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Last updated: May 15, 2019
For as long as I can remember, Timex has been the company for budget watches. Their brand is as synonymous with affordable as the Casio G-Shock line is with durable. So when I needed a new watch (as my Bertucci A-2T was out for repair), I knew betting odds would land me with a Weekender of some sort. Granted, I tried to track down a nicer watch in the local pawn shops, but it appears that no one in Bakersfield has good taste – or that those who do aren’t in a hurry to offload their watches. It could be either one.
After the aforementioned fruitless search, I decided on the Timex Weekender Chrono Oversized. (Note: there is no ‘Regular’ Weekender Chrono, so I don’t understand the ‘Oversized’ moniker.) It was attractive without being fussy, fit my wrist well, and was distinct enough from the Bertucci A-2T that I felt it would complement my collection, not end up as needless clutter. When I purchased it, the price was around 50USD, and it’s seemed to hover there ever since. The warranty service on my A-2T took longer than expected, so I wore the Weekender exclusively for two months and then some. Here are the impressions I gathered.
Case and Movement
The case on the Weekender Chrono Oversized is 40mm wide, 9mm tall, and has a lug width of 20mm. It weighs just over 2 ounces. On the whole, I’ve been nothing but impressed with the case. The high polish and simple design grant it an elegance that many watches – even significantly more expensive ones – can’t claim to possess. I do have to admit that until recently I thought that the case was made of stainless steel; as it turns out, it’s made of brass. Does this have a practical effect on the Weekender’s performance? Not in my experience. In fact, as trendy as brass and copper are in the gear community at large, I’m surprised I don’t see more unpolished Weekenders floating around on Instagram.
Information on the movement that the Weekender uses is in short supply. The internet informs me that the movement is known as the W92, which is the same movement Timex uses on their other chronographs. This is a quartz movement manufactured in the Philippines, and it’s probable that the case has the same origins. I have no complaints regarding the movement. While not as interesting as an automatic or a mechanical, quartz movements are reliable, accurate, and cheap. The battery will need replacement every few years, though I would expect that estimate to diminish if you frequently use the “Indiglo” feature.
Dial and Bezel
Of course, the reason that I settled on this particular Timex was the dial. I’ve never owned a chronograph, and something about the numerous dials was strangely appealing. It’s cluttered – even busy – but not any less legible for it. The arabic numerals at 2, 6, and 10 are occluded by the chronograph complications, and a date function is set next to the 4 o’clock position. 24 hour numerals are also included on the outermost ring of the dial, though they’re so small that it isn’t information you can gather at a glance. All of this is protected by a mineral crystal. From a material standpoint, it’s not as nice as Seiko’s Hardlex or a sapphire crystal, but for the price point I can’t register any complaints. Mine hasn’t picked up any scratches, even while working or when I was trying to corral a particularly bite-prone husky pup.
In the interests of full disclosure, I feel you should know that I’ve never actually used the chronograph feature. That’s not to say I haven’t futzed around with it: I have. You just won’t get any ‘Apollo 13’-esque stories out of me. The Weekender Chrono can measure time in minutes (up to 30, using the dial at 10 o’clock), seconds (using the large seconds hand), and 0.05 of a second (using the dial at 2 o’clock). I made an effort to discover the practical applications of a chronograph for the sake of this review. That effort failed. For those who are interested in sports – specifically track and field – I can see the value in an integrated stopwatch. In my line of work it’s simply unnecessary.
For those steely-eyed readers who have been paying attention: yes, the large second hand is used only for the chronograph, while the small seconds dial located at the 6 o’clock position is used for normal timekeeping. Using all the small dials together would make some kind of sense. We couldn’t possibly have that.
Strap and on the Wrist
My Weekender came with a leather NATO strap. The buckle and keepers are made of stainless steel, and the leather is certainly genuine; though that isn’t exactly high quality. Odds are that I’ll need to replace the strap before the battery. It’s worth noting that the photos on their website don’t quite convey the color of the leather. Online, the strap looks light enough to resemble flesh tones, but in reality it has warmer overtones. On the wrist (especially after a few days of sun and sweat) the leather darkened enough that I was no longer concerned. If you like the watch but not the strap, it’s not the end of the world. Not only are there a bevy of aftermarket options, but Timex offers a wide range of replacements. I’d recommend the former.
I don’t keep up with the watch world, so most of my impressions originate in listening to Andrew Lang (aka 555 Gear) on Gear Geeks Live. Somewhere along the line, I became convinced that 40mm was huge for a watch. After owning and regularly wearing two 40mm watches (and now one nearing 45mm), I’m not so sure. The Weekender Chrono Oversized is not just a wide watch, but a fairly tall watch; yet I’ve never had a problem. It slips under shirt sleeves with ease and doesn’t feel like a hubcap on my wrist.
