Timex’s Latest Affordable Automatic Dupes a Vintage Omega for a Fraction of the Price

Before Omega released its most legendary watch of all time, the Speedmaster, the brand had a different flagship. Launched in 1952, the Constellation (or “Connie” for short) was a dressy number that preceded the Speedmaster by at least five years and was designed by René Banwart, the same designer who penned the Seamaster in 1948.

By 1964, the Constellation lineup reached its third generation. Reportedly, this “C-case” (or “C-shape”) redesign was penned by another watchmaking legend, Gerald Genta, although this is unconfirmed. Either way, it remains a cult-classic vintage watch to this day.

Now, Timex has taken that very watch and crafted its own admittedly elegant dupe. Called the Timex Marlin Draper Automatic, this vintage-inspired watch gets you a ton of that same “Connie” charm at a tiny fraction of the price.

Timex

Written in the stars

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Obviously, this take on Timex’s legendary, fan-favorite Marlin is meant to hearken to none other than Don Draper, protagonist of AMC’s hit series, Mad Men.

It makes sense. The show is set during the golden age of advertising, the 1960s, in New York, the epicenter of the industry. And to many who watched and loved the show, Don Draper still represents the pinnacle of stylishness.

The thing is, Draper never wore a Connie; The Omega he famously donned (pun intended) was a Seamaster. Still, the connection to 1960s-era throwback styling is here on full display, from the watch’s understated stainless steel case to its relatively minimalist, midcentury-modern dial.

Timex

While not a perfect dupe of the Connie, the Marlin Draper Automatic does a pretty good impression. Most crucially, it manages to get most of the looks right in a package that’s a fraction of the price.

For reference, Omega “C-case” Constellations currently resell starting at about $1,000, and that’s in rather poor condition. But the Marlin Draper, at most, will cost you $309 brand-spanking new.

Timex

Automatic for the people

“So, what do I get for such a small investment?” you might be asking yourself. Well, quite a bit, in fact.

Obviously, the Marlin Draper Automatic is a looker. Regardless of which version you choose — and there are three to pick from — you get the same stainless steel case and dial design.

You also get an automatic movement, which can be viewed through the exhibition caseback across all three versions. So, where do they differ? Well, the three editions have a few variables to consider.

Timex

The first of the three boasts a black dial with an all-stainless case and matching link band.

The second has the same all-metal construction, albeit with a bit more of a stylistic pop in the form of a gold-on-silver classic colorway, which extends to the case, band and even the hands and dial markers. This one also gets a white dial, instead of a black one.

The third and final edition has a stainless steel case with a white dial and a stunning yet understated brown leather strap.

Timex

Available now

All three versions of the Timex Marlin Draper Automatic are now available on the brand’s site for $269 to $309, depending on the version you choose.

Timex

Timex Marlin Draper Automatic

Specs

Case Size	37mm
Movement	Automatic
Water Resistance	50m

• Starts at $269

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