Timex has added a new chapter to one of its most beloved collections. The Marlin — long admired for its 1960s-inspired elegance — has just gained its first-ever GMT model, blending the familiar vintage charm with a practical travel function. The Marlin Quartz GMT arrives in three variants, each keeping the refined proportions and polished details that define the line, while introducing a red-tipped GMT hand and a two-tone 24-hour ring for easy second-time-zone tracking. It’s the same Marlin you know, but now ready for the jet-set life.

A Brief History of the Timex Marlin

The Marlin first debuted in the early 1960s as part of Timex’s mechanical watch line-up. Known for its simple, elegant design and reliable performance, it became a go-to for those wanting an affordable, good-looking dress watch. In the past decade, Timex has revived the Marlin with both mechanical and quartz models, often leaning into design cues from the “jet age” — think clean lines, domed crystals, and understated dials that still manage to catch the eye.

What has always set the Marlin apart is its balance of vintage charm and modern practicality. It’s a watch that looks as good with a suit as it does with a casual weekend outfit, and that versatility has helped it remain a fan favorite.

What’s New: The First GMT Marlin

The Marlin Quartz GMT marks a milestone for Timex, introducing a dual-time capability to the line for the very first time. This new model keeps the mid-century elegance the Marlin is known for, but adds a practical travel-ready twist: a red-tipped GMT hand and a two-tone 24-hour ring, letting you track a second time zone at a glance. It’s a subtle change in looks, but a big step in functionality — perfect for those who want the Marlin’s classic style with added versatility.

Design & Case

The case measures 40mm in diameter, a sweet spot for many wrists, and is crafted from brushed recycled stainless steel. The finishing stays true to the Marlin’s dressy-but-not-flashy aesthetic, with a simple, polished bezel framing the dial.

One of the most eye-catching features is the domed crystal — in this case, made from Hesalite, a refined form of acrylic known for its warm, distortion-free appearance. Hesalite scratches more easily than sapphire but can be polished back to clarity, and it gives the watch an authentic mid-century feel. It’s a nod to the space race era, when Hesalite was the crystal of choice for watches worn by astronauts.

At just under 12mm thick, the Marlin Quartz GMT wears comfortably and slips easily under a cuff. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, enough for splashes. Timex has opted for a reliable quartz GMT movement, offering set-and-forget accuracy and hassle-free travel functionality without adding bulk to the design.

Dial & Variants

The Marlin Quartz GMT is available in three distinct styles, each offering a slightly different personality while keeping the core design intact. The boldest of the trio is the gold-tone stainless steel version (TW2Y47700), paired with a deep black dial that gives the watch a vintage dress-watch feel with a dash of jet-set glamour. For a more versatile everyday look, there’s the polished stainless steel model with a rich blue dial (TW2Y47600) — a combination that feels equally at home in the office or on a weekend getaway. Rounding out the line-up is a blue-dial variant fitted to a leather strap (TW2Y47900), offering a softer, more classic feel on the wrist while maintaining the same polished stainless steel case.

All three share the two-tone 24-hour ring and red-tipped GMT hand, ensuring that second-time-zone legibility is consistent across the range.

On the Wrist

The Marlin Quartz GMT strikes a nice balance between vintage proportions and modern wrist presence. Despite the GMT complication, it remains slim and wearable. The brushed case keeps reflections to a minimum, while the domed Hesalite crystal gives the watch a warm, almost organic look.

Pricing & Availability

Timex has positioned the Marlin Quartz GMT at an accessible price point for a broad audience. The leather-strap version is priced at $199, while the stainless steel and gold-tone stainless steel models are available for $229 and $239, respectively.

Given the combination of heritage styling, GMT functionality, and wearable proportions, this is a strong offering for anyone looking to add a travel-friendly watch to their collection without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

The Timex Marlin Quartz GMT is a welcome evolution of a classic. It’s faithful to the Marlin’s mid-century roots while adding a complication that feels perfectly in line with the collection’s jet-age inspiration. By sticking with quartz, Timex keeps the watch affordable and worry-free, making it a realistic option for daily wear or travel.

For collectors, it’s an opportunity to own the first GMT in the Marlin line — a potential future cult classic. For newcomers, it’s a stylish, functional watch with a design that will age gracefully.

If you’ve been waiting for a Marlin that can handle more than one time zone, your wait is over. This one’s ready to take off.

Timex Marlin Quartz GMT – Specs

• Case diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Case material: Brushed recycled stainless steel
• Crystal: Hesalite (domed)
• Water resistance: 50m
• Movement: Quartz GMT
• Lug Width: 20mm
• Strap options: Stainless steel bracelet, leather strap