Timex Marlin Chronograph men's watch with blue dial

Not every watch with a racing stripe earns it. The Timex Marlin Chronograph TW2W99000 does. This is a men's watch that draws directly from the American watchmaking of the 1960s and 70s, updated with a detail that makes it hard to ignore: a vertical red and white stripe running straight down the centre of a deep navy blue dial. It suits someone who wants a bit of character on the wrist without going overboard, and it works whether you are at a desk all week or heading somewhere more relaxed at the weekend.

Timex built the case in stainless steel, round in shape, 40 mm across and 13 mm thick. That size sits confidently on the wrist without fighting your shirt cuff every time you reach for something. The dial carries white indices and hands, with red and white chronograph seconds hands that tie back neatly to the stripe below them. The glass is plexi, which is exactly right for a watch like this. It scratches more readily than mineral glass, yes, but it gives the dial that gently curved, warm look that belongs to the era Marlin keeps returning to. A quartz movement keeps everything accurate and low maintenance, so you can set it and forget it. The leather strap is navy, with perforated detailing and silver-coloured stitching along the edges, a quiet sporty touch that picks up the mood of the dial without overdoing it. Water resistance reaches 5 ATM, which covers rain, hand washing and the occasional splash without any concern.

Details

• Case diameter: 40 mm
• Case thickness: 13 mm
• Case material: stainless steel
• Dial: navy blue with red and white vertical stripe, chronograph
• Glass: plexi
• Strap: navy leather with perforated details and silver-coloured stitching
• Movement: quartz
• Water resistance: 5 ATM

The red accents on the dial really come alive in natural daylight, which is when you will appreciate the stripe most. The leather strap will soften and shape itself to your wrist over time, as a good leather strap should. If you have been looking for a chronograph that carries some genuine visual interest without turning into a costume piece, this Marlin is worth a close look.