Wristwatch Review: Timex Expedition Men's Analog Watch

On 16 May 2010, at 2300 hours, I strapped on my new Timex Expedition Men's Analog Wrist Watch. I equipped myself with my Mini Maglite LED, leashed our K-9 security dog, and set forth to patrol the complex perimeter. I was geared up and good to go. With luck, our dog would go potty.

Of course, many young Americans are patrolling far more dangerous perimeters. I'm merely a fortunate beneficiary of their efforts. As the dog and I walked, I had plenty of time to relax, gaze at the stars, and ponder the merits of the Timex Expedition watch. With a plastic case, unarmored crystal, and uncovered face, this inexpensive Timex is probably not up to the rigors of war or other serious expeditions. However, this masculine Timex watch has a lot to offer.

First, this entry-level Timex Expedition has a one-size fits all black velcro strap easily accommodated my 8 1/2-inch diameter wrist. Second, this watch has a very legible 30mm face with large white numerals for the hours backed up by very small white numerals for reading military time. The date is in the traditional 3 o'clock position. Third, this Timex Expedition has a two position crown that allows the time and the date to be set independently. The watch hands don't have to make 48 revolutions of the dial just to set the correct date. Fourth, by pushing in the crown (a third position), you activate an "Indiglo" back light that illuminates the watch face from within. Finally, this watch is available for about $30 at big box retailers like Target.

As I stepped into the darkness, I checked the time using the Indiglo feature. The entire face lit up, the Timex was legible and I was reassured of the time. Throughout our walk, I intermittantly glanced at my Timex. In low light conditions, the bright white hands of this watch were generally readable without activating the Indiglo feature. As I glanced up at the constellation Scorpio in the southern sky, I was struck that a simple black wristwatch with big readable white numbers simply works well for telling time. It's an eternal concept.

As a dude, this watch appeals to me. The black case and velcro straps look like they belong on a SWAT team watch. The styling of the Timex Expedition evokes the historic G.I. wristwatches of World War II. Of course, 60 years ago, no one envisioned Chinese movements housed in Phillipine cases with a stainless steel back. While the Timex Expedition is great for my little adventures, I don't know how it would fare on the truly big adventures of our times. It's worth noting that most Rolex watches aren't worn at the bottom of the sea and most TAG chronometers are never worn on fast laps around Watkins Glen. These fancy wrist watches simply fuel daydreams of a richer clientele. This watch simply makes me want to grab my favorite binoculars and set out for adventure.

Although this Men's Timex Expedition analog wristwatch is a little casual and a little too cheap for the office, I wore it to work the next day anyway and was quite pleased. If you type at a computer for much of the day, you'll find that the velcro wrist strap is soft and cushioning and doesn't dig into the wrist like so many watches with metal bands. The plastic case that is probably a liability on the face of a mountain proves light and comfortable in the office. You simply don't have to take this light weight watch off during the work day. Nevertheless, I still prefer my Men's Casio Analog Dress Watch for work wear. Like my Relic Analog Watches with LCD faces, the Casio has aspirational business-like styling. This Timex isn't a status symbol and doesn't make a statement. It's just a fun watch.

Overall, I'd recommend the analog Men's Timex Expedition wrist watch for casual weekend wear. The Timex Expedition is a practical, affordable, manly, watch that looks cool even if you are just raiding the refrigerator.