Timex M79 Automatic 40mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 'Batman' Reference TW2U29500ZV - A Recipe for Success, A Review (plus Video)

Timex, the Waterbury, Connecticut-based watchmaker launched Timex Q re-editions in May 2019. That series of watches caught the attention of the watch community due to the evergreen design and ties to the classic 1970s Q-watches. I was keen to get one but unfortunately, the distribution network of Timex is rather poor in Malaysia. Those watches came with quartz movement and I have a feeling, very soon, an automatic movement will be added to the line.

In February 2020, Timex did just that. A series of mechanical watches with the Miyota 8205 movement was added thus the "M79" range was born. The "M" stands for mechanical while the "79" was the year the original Q was released.

I tried getting one in Malaysia but unfortunately, with the Covid19 Pandemic starting to bite, it was likely that the only way I was to get my hands on one is via international online merchants. I waited for over a year and finally made my order via Amazon.

I had to make a choice between 'Batman' (black and blue bezel combination) or the 'Pepsi' (black and red bezel combination). Although I like both, I finally decided on the 'Batman', reference number TW2U29500ZV.  

For me, the interesting aspects of the watch are the vintage dive watch design; the dome crystal; the steel case with integrated lugs and tapering bracelet; and the affordable mechanical movement. Moreover, this would be the first Timex in the collection.

The Timex Watch Company

Timex Group USA, Inc. (formerly known as Timex Corporation) is an American global watch manufacturing company founded in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company in Waterbury, Connecticut. This company has the reputation of making and designing watches innovatively which allowed them to come out with models that are as accurate as their competitors yet vastly cheaper and quicker to make.

Instead of having a goal of creating a "premium" brand, Timex is more towards affordability and for the masses. For more about the company, visit: https://www.timex.com/

The M79 Watch

Currently, the M79 series consists of four models. The fourth piece is in collaboration with the Snoopy franchise. Nevertheless, all four are priced the same on Timex's website; RM1,645 per unit.

       

	Black/Blue Bezel aka Batman - Reference: #TW2U29500ZV
	All Black Bezel - Reference: #TW2U78300ZV
	Black/Red Bezel aka Pepsi - Reference: #TW2U83400ZV
	Snoopy Masked Marvel - Reference: #TW2U85500ZV

This series came on the back of the Timex Q re-editions. Due to the inclusion of a automatic movement instead of a quartz movement in the Q-series, the M79s are just slightly larger (to fit in the thicker movement).

The Watch

The M79 is made out of stainless steel with polished surfaces. It measures 40 mm in diameter while its lug-to-lug length is 46 mm. Due to the domed crystal, the height of the watch is rather substantial at 14.4 mm. 

The watch has a hidden lug design which, at first glance, creates an impression that it comes with an integrated bracelet. It also gives off that vintage vibe. The bracelet is highly tapered. The bracelet has a woven designed that is very dissimilar to the style on the watch casing. This design discrepancy has the effect of making the case the focal point of the watch.

The matte black dial has hour markers painted with luminous paint. The hour markers are applied on to the dial surface and surrounded by a thin polished frame. There are three shapes for the hour markers to differentiate the 12:00, 6:00 (& 9:00) and the rest. At the peripheral of the dial is a sub-second scale painted in white. Meanwhile, the 3:00 marker has been replaced by the day and date aperture. Framed with white lines, the day and date complications use matching black discs rather than contrasting white ones. 

There are three rows of texts on the dial. On the upper quadrant is the brand. On the lower quadrant are the words "AUTOMATIC" and "WATER RES. 50 METERS". All of the texts are printed on the dial with white paint.

The minutes hand has the pencil-design while the hours hand has the Mercedes-like design except for the Timex "T"  in the roundel. Each is filled with yellow luminous paint that pairs with the hour markers. For the seconds hand, a thin red hand is used. 

Protecting the dial is a domed acrylic crystal. Although this adds to the vintage aesthetic to the M79, some may argue that mineral crystal would more preferable than acrylic. Nevertheless, I do understand why Timex decided on acrylic for the M79. Acrylic crystal is essentially a specialised form of plastic (polymethyl methacrylate), that is contoured to fit over a watch dial. It has a low retail cost and can be effortlessly manipulated, allowing watchmakers to create domed glass very easily. Apart from its affordability, it is also surprisingly resistant to impacts, due to its flexibility. Unfortunately, its softness makes it very susceptible to scratches. However, any light scratches can be  easily buffed using special polishing cream by hand. By using acrylic, Timex has been able to keep the overall price of the watch to very affordable. 

The watch comes with a blue and black aluminum insert for the unidirectional rotating bezel. There are line markers as well as Arabic numbering on the timing scale. The bezel has a ribbed outer edge, and makes the watch look a bit larger than it actually is. The bezel rotates on a ratcheting mechanism that generate an obvious yet reassuring sound when turned. The bezel has 120 incremental position for a complete rotation. There is a luminous pip as expected of a dive watch but make no mistake, the M79 is not designed for diving. It is only designed to look as such. The case has just 50 meters of water resistant which essentially amounts to a rating of “splash proof”. Take it in the shower, but not swimming. It is definitely sufficient for normal casual wear.

