After decades of dormancy, Timex’s Marlin collection has been quietly building momentum since its 2017 revival. The nostalgic nod to the brand’s 1960s mechanical heyday has since evolved into legitimate vintage-inspired collection that doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia to justify its existence. The newest addition, the Marlin Quartz GMT, pushes the collection into travel watch territory while maintaining the mid-century aesthetic that made the original reissues so great.
Wanderlust-Infused Heritage
The original Marlin, named after the swift fish and launched during Timex’s mechanical watch era of the 1950s and ’60s, showcased the brand’s commitment to accessible craftsmanship. When Timex shelved mechanical movements in favor of quartz technology during the early 1980s, the Marlin became a memory. Its 2017 resurrection marked Timex’s return to mechanical watchmaking after a 35-year hiatus, complete with 34mm cases and hand-wound Seagull movements that felt authentically vintage.
This GMT variant takes a different approach. Rather than chase mechanical purity, it embraces quartz reliability while expanding the collection’s practical appeal. The 40mm recycled stainless steel case houses a quartz “caller” GMT movement, meaning you set the red-tipped GMT hand independently rather than the local time hand. It’s the same setup found in Timex’s popular Q GMT, which speaks to the brand’s confidence in the mechanism.
Three Solid Options
The Marlin GMT’s 24-hour track splits horizontally across a two-tone ring, with odd numbers marking each position between the applied baton indices. That red-tipped GMT hand, filled with luminous material, provides clear contrast against both the navy blue and black dial options. The domed acrylic crystal maintains the vintage aesthetic while the 50m of water resistance handles daily wear without fuss.
Three configurations launch simultaneously: a navy dial with gold-tone accents on leather strap, a black dial with gold-tone case and matching bracelet, and a blue dial with steel case and bracelet. The leather option utilizes sustainable tanning from the Leather Working Group, while the quick-release spring bars across all models allow for easy strap swaps without tools.
Subtle Changes and Larger Proportions
What works particularly well here is how Timex has managed to scale up the case size to 40mm without losing the Marlin’s essential character. The proportions still feel balanced, considering its 13mm thickness. Meanwhile, faceted markers and sunray dials add depth without overcomplicating the design.
Spec Sheet
Model: Marlin Quartz GMT
Case Material: Recycled stainless steel (regular or gold-toned)
Case Size: 40mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Movement: Quartz caller-style GMT
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Domed acrylic
Strap Options: Black leather or steel bracelet (regular or gold-toned)
Pricing & Availability
The Marlin Quartz GMT starts at $199 for the leather strap variant, with bracelet models running $229 for the steel version and $239 for the gold-tone option. All three configurations are available now through Timex’s online store.
Recap
Timex Marlin Quartz GMT
Timex continues to evolve its ’50s-inspired Marlin with a new GMT quartz option, sizing up the case to 40mm while keeping the vintage charm of the fan-favorite line.
