Timex Borrows Iconic Rolex Styling For an Affordable Automatic GMT Travel Watch

The Rolex GMT Master II might be the most iconic travel watch of all time. Unfortunately, that also means it is incredibly expensive.

But what if you could get similar styling and functionality for a tiny fraction of the price of a Rolex (which costs over $10,000, even used)? That appears to be the answer that Timex’s Waterbury Heritage Automatic GMT seeks to answer.

It also marks a big first for this particular Timex line.

Timex

Coke or Sprite? Yes

The most recognizable version of the Rolex GMT Master II is probably the “Pepsi” bezel option, which has a red-and-blue color scheme. However, there are plenty of other options, including the similarly beloved “Coke” and “Sprite” versions.

It’s these latter two that Timex borrows from with its own GMT travel watch. The “Coke” version has a black-and-red bezel, while the “Sprite” version has a black-and-green bezel. They also have unique GMT hand colors: the former is outlined in red, and the latter is done in green.

Timex

Beyond that, however, they are otherwise identical. And yes, much of that styling mimics its inspiration, like the minimalist dial indices, bold bezel Arabic numerals and even the branding on the dial itself. That extends, too, to the shape of the stainless steel case and even the link bracelet styling.

Now, I’m not saying this is a true contender to the GMT Master II. That would be an absurd claim. Rolex has earned a place in the annals of watchmaking history for its dedication to craft and quality. That said, if you don’t have a space $10,000+ lying around but you can swing under $600, this is a pretty spectacular alternative.

And yet, there’s still more to love:

Timex

Set it and forget it

Along with its (admittedly borrowed) great looks and its overall blend of usefulness and stylishness, this watch also marks a first for Timex’s Waterbury Heritage line. It’s the first one to come with an automatic movement.

The other watches in this collection have all had quartz movements, but this one makes the swap to a kinetic-powered mechanical one, making it a lot more user-friendly, as you merely have to wear it to keep it ticking (and you’re going to want to wear it often).

Timex

It also gets a handy date window, along with its two-time zone-tracking GMT functionality. That movement is housed in a stainless steel case that’s mated to a matching stainless steel link bracelet with a butterfly deployant clasp.

And while it’s only water resistant to 50 meters (meaning it’s pretty much only suited to fending off a bit of rain), it does get an exhibition caseback to show off its brand-spanking-new movement inside, which is a decent trade-off. Surely, this watch is primed to be a major hit for Timex.

Timex

Availability and pricing

The Timex Waterbury Heritage Automatic GMT in both colorways is now available on the brand’s site for $569 apiece.

Timex

Timex Waterbury Heritage Automatic GMT

Specs

Case Size	41.5
Movement	Automatic
Water Resistance	50m

• $569 at Timex

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