No longer can we simply write off Timex as a budget brand. Yes, their timepieces are highly affordable. And yes, you can easily find them behind locked cases in Walmart. However, when you compare a Timex to the countless cheap-o watches from brands you’ve never heard of, there’s a clear difference.
Fortunately, Timex has been reaching a bit further with its latest releases, yet without ever exceeding its grasp. While the American watchmaker still offers up pieces such as the retro-focused Q Timex Quartz and the Marlin Chronograph for under $200, we’ve seen some pricier options as well, be it with automatic movements or titanium cases. Well, Timex continues to impress with its recent release, the Deepwater Reef 200 — a recreational-grade diver with a luxury aesthetic.
Timex Deepwater Reef 200
Timex shaves off some dollar signs with the affordable yet super reliable Miyota 8215 automatic movement. A quartz, non-titanium version of the Deepwater Reef 200 does already exists at $250, and includes a GMT function. However, the Miyota automatic here ditches the GMT hand, further lowering the potential cost. And I can’t say it’s missed much. After all, if you want that second time zone, the stainless steel watch is still an option.
Measuring 41mm across with 200m of water resistance, the titanium version has an aesthetic edge as well with its monochromatic appeal. The full titanium case pairs with a gray bezel to match while also shedding weight compared to the steel versions. They surround a black dial, which really helps make their gray colors pop. Speaking of pop, you’ll love the beautiful Super-LumiNova lume fill on the hands, indices, and even the bezel counter. Lastly, it’s paired with a black synthetic rubber strap with a cool ripple effect.
How Does It Compare?
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Rolex Submariner, you’ll likely look at Rolex’s sister label Tudor for a technically-cheaper $5,000 Pelagos diver. However, most of us can’t or won’t spend that kind of cash on a timepiece. $500 is a sweet spot for lots of consumers, and the 200m Timex diver is pretty perfect in that regard.
Even compared to other “budget” divers, like the ~$1,000 DS Action Diver from Certina, the titanium Deepwater Reef 200 takes the win. Perhaps the best aesthetic comparison in the same price range is the sub-$500 Tissot Seastar, which has a similar look but isn’t as clean-looking as this particular titanium piece.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Miyota 8215 automatic
Band: Black synthetic rubber strap
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Not limited in edition size, the Deepwater Reef 200 Automatic is priced at $479. Head over to Timex’s website to purchase one for yourself.
Recap
Timex Deepwater Reef 200 Titanium Automatic
Timex made an automatic version of its Deepwater Reef 200 diver with a titanium case and beautiful color design, all for under $500.
