Timex Three GMT
A review of the low cost Timex Three GMT. The video includes the unboxing, resizing a Timex bracelet, why I got the watch, specs, pros, cons, and I open the case to take a look at the “Intelligent Quartz” movement.
Details:
- Model: Timex TW2R43500
- Diameter: 44mm (advertised as 43mm)
- Height: 13.2mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Lug-to-lug: 52.15mm
- Weight: ~130g on bracelet, ~95g on rubber
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Intelligent Quartz 304
- Battery: CR2016
- Crystal: Mineral
- Water Resistance: 10atm/100m/300ft
- Price ~$100
The main reason I got this watch is because I wanted a quartz GMT that is set and ready to go, since one of my friends lives overseas and we talk every day. I only had one other GMT in the collection at the time I bought this watch, my Grand Seiko SGBE249, and although it is one of my favs, it’s really not a chillin’ around the house sort of watch.
Finding a fairly simple quartz GMT is harder than you might think. Many of them are very busy and over the top with all sorts of other functions besides 24-hour time-telling. The Timex Three GMT was about the simplest and best I could find for under $100.
Since purchasing this watch, I have also acquired a Christopher Ward C60 Bronze GMT Limited Edition, so now I have a casual mechanical GMT, a dress GMT in the GS SBGE249, along with this ready to go quartz Batman from Timex.
The Video
https://youtu.be/GiVac-5S2Lw
Timeline:
- G-SHOCK Giveaway: 0:42
- WatcheePro teaser: 1:39
- Timex Three GMT: 2:45
- Unboxing: 3:27
- Resizing the bracelet: 5:34
- Overview and Why? 9:10
- Specs: 11:35
- Pros: 13:44
- Cons: 17:01
- The movement: 21:07
Pros:
- Simple look
- Reasonable cost
- Easy 24-hour hand setting with pusher
- Supports half-hour time zones
- Seconds hand aligned (on my anyway)
- Trapezoid date window
- Push-pin links are ok
- Indiglo looks great on this watch
Cons:
- Bracelet, especially the clasp and the hollow end links
- Subpar polishing
- Pointed lugs
- Lacking lume
- Dysfunctional bezel (i.e., hard to grasp and turn)
Final Thought
After purchasing this watch, I discovered a black PVD version. The polished stainless steel version is good, but I think the black PVD looks better. It also came on a silicone strap instead of a cheap bracelet. However, the watch is out of stock everywhere and probably not being made anymore, but I am keeping my eyes open for the chance to swap.
Hi Brian,
Lived watching your videos. I’m new to watch repair/restoration and wanted to get your feedback on something…
Many watch shops in downtown Boston said they didn’t want to repair this Waterbury watch because it “wasn’t worth it” due to the movement’s pin mechanics (opposed to jewels). I totally understand but it had me thinking after watching one of your videos… Can you place the dial on a better/more modern movement??
Open to hear your thoughts!!
Thanks,
Adam
https://www.ebay.com/itm/e910-Antique-Waterbury-Complete-Watch-Movement-for-Parts-or-Repair-/303136703921?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
The dial could fit to any movement that has the small seconds post at the same location. What movements might fit would take some research.