and The James Brand collaborated on their first project, they chose to create a unique timepiece that was not based on Timex’s existing catalog. In short, it was spectacular, and it sold out super fast.

Then, they came together a second time for an emerald-hued version of that same watch. Similarly, it was a big hit and sold out completely.

Silver metal Timex wristwatch with black dial and two black fabric replacement straps on a gray surface.
Even The James Brand thinks this is the best take on its Timex GMT collaboration yet.
The James Brand

But it seems three is, in fact, a magic number, as the brands have come together once more, completing the hat-trick. However, the James Brand x Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition isn’t just a color swap; this time, there are also some material changes.

Forging a new path

The original watch boasted a black-and-white color scheme with lime green detailing (The James Brand’s signature color) on the GMT hand and crown inlay. The second took things in a very different direction, putting emerald green on the dial and bezel.

Silver Timex wristwatch with black textured dial, white hour markers, orange second hand, and metal link bracelet.
The Nocturne Edition of this GMT gets a forged carbon fiber dial (with a matching crown inlay.)
The James Brand

This third take is arguably the most classic of all, seeing a return to the black-and-white base of the original, albeit with a more iconic red-orange on the GMT hand and 12 o’clock marker.

As a reminder, this isn’t merely a simple color swap. The dial is made up of a completely new material: forged carbon fiber. It offers much more depth and character to the watch than the flat finish of the previous two. The crown inlay is also forged carbon fiber, extending that character beyond the dial.

Here, you can see how the forged carbon fiber dial catches the light.

But that dial material upgrade comes with another change: the case is no longer titanium. Instead, the brands opted for brushed stainless steel. Some might consider that a downgrade, but it’s as classic as case materials get and helps keep the cost manageable.

Close-up of the stainless steel Timex watch back showing the automatic movement and sapphire crystal case.
The watch retains its signature co-branded exhibition caseback.
The James Brand

Time keeps on slipping…

While the colorway and dial (and inlay) material are pretty significant deviations, much of what made this collaboration rock-solid remains. For instance, like its predecessors, it has a co-branded exhibition caseback.

More importantly, however, it still has its “true” GMT movement, a Miyota 9075 automatic, complete with 24 jewels and 42-hour power reserve. That also means the 3 o’clock date window returns.

Black Timex wristwatch with luminescent green hour markers and hands on a metal link bracelet.
The vibrant lume makes this watch visible even in low-light conditions.
The James Brand

The dial also boasts C3 Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers. It retains its anti-reflective sapphire crystal. And it has a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert.

All of that and more comes in the same stunning 41-millimeter case and pairs with a Timex I-Size bracelet system, meaning you can adjust the size without the need for any tools. Additionally, it comes with a fabric strap, allowing you to opt for a more casual look.

Silver metal wristwatch with black dial and orange second hand worn on a wrist with a black jacket sleeve.
Only 1,000 units have been made and, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
The James Brand

Available now

The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition is now available for just $749 apiece. However, only 1,000 units have been made, so they’re likely to sell out very quickly — just like the other Timex and TJB collabs.

Silver stainless steel Timex wristwatch with black textured dial, white markers, and orange-tipped second hand.The James Brand

The James Brand x Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition

Specs

Case Size 41mm
Movement Miyota 9075 automatic GMT
Water Resistance 200m
About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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