The United States may not have the type of reputation in the watch industry as Switzerland but that’s not to say there aren’t a good handful of fantastic watchmakers Stateside. Leading the pack is none other than Timex, a company whose lineage goes back to 1954. During World War I, the Connecticut-based brand produced one of the first-ever wristwatches, eventually pivoting away entirely from the pocket watch industry. Despite having its ups and downs, Timex is now one of the most well-known names in watchmaking around the world, and even has its atelier located in the horological capital of the world: Switzerland. Yet, it’s been four decades since Timex has come out with a Swiss-made timepiece — until now.
Following up 2019’s Giorgio Galli S1, a 38mm automatic dress watch that paid homage to the brand’s designer and chief creative director and has been called the most beautiful watch in Timex’s catalog, the Georgio Galli S2 is yet another level up. Forget any connected tissue to the original’s understated design language, of which there is some. The S2 blends that same minimalism with vintage cues that place the timepiece in another category altogether. And at a reasonable price tag, this is a sub-$1,000 dress watch (albeit more than double the price of the S1).
Now, while Timex has used Swiss parts and movements in its watches over time, the S2 is the first “Swiss-made” watch in 40 years. According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, if at least 60% of a watch’s total production costs come from Switzerland, then it may be deemed Swiss-made. Powered by a Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement (from Switzerland) exhibited via the open caseback, the S2 sports the same 38mm case size as the S1 and features an injection-molded stainless steel case with a titanium mid-case. It encases the black dial with a steel hour marker ring.
Adorned with a rubber strap, the Giorgio Galli S2 Automatic 38mm is even more beautiful when you consider it only costs $975. Head over to Timex’s website now to purchase one for yourself.
