The Timex Weekender as its name suggests is readymade for casual weekend wear.
Featuring the loudest tick in the game (seriously), the super versatile Weekender watch is one of the most hyped up watches, but is it the best affordable option out there?
Let’s find out.
In this Timex Weekender review I’ll touch on the history of Timex, the Weekender’s style & aesthetic, how to style the watch, features & specs, interchangeability, condition after 7+ years of wear, and more.
TIMEX WEEKENDER REVIEW
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First, here’s a quick history of Timex.
A HISTORY OF TIMEX WATCHES
Timex dates back to 1854 in Waterbury, Connecticut, also known as Brass City. They started as the Waterbury Watch Company and in the beginning created an affordable $6 clock.
Later on in 1901, the Yankee Pocket Watch was born which sold for exactly one dollar. They sold over 6 million of these. It wasn’t until 1914 that Timex created military issued watches and the wristwatch was born. Then in the 1930s they struck a deal with Disney to mass produce the instantly recognizable Mickey Mouse watches.
40 some years later in the 1950s Timex produced the first high-quality watch movement and Timex had a hold on a third of the watch market. This was also when the famous “takes a licking and keeps on ticking” mantra was born where Timex produced live television spots in which they would do everything imaginable to destroy their watches to no avail.
Finally, by 1984, Timex Ironman® was born and in 1992 the now famous Indiglo® night-light changed the way watch wearers read time in the dark.
Today, Timex is still paving the way with endless collections, including the ever-popular Weekender line-up and successful collaborations with the likes of Todd Snyder and Carhartt.
Related: You might like this article on the Essential Watches For Men.
TIMEX WEEKENDER STYLE & AESTHETIC
The Timex Weekender has a simple, unassuming design. Its watch face isn’t quite minimalist due to an array of numbers, hour and minute accent markers.
Additionally, it has a watch case with a polished silver finish. While it depends on personal preference, I prefer a matte finish similar to the Seiko 5 SNK models or the Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical. For some reason the shiny appearance makes the Weekender look cheap in comparison.
I do, however like the how the second hand’s red color contrasts against the cream dial. Also, the rounded bezel and lugs give the watch a clean and modern look. Furthermore, I feel that the crown at the 3 o’clock mark is proportionally sized to the 38mm dial which achieves a nice balance. And it’s not at all difficult to set the time, which is the case with some watches.
Personally, I like the smaller 38mm dial. It fits perfectly for smaller sized wrists. Mine measure about 6″ around and so anything from 34mm to 38mm typically wears well on my wrist.
Finally, the Weekender’s case back is made of stainless steel. And the model is the T2N651 that comes with a nylon olive strap.
Quick note: If you’re enjoying this Timex Weekender Review — then you’ll probably like this article Vincero Watches Review too.
HOW TO STYLE THE TIMEX WEEKENDER
The Timex Weekender is a great casual everyday watch that you can wear with a t-shirt and jeans. It’s definitely not a dress watch, even though it can be dressed up. I’d say it’s a better fit with a smart casual aesthetic.
Feel free to dress it up with a button up shirt, navy blue blazer and necktie, however I see the Weekender as more of a casual watch, prime to be worn with casual fits. It’s a great summer watch that you can pair with shorts and a printed short sleeve shirt for example.
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Or you can go a smart casual route and wear it with a cashmere or wool sweater, fitted bomber jacket, woolen trousers and suede sneakers for an inarguably crisp look.
Either way, the Weekender is a versatile watch that looks great with casual and slightly dressier outfits.
See below for more casual outfits featuring the Timex Weekender.
Related: You might like this Watch Gang Review. “Khoi10” nets you 10% off any tier/membership.
TIMEX WEEKENDER LOOKBOOK STYLE INSPIRATION
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TIMEX WEEKENDER FEATURES & SPECS
Let’s talk about the Weekender’s watch face. It features a cream/beige, almost white dial with big full arabic numerals. Moving farther inward there are smaller 24-hour military time number displays.
