Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium Watch Review

Because of the TQ18 line of watch straps, many Q Timex models have been covered on the StrapHabit blog. In recent years, Timex has made an effort to release models that appeal more to hardcore watch collectors than shoppers just looking for a good deal. When the brand released a titanium traveler GMT in collaboration with the James brand, I wanted to check one out.

Luckily, a friend of StrapHabit, the Wrist Unwound YouTube channel allowed me to borrow one to review! Its spec sheet is packed with good stuff, so keep reading to find out how it is in the metal.

Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium First Impressions:

The James Brand sells EDC products designed for everyday use. It describes them as using premium materials and minimalist designs with clear attention to detail. This brief is clear as the brand's DNA  is strong and the watch differs from other Timex designs.

Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium Details:

Besides the hints of neon yellow/green, the entire watch is monochromatic. Minimal text is on the dial, featuring only the Timex and James logos. The specs are relegated to the back of the watch (as they should be) along with the series number out of 1000.

The nighttime portion of the bezel is gray, while the rest of the bezel and dial are black. A white date disc stands out at 3. While I usually prefer the date background to be the same color as the dial, I don't mind the contrast on this tool watch.

The entire case, bezel, crown, and bracelet are matte finish. While the edges are not sharply finished, the design works well for a field watch and should be more resistant to dings.

The James website says that it's 6AL-4V Titanium. From the brief brief research seems to be the same as Grade 5 titanium, which has increased strength as well as corrosion resistance over Grade 2.

 

Wearing the Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium:

Its 41mm case width and 48mm height will work well for most wrists.

At 13.2mm, it's not as thin as the svelte Nodus Trailtrekker with the same movement. It does have a rotating bezel and a sapphire caseback, however. Due to its lightweight titanium construction, it also doesn't feel top heavy.

The GMT bezel rotation is uni-directional like you'd normally find on a dive watch. While this isn't my preference, it doesn't hurt its ability to display a third time zone. The bezel clicks are crisp, if a bit unrefined feeling.

All 24 hours are displayed on the bezel as well as the chapter ring, making reading the time a quick glance affair.

The matte black dial and large white hands and markers give the Timex x James GMT fantastic legibility aided by AR coating. I find the easiest to read GMT watches have 24-hour hand in a bright, contrasting color. Neon green does the trick!

Large applications of Super-LumiNova mean that the markers are bright and long-lasting, making it easy to read after dark too.

Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium Bracelet, Strap, and Replacement Straps:

The titanium bracelet uses an H-link design with a butterfly clasp.

Its matte finish matches the case, and give it a look similar to a Sinn bracelet. Many titanium watches, especially lower-cost ones omit a bracelet option, so it's nice to see Timex providing one here. The bracelet is lightweight and comfortable.

The strap features a simple but attractive look.

It has venting holes and uses a matching titanium buckle (a nice surprise) plus displays a subtle James logo. I obviously prefer FKM Rubber over resin as a strap material, but it is comfortable.

The Timex x James GMT is also and especially great candidate for swapping straps. Quick-release pins make its bracelet and strap easy to remove, plus it has a common 20mm lug width. Shrouds between the lugs also mean that universal straps have a clean look with zero gap.

Black, gray, and white straps look great on it, but my absolute favorite is the pH Green Sailcloth strap as it pairs so well with the watch's "pops of color."

Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium Movement:

The Miyota 9075 movement powering the Timex x James features a "traveler" GMT complication. A 24-hour hand can display a second time zone while the 12-hour hand can be jumped independently to show the current local time. It also advances the date, or moves it back as needed. A sapphire caseback provides a window to view the movement.

The 9075 beats at 28,800 vph (8 beats per second) for up to 42 hours when fully wound. The Timex website doesn't mention the accuracy, so we'll assume it's the standard +30, -10s/day. It features uni-directional winding meaning that you can occasionally feel it free-spinning if you move your wrist quickly. The hour hand jumps using the crown are crisp.

Conclusion:

The Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium is limited to 1,000 units. Timex says when they are gone, they are gone! Despite being produced by a large brand, the watch has the type of specs and thoughtful details more often found on micro-brand watches. The limited quantity adds to that feel, and the James Brand's influence on the watch is clear.

The watch looks attractive and features a strong spec list for the price. If you're looking for a rugged and stylish GMT watch, it's worth considering.

Specifications: 

Name: Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium Bracelet Watch
Reference Number: TWG065500
MSRP: $749
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 48mm
Thickness: 13.2mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Miyota 9075
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire with AR
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Uni-directional, 120 click
Weight (Mass): 120g (on bracelet)
Bracelet/Strap: Titanium bracelet/resin strap with titanium buckle

 

View and Purchase Replacement Straps for the Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT:

Deployant FKM Rubber

Premium Sailcloth Colorway Collection

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Luminous Elastic

Elastic Straps

Tropical FKM Rubber

Ridge FKM Rubber

Premium Sailcloth

Full Grain Epsom Style Leather: