The MK1 Mechanical is Back
The Specs
Year: 2020
Case Diameter: 36mm
Case Height: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Movement: Seagull 20J Mechanical
I would like to introduce to you, for the first time anywhere, the first Timex MK1 Mechanical in nearly three decades. It may be my most anticipated release from Timex in years, and it is my privilege to give you the very first look at this wonderful piece.
The MK1 one style has roots as far back as the early to mid 60s when Benrus, Timex, and Hamilton released some of the very first styles of this dial. Most notable is the large outer numerals from 1 to 12 with the smaller 13 to 24 numerals on the inner track. The design was always meant to be simple, affordable, and effective, and was adapted by the military several times, including during the Vietnam war. The market for vintage MK1/Military pieces is hot, and you will often find Timex pieces that were once worth $10, going for upwards of $500 or more. Because of this, the style is constantly being adapted and reworked by some of the largest watch brands, as well as knock off brands (i.e. the Daiso Military Watch for only 500 Japanese yen). Timex first released this style in the mid 60s and has since released dozens of designs, both mechanical and quartz. Although the former has not seen production since the mid 90s, until the release of the watch you see here. It’s a big deal.
I am very impressed with this release overall. It doesn’t wander far from the overall aesthetic of the original MK1s, while doing a good job of coming into the present. There are nice touches throughout, including a beautifully stamped case back (second photo), that adds a little more personality to the watch overall.
As always, the 36mm case size will be a point of debate among both current and vintage Timex fans. Personally, the size works very well for me. This is the call back that this watch needs, and it’s quite comfortable on my wrist. The case material itself is a brushed, stainless steel, making it a tougher watch than the plastic/resin MK1s of old.. The only thing to take the toughness to the next level, would be to change the crystal from acrylic to a hardlex or sapphire. Although, acrylic is more true to the original, and the price increase that would come with a change, could alienate the core Timex audience that are used to buying under the $200 price point. Always a gamble.
The dial is a deep shade of moss/hunter green depending on the light you have it in, with clean white numerals, and the classic 24 hour inner track.. This contrast allows for easy reading of the dial in any light, while still remaining (in my opinion), highly attractive.
The strap, is a sturdy two piece nylon with quick release. While I’m sure that many fans will have experimenting with different strap combos, this one compliments the watch quite well. The pale baby blue stripe in the center of the hunter green adds just the right pop of color to let the dial stand out. This is especially true when that lume gets going
I always enjoy a piece that truly embraces the new, while not alienating the old. The MK1 style of watches will always be popular for your everyday consumer, all the way to your military watch enthusiast. Be it Timex, Benrus, Hamilton, or any other brand that ventures into this design arena, it is very hard to go wrong. I very much hope to see more similar releases.
