Timex’s Obscenely Affordable, Deceptive Diver Surfaces with Iconic GMT Styling

This quirky watch cops a classic look found on legendary Rolexes, Tissots, Heuers and more for a fraction of the price.

Close-up of a stainless steel watch with a black dial, red and blue bezel, and chronograph subdials.

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Published February 25, 2026

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Playfully dubbed “Pepsi,” the now-iconic red-and-blue watch bezel style dates back all the way to the release of the Rolex GMT-Master in the mid-1950s. Since then, it has become an inextricable part of horological culture and couture.

After having graced the aforementioned legendary Rolex travel watch, it has made an appearance on Tissots, Heuers (pre- and post-TAG), Japanese Seikos and even humble Timexes (and just about everything in between).

Now, Timex has returned to that signature styling on what could be one of the best combinations of good looks and budget-friendliness. The Timex Harborside Coast Multifunction is a remarkably affordable yet eye-catching watch.

Silver Timex wristwatch with a black dial and red and blue bezel worn on a wrist. — Despite copping the Rolex GMT-Master’s looks, this is a decidedly different watch (hint: it’s not a GMT).

GM-Tea, anyone?

So the story goes, the original Pepsi bezel was commissioned by Pan Am, the now-defunct airline, from Rolex. Pan Am wanted a watch that would allow its pilots to reliably track multiple time zones — hence, the GMT functionality.

Furthermore, the color scheme served a specific purpose. The split on the dial is said to represent daylight hours (in red) and nighttime hours (in blue), making them easier to discern.

Silver metal Timex wristwatch with green dial and bezel placed on a nautical map. — The watch is also available in a green color scheme, similarly borrowed from historic Rolexes.

But here’s where it gets tricky: this Timex isn’t a GMT. Rather, this is a diver-style chronograph. That means it cannot track multiple time zones. As such, the Pepsi bezel is just for looks, not functionality — a stylistic reference, not a utilitarian one.

Need proof? Look at the bezel markings. They’re not 24-hour markers. Instead, they represent a countdown timer — a classic diver function. And here’s where it gets even trickier: those subdials look like a classic chrono, but they’re not…

Silver metal wristwatch with a green bezel shown from the side on a red background. — The stainless steel case comes with a classic link bracelet — a timeless combination.

Looks can be deceiving

So, it’s not a GMT. Turns out, it’s not a chronograph either. But that might actually be a good thing, in this case. While it sports a classic three-subdial chronograph look, those dials are actually much more useful for day-to-day wear.

Instead of a stopwatch and timer functionality, they’re broken up into one for the day of the week, one for the specific calendar date and one for the time of day in a 24-hour format. Typically, these are much more important metrics for the average person … even if they don’t fit the archetypal style.

Silver stainless steel Timex watch band with black center links and engraved clasp on a red background. — This watch is a bit more robust than some of its siblings, offering 100 meters of water resistance.

The functionality is kept in step by a reliable quartz analog movement, a staple of the brand’s offerings that helps keep them wildly affordable and incredibly accurate. And this particular watch actually offers a bit more water resistance than its siblings, doubling the typical 50 meters to 100, making it technically fit in the diver category.

And if you’re not super fond of the Pepsi styling, that’s not the only option. The watch is also available in an emerald color scheme that mimics Rolex’s classic “Hulk” colorway (although it is legally distinct).

Silver metal Timex wristwatch with green dial and bezel worn on a wrist. — If I’m being completely honest, I think I like the green option best.

Pricing and availability

Easily the best part of the Timex Harborside Coast Multifunction is its price: a paltry $179. It’s now available on the brand’s site in both colorways.

Silver stainless steel Timex wristwatch with black dial, red and blue bezel, and three subdials.

Timex Harborside Coast Multifunction

Specs

Case Size	43mm
Movement	Quartz
Water Resistance	100m

$179 at Timex

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

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