The push-in and pull-out crown is located at 3:00. The crown is signed with the letters "TX". As it is just 5 mm across, manipulating it to manually wound the watch is rather difficult (especially those with large fingers). There is also no hard shoulders coming out of the watch casing to provide any form of protection for the crown.

All these elements create an 'aged' look to the watch. The vintage feel is an attraction that appeal to many. 

Below is a photo of the watch in the dark. As you can see, the illumination is not bright but I supposed sufficient at this price point.

On the back is a case-back with a display window. For this window, Timex used mineral glass. Around the window, Timex stamped in some key specifications about the watch. The case-back is secured to the casing using four small set screws.

You can clearly see the Japanese Miyota 8205 automatic movement that operates at 3 Hertz with about 40 hours of power reserve. Although the movement is un-decorated and un-regulated, it is an acceptable compromise especially at this price point.

Paired with the watch is rather nice looking steel band. The band connects to the 18 mm hidden lugs but externally is appears that the bracelet is integrated with the watch casing and starts at 22 mm across that tapers to 16 mm near the end of the band. Made by many tiny links, it has that woven look to it. This design lets it wrap comfortably around the wrist. It also glistens as you move, adding an attractive touch to the whole package. The signed clasp is friction based and rather finicky to wear. One must be careful when trying to engage or disengage the clasp as the watch can slip away from your grasps and crash to the ground.  

The Wearing Experience

Visually, the watch is stunning. The design really brings back the nostalgia of a forgotten era of the 1970s where style meets function. As neat-looking retro-styled modern watch with a very affordable price, the M79 will not look out of place even with the most sophisticated collectors. 

The bracelet is the only part of the watch that may need further refinement. I personally believe having a bracelet paired with the watch is good choice. It should also be tapered and thin. The clasp should also be secured but not bulky. More importantly, the bracelet must have some level of stiffness to minimise wobbliness. Timex was able to fulfilled all but one of the ideal expectations. The chances of an 'accident' due to quirkiness of the current clasp is rather high. Perhaps a Deployant clasp would be more preferable in this case.  

A good watch is not defined by price but a combination of factors. For a brand to create a desirable watch without also elevating it to a high price point, this is a recipe for success.

The Purchasing Experience

I ordered the watch via Amazon. I was able to find one that is cheapest. Due to the current lockdown in Kuala Lumpur, my concern is that the package may not be delivered. 

While tracking the package, I note the route it took. Originating from the USA, it then travelled to Hong Kong before arriving in Singapore. Instead of heading straight to Kuala Lumpur, the package did a detour to China before heading South again. The next port-of-call was Vietnam before finally arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The whole circuit took 7 days (ordered on 29 June 2021 and delivered on 6 July 2021).

I am very pleased that Timex made the effort to get a large presentation box for the watch. The rectangular watch-box is protected by an unmarked white cardboard sleeve. Underneath is the packaging box painted in dark grey and printed with the Timex brand. Inside this is the main presentation watch-box also in dark grey and branded.

The main presentation watch-box has a flip-up top cover. The watch is laid out flat and kept in place by two elastic straps. The inner part of the presentation box is lined with cream coloured fabric. What is more impressive is that Timex made the effort to also print out a short description about the watch on the top part of the lining. 

Where the watch lie is a hidden bottom that when open has a small slot to keep the manual. Although the watch came with a one (1) year warranty, that fact is not found on any document found in the presentation watch. Based on what I gather from Timex's website, to claim the warranty, I must bring proof of purchase (the receipt) with the name of the authorised dealer explicit stated on it. A simple warranty card like most other brands would be more preferable.

A digital copy of the manual can be found before the Photo Gallery.

 

 

Specifications

Case Material: Stainless steel

Band Material: Stainless steel

Crystal/Lens: Acrylic

Case/Band Finish: Polished
Case Width: 40 mm

Case Length: 46 mm

Case Height: 14.5 mm

Lug Width: 18 mm

Dial Color: Black
Buckle/Clasp: Self-adjust friction clasp 

Bezel Design: Stainless steel, rotating (unidirectionally) 

Bezel Colour: Black/Blue combination (Pepsi style- aluminum insert)

Watch Movement: Mechanical automatic 
Caliber: Miyota 8205
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Diameter: 26 mm
Thickness: 7.4 mm
Power Reserve: ~ 40 hours

Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 BPH)
Jewels: 21
Accuracy: -20 sec～40 sec per day

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Vendor: Amazon

MSRP: RM1645 (Timex website)
Purchase Price: RM762.02 + RM119.16 shipping & import fees

Purchase Date: 29 June 2021 (ordered); 6 July 2021 (delivered)

Operating Manual for the M79:

Photo Gallery