Timex Weekender Chronograph – Final Thoughts
No product exists in a vacuum, of course. Competition for this slice of the market is surprisingly fierce. The most noteworthy contenders are – in my view, at least – the Seiko 5 and the Casio G-Shock. All three offer a fantastic value proposition, and I think this is honestly a case where the only determining factor is personal preference. If you need something on the bombproof end of things, go with the G-Shock; an introduction to automatic watches, the Seiko 5; but if you want an inexpensive but fashionable watch, go with the Timex. I’m glad I chose the Weekender. It fit my needs, and I reach for it more frequently than I expected.
Who should buy the Weekender? Well, that’s a bit of a tricky question. I recently purchased my first automatic: a Seiko SRP779. I don’t want to gush – I’m still in the honeymoon period, and I know that – but so many of the entrancing details on the SRP779 simply aren’t found on the Weekender. That isn’t a criticism; the SRP779 costs several times what the Weekender does. But I can’t say whether someone who is accustomed to higher end watches will find value in the Weekender. It is a truly great entry level watch, and I can’t detract from that. If you’re looking for your first watch or if you’re on a budget, I heartily recommend the Weekender Chrono Oversized.
- Adjustable tan 20mm double-layered genuine leather slip-thru strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Blue dial with date window at 4 o'clock; full Arabic numerals; 24-hour military time
- 30-minute chronograph measures to 1/20th second
- Silver-tone 40mm brass case with mineral glass crystal; Indiglo light-up watch dial; luminous hands
- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
I recommend purchasing the Timex Weekender at Amazon. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Excellent review. Timex still makes quality, non digital (traditional face) watches with traditional watch bands. The watches are durable and some models are difficult to scratch. The situations can be in a range of working in the yard to going to a funeral or on a date.
The Weekender is the current hot model for the reasons stated in the review.
There is a website nationally for goodwill. I have purchased traditional face Timex models and Ironmen there with good results. Other brands of quality watches are unfortunately always bid too high for me.
For shtf, you have to check whether the Timex battery watches are still running about once a year. For shtf, I have low end, new solar powered Casios without all the bells as whistles of the expensive models. So the low end can run from $15 to $30 delivered in that category.
Hey bdc,
Thanks for commenting! I have to agree that – like Victorinox – Timex has a model for just about every need, and if ‘need’ is your only concern, it’s tough to go wrong with them.
I do have a problem with their marketing, as they play up the “American Heritage ” despite no stateside manufacturing, but that’s a discussion for another time.
Thanks again,
Grayson
I was wondering about the carabiner in the picture!
Hey Fernando,
The carabiner is a collaboration between Vox and Ti2 Design known as the HALO.
Hope that helps,
Grayson
I loved the review and want one! I own a Citizen Eco-Drive, a nice G-Shock, and several “value” watches. This Timex would be a great addition when I just want something different. I really appreciate the reviews on gear other than knives. Don’t get me wrong, I love the knives but watches are a close second. Keep up the great work and drive on!
Jim,
I am glad you enjoyed this review, and the feedback that you enjoy reviews of things other than knives. I have been enjoying the change of pace myself. Expect more reviews of watches, multi-tools, and flashlights in the future. Of course, our primary focus will always be knives.
Best,
Dan
Excellent review! I bought mine today with a box and 2 straps. The leather one and another in blue color. Can’t wait to try it on my wrist!
Hey Miguel,
Thanks for commenting. I hope you like the Weekender!
Thanks,
Grayson
Many of the Weekenders have really nice looking traditional dials — they punch far above their price for aesthetics.
The only problem I have with mine is that it ticks LOUD.
I was wondering if this might be addressed in the review; do you have any qualms with this watch on that score?
Hey RD,
Always glad to see you comment. I’ve since given this watch away, but when I had it, no, the ticking was never a problem.
Thanks,
Grayson
This Timex Weekender watches are some of my favourite affordable timepieces. You can’t deny that the Indiglo night light technology is some of the best for the money really.
Enjoyable review thanks.
The tick on mine isn’t very loud because each second only the tiny second hand at 6 o’clock is moving. Speaking of that tiny second hand, to the author’s question about all the small hands working together: this is pretty typical of chronographs (at least the low end one’s I look at) and probably might have to do with the fact that the watches using a tachymeter have the speed calculations around the outside to make them legible. Also in general if you actually need a stopwatch the seconds are probably important and are much easier to read on the outside of the dial.
Nice review of the Timex. I also enjoyed your Bertucci A-T2 review as well. I own one and enjoy using for hiking and camping. Thanks for your time and for sharing.
I just purchased a Timex Chrono with the green dial to add to my budget watch collection. If you like both budget and quality watches, I highly recommend the Orient brand of watches. I love their automatic divers (Ray and Mako) and the dressier Bambino line for around $100.
I appreciate your honesty about not using the chronograph feature much; it’s good to know that it might not be practical for everyday use. The aesthetic appeal of the watch, with its busy but still legible dial, is something that I find quite attractive. The combination of the arabic numerals, date function, and the 24-hour numerals on the outer ring adds a unique touch.