The Timex Marlin Automatic Sub-Dial Kicks it into Sport Mode

The Timex Marlin at its core, is a dress watch. I’m referring to the first Marlin that comes to mind when you think of this particular model. You know, the one with the 34mm case, hour numerals using a vintage typeface, and an accompanying faux-gator leather strap. Believe it or not, this style of watch was normally worn during any activity back in its day. From working at the office, right into doing household chores during the weekend. Think Don Draper wearing a similarly styled watch while cutting the lawn. Sure we could do the same, but nowadays there’s just way too many good steel sports watches out there for them to just sit on the sidelines while they watch their dressier watchbox mate get all the wrist time. Timex’s latest iteration of their flagship dress watch aims to fill that void in their current Marlin collection by becoming a bit more sportier via a new-look dial.

One look at the Marlin Automatic Sub-Dial could have you mistaken for a refined version of your quintessential Timex field watch, but it is in fact a Marlin. The main reason here is the new set of numerals used to demarcate the hours. The collection of numerals are more sizable, much bolder, and a new typeface all together. The font leans into Sans Serif territory and as a result, the numerals look friendlier and playful, while also being more legible at the same time. The natural boldness of this new typeface accentuates the curves of each numeral, especially the unique looking flat top “4”.

In addition to the new markers, we still have the traditional date at 3:00, which I don’t have strong feelings for being adjacent to the “3” numeral. Another newcomer to the Marlin dial is a 24-hour subdial at 9:00. Numerals at the cardinal positions and hash marks within the subdial give reference to whether it’s AM or PM. This function might only be applicable to those who have an office without a window or someone in the midst of a heavy travel schedule and have no sense of time. That said, the subdial adds a different dimension to the Marlin we know and love. The red colored hand and the mere presence of a subdial gives the Timex Marlin Automatic Sub-Dial more of a sportier vibe. The different types of textures distinguish the main dial and subdial with the main dial presented in a vertical brushed finish and the subdial adorning a radial texture.

Speaking of finishes and textures, much of the same theme continues throughout the 39mm case. The fixed steel bezel is fully brushed and ever-so-slightly extends that finish towards the lugs. The lugs are fully accentuated by a polished finish. The brushed finish returns to the midcase where a signed crown finds its positioning at 3:00. The underside of the case displays the Marlin fish and a small circular exhibition window which provides a partial view to the automatic mechanical movement.

The Timex Marlin Automatic Sub-Dial comes in three different references: a black dial with silver hands, and a silver dial with either a set of gray hands or blue. Each is also accompanied by a leather strap equipped with quick release spring bars. Although I don’t mind a leather strap, the move here might have to be a steel mesh bracelet or a nylon pass-through strap if you’re feeling adventurous. The Timex Marlin Automatic Sub-Dial feels the most casual out of their current Marlin collection. They’ve taken their refined hand wound dress watch and made it more energetic with a new case, dial layout and an automatic movement. Part of me just wishes they elected not to include a date window. In my opinion, there is a bit of imbalance with the date numerals looking smaller next to the significantly larger hour numeral. I’d rather have this model solely with the subdial to further highlight the 24-hour feature.

The Timex Marlin Automatic Sub-Dial comes with a retail price of $279. Head on over to the Timex website for more information on availability, here.