The Timex logo in all-caps is printed just under the 12 and 24. And the word “INDIGLO” is typed towards the bottom, near the 6 and 18. It’s got thin hour and minute hands in black to match the numbers and accents. For the dial, it features a classic 38mm round dial with a 46mm lug to lug.
The red second hand doesn’t sweep since it’s a quartz watch and so it simply ticks and ticks away. It’s definitely one of the louder watch ticking sounds and what the Weekender is sort of known for.
The mineral glass dial is not scratch resistant, and so expect for it to collect scratch marks with regular wear and tear over time. It wouldn’t be a casual Timex watch without the now ubiquitous Indiglo® night-light that makes it easy to tell time in the dark.
There’s a water resistance of up to 30m (100ft), but it’s not recommend to immerse in water. Splashes and light rain is fine, I just wouldn’t recommend swimming with it on your wrist.
Product Specs.
- Brand: Timex
- Model Number: T2N651
- Dial: Mineral Glass
- Case Material: Brass
- Case Diameter: 38mm
- Case Thickness: 9mm
- Band Material: Nylon
- Band Width: 20mm
- Dial Color: Cream/Beige
- Bezel Material: Brass
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Special Features: Indiglo
- Warranty: One-year
INTERCHANGEABLE WATCH STRAPS
The beauty of the Timex Weekender is that it looks great paired with a myriad of different watch straps. Whether you’re into a rugged quick-release suede strap or a slip-on leather nato, the Weekender’s simple design will adapt accordingly.
Maybe it’s summer and you prefer a nylon, nato strap. The Weekender’s beige dial will more than likely pair well with any color you choose.
What’s great about the interchangeability is that a new strap completely changes the look of the watch and showcases its extreme versatility.
Don’t worry about the canvas strap that the watch comes with as you can mix and match different strap materials, colors and patterns to your heart’s content. Have fun and be creative with it!
CONDITION 5+ YEARS LATER
I don’t wear my Weekender every day. I typically wear my watches for days or weeks at a time, rotating them depending on what I feel like wearing or matching my watch to my outfit’s aesthetic.
That being said, I’ve given my Timex plenty of wear over the past 5 years. Like the tagline, my watch has taken a licking and keeps on ticking.
I haven’t had to replace the battery yet. It is worth noting that I pull the crown on my battery operated watches when I’m not wearing them. I think it’s helped to preserve the life of the battery.
In terms of wear and tear, there one are some minor scratches on the case and one prominent scratch on the mineral glass. I remember when that happened and it was a pretty hard hit against rocks.
All in all, my Timex Weekender is in excellent shape, 5 years in which says a lot about the watch’s durability. That being said, I’m not the type to beat up my watches as I tend to treat them all pretty well. My digital watches or daily beaters less so, but I’m pretty careful with my belongs in general.
A FEW NEGATIVES
- Loud tick can become annoying after a while
- Case may appear too polished for some
- Mineral glass isn’t all that scratch-resistant
- Second hand does not always line up with tick marks (common with quartz watches)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The Timex Weekender T2N651 model is currently priced at $35.37 on sale, an ultra-affordable price for a time-tested company with a reputation for quality and it’s a value that can’t be beat. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value.
If you want a Weekender with a slightly larger dial (40mm) check out these.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A tried and true classic, Timex isn’t going anywhere. You simply can’t go wrong with the trusty Timex Weekender watch.
From the ease in which you can swap out leather, nylon or nato straps to the highly affordable price point, it makes for one helluva entry-level quartz watch for men, women and kids of all ages.
Is the Timex Weekender the best budget everyday watch?
Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.
Looking forward to seeing you in there.
Prince Mina says
I love Timex watch, my father’s collection that’s why most of us in the family are into Timex.
Khoi Nguyen says
Nice…Takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’!!! —K
sheldon leonard says
I find the loud tick reassuring and silent (quartz) watches slightly disturbing. You cant go wrong with any Weekender and theres no date to bother with after months with less than 31 days. If the shiny case bothers you then mask the face off and spray it matt black.
Khoi Nguyen says
Sheldon, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Weekender! –K