Wristwatch Review: The Timex Expedition Metal Tech Men's Analog Watch

The Timex Metal Tech Expedition caught my eye in the watch case at my local Belk department store. For about $55, it looked good and was easily the best looking watch in the store. I was fortunate that my wife bought it for me a few days later for our anniversary. My Expedition Metal Tech has a stainless steel case back and a silver brushed brass case that bulges outward to protect the crown. The smooth non-rotating bezel has 'Expedition' etched or engraved into the metal at 12 o'clock. Under the 30 millimeter diameter mineral glass crystal lurks a black face with brass arabic numerals at 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 o-clock and a date marker at 3 o'clock. Black trim under the crystal and just inside the bezel has markings for the 24-hour clock. At convenience at night, the Timex Metal Tech Expedition has luminous hands and hour markers trimmed with what appears to be gold-toned brass. When you press in on the crown, the Timex INDIGLO backlight also illuminates the face from within so that you can read the watch clearly.

The original Timex band was a beautiful soft brown, water resistent, leather that looked incredibly comfortable. Unfortunately, it would not fit my 8 and 1/2-inch wrists so I had to replace it with an inexpensive black nylon and velcro strap band. Bands that don't fit and can't be easily replaced with an equivalent larger one are one of the seven watch collecting hassles that I try to avoid. However, since the watch was a gift, I was glad that the strap band worked fairly well as a replacement. Of course, now, I'll always be on the look out for a more suitable and luxurious replacement watch band. I really wish that Timex had a longer version available on their website for free or for a reduced cost. Nobody should have to forego a very nice watch simply because of the band. Other than the dissappointing watch band, the only other drawback is that you can sometimes accidently activate the INDIGLO night light by flicking my wrist up in day to day movements.

Nevertheless, the Timex Expedition Metal Tech clearly works well as a watch. According to the Timex website, it is a trail series watch that combines elements of a decade of rugged, best selling, Timex Expedition designs.
Even though the Timex Expedition Metal Tech is marketed as a casual watch, I think it is elegant enough to wear at work. This Timex Expedition Metal Tech watch has a great color pallette, complements khakis and other business casual wear, and looks completely high end. At about 10 millimeters thick, this watch is not too thick to fit under the cuff of a shirt and the 40 millimeter wide case is not too big. In my opinion, the build and quality of this Timex Expedition seems much higher than that of my other Timex Expedition watch which retails for about $30 and military styling in a less expensive plastic case. I don't know how well this watch would work on an actual expedition into the outback, but the luminous hands, hour markings, and INDIGLO nightlight work great at night. This watch would certainly look good on any adventure.

Overall, I recommend the Timex Expedition Metal Tech wristwatch. It doesn't spend much time in my watch box because I wear it regularly. However, before you buy this Timex Expedition, make sure you try it on at the store.