Timex x The James Brand: A Big Step in the Right Direction
The Specs
Year: 2021
Case Diameter: 41mm
Lug to Lug: 50mm
Case Thickness: 13.5mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 200 Meters
Movement: Miyota 8205
“One of the most brand true collaborations in our short history”. These are the words that Ryan Coulter, founder of The James Brand, used to describe their first ever collaboration with Timex when we had the chance to speak earlier last month. The watch they helped Timex design (a new entry in Expedition North line), truly encompasses the spirit of everyday carry (EDC) just as much as the James Brand does, so I don’t think I have any choice but to agree.
For those unfamiliar with The James Brand, the EDC industry veteran was founded by Ryan Coulter in 2012 in Portland, Oregon. Ryan had a strong background in both branding and engineering, and saw an immense gap in the types of knives that people were typically carrying. It was mostly either tactical and military types or those used for hunting and utility. He set out to fill that gap by creating pocket knives that were simple, aesthetically pleasing, and highly durable and functional. Today, while they are mainly focused on pocket knives, the James Brand makes a variety of gorgeous EDC products ranging from carabiners (yes they actually managed to make beautiful carabiners), various pocket sized tools, pens, and more.
The James Brand is no boring or typical EDC brand, and the watch they teamed up with Timex to create is no run-of-the mill Timex. To me, this one checks all the boxes. Timex and TJB were kind enough to gift me a beautiful gift set with the watch by Timex, and The Chapter pocket knife and Mehlville carabiner by The James Brand, so I have now had few weeks to spend some time with this beauty strapped to my wrist. First let’s talk about the case. Just like the knife it is designed after, it is made from titanium. Even at 41mm, with an automatic movement, the material makes it very light and durable. To my current knowledge, Timex has not released a watch with a titanium case since the early 90s, and it was quartz. The case design overall is new to Timex. From the the front there is almost a resemblance to the recent Waterbury line releases, but once you begin to turn the watch around, you quickly notice that this is indeed different. In my opinion, an EDC watch should be one that can stand alone in your collection and can be taken most anywhere. Not only is the case durable, but you can actually take it for a good swim. It sports a screw down, exhibition case back and screw down crown. All of this comes together for a solid 200 meter water resistance. On paper (and in my hand, honestly), this is the most water tight and tough watch that Timex has made in quite some time.
Timex didn’t forfeit form for function either. I enjoy collaborations that let you know they are there without completely throwing up on a watch. The balance is all here for me. First we have a solid black, military style dial with logos of both brands at 12 and 6. All markers and logos are white with luminous hands and indices. There is just one pop (serious pop) of color on the entire watch, and that’s on the bright, almost neon green crown with the James Brand Logo. For me, the overall aesthetic simplicity only adds to the functionality and versatility of the watch. Change the smooth, black nylon nato style strap out for a leather band, and you may even have a decent dress watch on your wrist.
Ryan explained to me that this watch tells a story, and that “the chance to tell this story, was an opportunity [The James Brand] was really excited to take”. I believe that this care in telling that EDC story, and drawing it back to the design that makes the James Brand who they are, is the kind of boldness that is taking Timex to a really great place among serious watch enthusiasts. The watch is out now and limited to just 500 pieces. Each case back is stamped with the number of the watch out of 500, so you can always know that you always have something special on your wrist. I am confident that both your casual and non casual Timex collector, as well as EDC enthusiasts will agree with me when I say that this is not a piece that will soon be forgotten.
You can buy the watch today on at Timex, The James Brand, and at Huckberry.
