Timex has been on a creative streak lately, revisiting some of its most iconic designs and giving them fresh, modern interpretations. Just as the new Marlin Quartz GMT makes its debut — a travel-ready take on their classic dress watch — Timex has also introduced another standout: the Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph. It’s a release that pays tribute to the futuristic design language of the 1960s, an era when watches were as much about style and imagination as they were about timekeeping. By launching these two models side by side, Timex is showing just how versatile the Marlin line can be, moving effortlessly from globe-trotting GMTs to bold, space-age chronographs.

The Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph comes in two distinct versions that lean into one of the most enduring and beloved chronograph aesthetics: the panda (TW2Y24600) and reverse panda (TW2Y24700) dials. With the silver-and-black combination you get a crisp, motorsport-inspired look, while the brown and cream option brings warmth and vintage charm.

What’s New?

While the Marlin name has graced many case shapes over the years, the Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph stands apart thanks to its unique domed Hesalite crystal. This crystal covers the entire top surface of the watch, wrapping over the bezel and blending seamlessly into the flat case sides. It’s a design decision that immediately sets this watch apart from other chronographs in its price range, giving it a sculptural, monolithic appearance that recalls the optimism of the space race era.

The crystal is made from Hesalite, a refined form of acrylic that has long been favored for its clarity, warm appearance, and ease of maintenance. Unlike sapphire, which can feel cold and clinical, Hesalite gives off a softer look that pairs perfectly with retro design. It can also be easily polished to remove scuffs, keeping the watch looking fresh over time.

Another point of difference is Timex’s move toward more sustainable materials. The stainless steel used for the case is recycled, and in the reverse panda model, the brown leather strap is ethically sourced from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery.

Design & Wearability

The 40mm stainless steel case is well-proportioned, offering enough wrist presence to suit the bold chronograph dial while still remaining versatile for daily wear. At 13.5mm thick, it has some substance, but the rounded edges of the domed crystal and the matching contour of the screw-down caseback make it wear slimmer than the numbers suggest. The brushed and polished surfaces give the watch a refined feel without losing its vintage tool-watch character.

The most eye-catching element is the integration of the bezel beneath the crystal. Instead of a separate ring sitting above the case, the bezel here is hidden and engraved with the “Marlin” name, creating a continuous glass-like surface from edge to edge. This unusual approach makes the watch feel sleek and futuristic, while also creating a sense of depth as the crystal curves over the dial. Subtle concentric circle patterns appear on the inner bezel, the crown, and the caseback, adding texture and visual cohesion without overwhelming the clean lines of the case.

The panda dial model features a silver-tone concave dial with black subdials, a combination that has been popular among collectors for decades thanks to its crisp contrast and motorsport associations. The reverse panda takes a warmer approach with an obsidian brown concave dial and lighter contrasting subdials, evoking a more mid-century dress-chronograph mood. Both dials share the same practical and balanced layout, with a tachymeter scale around the edge for timing speed over distance, a crosshair pattern that subtly divides the dial into quadrants, and a neatly placed date window just above the 6 o’clock marker. Applied baton markers and simple stick hands ensure the chronograph remains highly legible, even with the additional subdial information.

The panda version comes fitted to a brushed and polished stainless steel six-link bracelet with a deployant clasp. It’s a natural match for the silver dial, giving the watch a slightly more formal look and making it easy to dress up or down. The reverse panda is paired with a brown leather strap that has quick-release spring bars, allowing for tool-free changes in seconds. The strap’s supple feel and rich tone suit the dial perfectly, and because it’s made from sustainably tanned leather, it adds an ethical dimension to the purchase.

Movement & Performance

Both versions use a quartz analog movement powered by an SR936SW battery. The chronograph function is straightforward, with start/stop at the top pusher and reset at the bottom, making it intuitive even for first-time chrono users. While quartz may not have the romantic appeal of a mechanical movement, it offers reliability and convenience that make it ideal for a daily-wear watch.

Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, which covers everyday situations like hand washing and light swimming, though Timex advises against pressing any chronograph pushers underwater to preserve the seals.

Wearing Experience

On the wrist, the Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph feels like a piece of wearable mid-century industrial design. The domed crystal catches the light in a way that adds life to the dial, while the relatively compact lug-to-lug length helps the watch sit comfortably on most wrist sizes. The smooth transitions between case surfaces and the absence of sharp edges make it comfortable for extended wear, and the overall profile strikes a good balance between vintage character and modern practicality.

The Hesalite crystal will inevitably pick up the occasional mark, but this is part of the charm of acrylic-equipped watches — those small scuffs can be polished away in minutes, and over time, the crystal develops a gentle character that many enthusiasts find endearing.

Final Thoughts

The Timex Marlin Jet Quartz Chronograph is a thoughtful blend of past and present. Its domed crystal and streamlined case design pay tribute to the 1960s era of optimism and experimentation, while the panda and reverse panda dials give collectors a choice between sporty cool and warm sophistication. Add in the sustainable materials, reliable quartz movement, and wearable proportions, and you have a chronograph that feels special without straying into luxury pricing.

By releasing it alongside the new Marlin Quartz GMT, Timex has shown just how much life there is in the Marlin collection — and just how many ways the brand can reinterpret its heritage for today’s watch enthusiasts.

Timex Marlin Jet Chronograph – Specs

• Case diameter: 40mm
• Case height: 13.5mm
• Case material: Recycled stainless steel
• Case finish: Brushed/polished
• Crystal: Domed Hesalite acrylic
• Movement: Quartz analog (SR936SW battery)
• Bracelet: 6-link stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp
• Strap: Brown natural leather quick-release strap
• Lug width: 20mm
• Water resistance: 50 meters
• References: TW2Y24600 (Panda) / TW2Y24700 (Reverse Panda)