When Timex launched the Atelier Marine M1a diver, it marked the brand’s quiet but confident step into more premium territory. Now, the American watchmaker continues that journey with a second release in the same design-focused sub-line: the Timex Atelier GMT24 M1a. This new automatic GMT blends familiar design cues from the Marine M1a with a travel-ready complication, pushing the Atelier identity further as Timex explores its modern, upmarket side.

The Atelier Concept

The Atelier collection represents a distinct design direction within Timex. Created under the guidance of Giorgio Galli—the brand’s long-time design lead—the sub-brand focuses on craftsmanship, modern architecture-inspired cases, and a more artistic approach.

The first Atelier model, the Marine M1a diver, introduced this design philosophy with a bold 200 m water-resistant case, skeletonised lugs, and a glass-box sapphire crystal. It proved that Timex could deliver refinement and originality beyond its usual price bracket. The new GMT24 M1a now builds on that foundation, swapping dive functionality for a traveller’s companion aesthetic.

What’s New with the GMT24 M1a

At a glance, the GMT24 M1a shares the same distinctive silhouette as the M1a diver. The 40 mm stainless-steel case retains the metal-injection-moulded structure and the openwork lugs that create a floating-case effect. The biggest evolution lies in the dial and functionality — this is Timex’s first automatic GMT under the Atelier line.

The dial opts for a sleek black enamel finish, surrounded by a subtle 24-hour scale that allows the wearer to track a second time zone. A vibrant orange GMT hand stands out sharply against the dark background, adding both legibility and a splash of character. The applied markers and polished hands retain the same modern-industrial feel introduced with the diver, while the double-domed glass-box sapphire crystal offers distortion-free clarity and a touch of vintage charm.

Movement & Design

Inside beats a Swiss-made automatic GMT movement, the Landeron 24, which provides a power reserve of around 40 hours. While not a “true” flyer GMT (meaning the 12-hour hand is not independently adjustable), it still allows for dual-time functionality that’s practical for travel or remote coordination. The automatic calibre can be seen through the exhibition caseback, featuring an etched Atelier rotor.

The watch measures 40 mm in diameter, a comfortable size for most wrists, and maintains a well-balanced stance on the bracelet. The skeletonised lugs add lightness visually, while the case’s satin finish and gunmetal tones give the watch a premium, almost architectural appearance. The stainless-steel bracelet flows seamlessly into the case structure, with a butterfly clasp ensuring a clean profile on the wrist.

Water resistance drops to 100 m, down from the diver’s 200 m, but that’s consistent with its repositioning as a GMT/travel watch rather than a full tool diver.

A Step Upmarket for Timex

Beyond design, the most interesting part of the GMT24 M1a story lies in what it represents for Timex as a brand. Historically known for affordable, quartz-driven watches, Timex has been steadily moving upmarket over the past few years. The Atelier line is the clearest expression of that ambition.

With the Atelier series, Timex isn’t competing with its usual sub-$300 territory. Instead, it’s positioning itself alongside microbrands and design-driven independents that play in the $1,000+ range. At around €1,150 or $1,350, the GMT24 M1a isn’t cheap for a Timex — but that’s precisely the point. The brand is showing it can deliver elevated materials, Swiss movements, and distinctive design without abandoning its heritage.

From a business perspective, this is a smart strategic move. By creating a separate identity under “Atelier,” Timex can experiment in the premium segment without alienating its core audience. It’s similar to what brands like Seiko have done with Prospex and Presage, or what Citizen has accomplished with The Citizen and Series 8. The Atelier label gives Timex room to innovate and attract a new generation of enthusiasts who might previously have overlooked the brand.

Final Thoughts

The Timex Atelier GMT24 M1a is a confident continuation of the design story that began with the Marine M1a diver. It doesn’t just add a GMT hand — it signals that Timex is serious about design-led, Swiss-powered watchmaking. For those who value thoughtful aesthetics and travel-ready practicality over specs-per-dollar competition, this new Atelier release stands as one of the most compelling modern Timex pieces to date.

Specs, Pricing & Availability

Brand: Timex

Model: Atelier GMT24 M1a

Reference: TW2Y72300

Dial: Black enamel with 24-hour ring and orange GMT hand

Lume: Applied markers and hands with luminous coating

Case Material: Stainless steel (metal injection moulded)

Diameter: 40 mm

Thickness: 12.7 mm

Crystal: Glass-box sapphire crystal

Case Back: Exhibition sapphire with decorated rotor

Water Resistance: 100 m

Strap/Bracelet: Stainless-steel bracelet with butterfly clasp / NBR Synthetic Rubber Strap

Lug Width: 20 mm

Movement: Automatic GMT

Calibre: Landeron 24

Power Reserve: 40 hours

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT (24-hour hand), date

Price: €1,150 / around $1,350

Availability: Now

Limited Edition: No