Timex Marlin

What is a Timex Marlin watch

The Timex Marlin watch was produced to be a durable every day timepiece. It originally had a manual wind movement and a waterproof case.

In the 1950’s, this the focus of print and TV advertising which showed various Timex Marlin models being put through torture tests in programs hosted by Cameron Swayze. In stores, the Timex Marlin was displayed in a special case that repeatedly submerged the watch in water to demonstrate it’s waterproof properties and durability.

This premise continued into the 1980’s where the Marlin name was retired.

In 1999, the Timex Marlin was relaunched hoiwever, the watch now used both manual and automatic Miyota movements instead of the in-house manual wind movements of the 1950’s-1980’s.

How to identify a Timex Marlin

Early Timex Marlin watches featured the words waterproof or water resistant printed onto the dial and had manual wind movements.

Later Sprite and Viscount models also featured these markings. As a result, a better method of identifying later Timex Marlin watches was to look for dial-codes starting with the number 2.

Post 1999, modern Timex Marlin watches represent a mixed range of watches.

Is the Timex Marlin a good watch

Good is a subjective term. The Timex Marlin has always represented s range of affordable, robust and fashion concious watches.

Modern Timex Marlin watches feature a more standard Miyota movement making them easier to service and maintain while continuing the tradition of being affordable and durable.

Where are Timex Marlin watches made

The earliest Timex Marlin watches were originally manufacturered in Waterbury, Conneticut USA and later in Dundee, Scotland. Over the years new manufacturing plants were created in countries such as France, Portugal and later Taiwan.

How to wind a Timex Marlin

Vintage Timex Marlin watches are wound by turning the crown clockwise. It takes roughly 20-40 turns of the crown for these watches to be fully wound at which point the crown will resist further turns.

Modern Timex Marlin watches require a counter clockwise turn. This is due to the use of the Miyota movement in these models.

How to set a Timex Marlin

Vintage Timex Marlin watches have non-hacking movements. This means the seconds hand continues to move around the dial while the time is being set.

To set the time on vintage Timex Marlin watches without a calendar or day-date complication simply pull the crown out to the first position and turn the crown to set the time.