Introducing the Marlin California (JDM)
The Specs
Year: 2019
Case Diameter: 34mm
Case Height: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Movement: Quartz
A few months back, Timex Tokyo reached out to me and a fellow collector with the opportunity to grab and review these beautiful NEW products before they go into production this November.
The goal for Timex Japan was to take the classic Marlin design, and combine it with the legendary California dial, while keeping it quartz to satisfy the Japanese market.
From Timex Tokyo:
“Taking an inspiration of a nice vintage look in association with U.S. background and military-root but making it more accessible especially for Gen X and Z, we decided to take a Marlin 34mm case as a base model for this project. Key features of the Marlin are quite impressive in this price and it recalls similarity or a bit of nostalgia of 1970s (e.g. Dundee factory made TIMEX mechanical watches) such as a domed acrylic crystal, bended dial and hands, applied indexes.
Design-wise, I wanted to add some twists and vintage touches on it such as railway track minutes markers. Also from a design aspect, I have deliberately change the bar-shape hour marker at 6H from horizontal to vertical and I believe it is well balanced. Also, you will find a difference in the stiches on the straps between 2 styles i.e. ivory/crème dial version has no stiches at 12H & 6H but black dial version has. I thought the black dial version [is] supposed to look more casual and ivory/crème dial version looks a bit more classic with that difference.”
These are very exciting pieces. The classic 34mm size is something the market is calling for now, especially after Timex reissued the ‘65 Marlin in 2017. I know that the size will make it an immediate favorite. Timex Japan did a great job paying their respects to the classic California dial look while at the same time retaining the Timex character. While I realize that some features were chosen here to be cost effective, I know that people will immediately be asking why this does not have a mechanical movement. I understand that making this to fit the price point of under $200 USD was important, but know that people would gladly pay $200-250 for a mechanical version. This is something to consider for future designs for these pieces. The hands on both pieces are maybe some of my favorite parts of the design. They are the perfect size. Perhaps luminous paint on the hands and the subtle outer ring for added functionality would be nice, but no seemed to be an intentional choice here. The straps are great, and again, I know that the goal was to keep price down, but it would be great to see these in an alligator style leather. There are subtle differences in the stitching in both styles which was an excellent addition.
The contrast of the hands on both models, as well as the outer track ring detail is excellent. However, with the black dial, the applied chrome indices, take it back a notch for me. I appreciate the modern look, but along with domed crystal, the watch is a little tough to read in some light. I think it would greatly benefit from having painted indices with the same vintage color as the hands. This would make the black dial GORGEOUS, and really capitalize on the vintage feel.
Apart from some very minor setbacks, it’s very much a beautiful piece, and will definitely find its market without issue. I’ve been wearing mine for some time now, and it has been catching plenty of attention from collectors and non-collectors alike.
