February 6th, 2024 | Words and photography by DAHTT
1968 Timex Marlin.
The affordable way into vintage watches.
Last month I featured a 1967 Rolex Oyster Perpetual. My take aways from that wonderful watch was that it possessed something which modern Rolex's didn't. There was some logical reasoning behind that conclusion, but I think a great deal of its magic, came from the golden era in which it was produced.
If you want to experience that je nais se quoi for yourself, but without splashing four figures on a vintage Rolex, it's possible to get some of that same feeling, for just two figures. Enter the world of vintage Timex.
There was something in the water in the 1960's. Whether it was Malcolm Sayer penning the Jaguar E - Type, John Lautner reinventing architectural design or Andy Warhol redefining art. The straight laced conservatism of the 50's was giving way to adventurous modernity.
At various points during the 1960's, a balance was struck between the classic restraint of the 50's and the explosion of craziness which would be the 1970's. This was evident in all areas of creativity, music, art, fashion, architecture, automobiles, and it was of course also a golden age for watches.
This 1968 Timex Marlin oozes mid century style, with more than a whiff of mad men about it. Not only aesthetically, but in period the slogan it was advertised with - "takes a licking and keeps on ticking" is one I can imagine Don Draper writing in between affairs and day drinking single malt scotch.
The text "waterproof" on the dial, speaks to the optimism and confidence of the era. No cautionary "resistance" here. These were the days when mankind aimed for the moon, quite literally.
Looking at the slimness of the case, the delicacy of the lugs and the overall 34mm proportions, you come to understand that confidence was done differently back then. Would you have the confidence to wear a 34mm watch today? In the 1960's, society was yet to totally reduce better simply to bigger.
There's a lot to love about these vintage Timex Marlins. They were mass produced watches for working folk. Reliable and stylish. Reputable and affordable.
I became interested in them because of the two words seen on the dial and the case back. "Great Britain". Many Timex's were manufactured in Dundee Scotland. It was during a deep delve on the history of British watchmaking that I stumbled on these beautiful little watches and since then I've owned many.
The case is chrome plated, with no variation in finishing, the crystal is naturally acrylic, the handset minimal, the breguet numerals printed not applied and the movement is about as utilitarian looking as it's possible to imagine.
This watch is more than the sum of its parts though. It may not have tremendous on paper spec's, but it has bags full of charm. Every vintage Marlin I've ever handled does. They have so much character and personality that even when next to well regarded, expensive big hitters, they can still hold their own.
It is not something I can effectively communicate through words, you just have to hold one. And you can, these watches regularly sell for under £50gbp on eBay. That's a quarter of the price of the 2017 reissued Marlin, and instead of a reissue you get the real thing.
The gorgeous example here set me back £40. That's an incredibly small sum to pay for a slice of mid century history. Look at the price of mid century furniture, let alone 60's cars or artwork.
The vintage Timex Marlin offers the opportunity to own a piece of the golden age of western history, for less than the price of a decent single malt scotch. My advice is get one while you can.