When Timex and The James Brand come together on the same project, something interesting always happens. The first – a classic American watchmaker that knows how to make robust, useful watches for every day. The second – a Portland design house known for minimalism, knives and EDC culture, where aesthetics follow function. The result of their third collaboration is the Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition – a watch that is both technically compelling and visually soothing.
Previous joint models played with titanium and light tones, The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition and descends into more serious, more “night” colors and materials. The housing is made of sandblasted stainless steel (41 mm) gives the watch a pleasant mass and presence, while forged carbon dial It adds a touch of modernity and a subtle play of light that changes depending on the angle of view.
A detail worthy of praise is also the crown with carbon insert and signature logo The James BrandThe whole thing feels industrial, but not cold – just robust enough to make you feel like you're carrying a real piece of gear.
Mechanics without pretense
A proven automatic mechanism beats inside Miyota 9075 “true GMT”, which allows the hour hand to move independently. This means you can set the local time without stopping the movement – a feature appreciated by anyone who frequently travels between time zones.
Hour The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition maintains 200 meters of water resistance, which places it in the class of reliable “tool watch” models, while also protecting it sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating. In the dark it revives Super-LumiNova, which beautifully illuminates the hands and indexes, without excessive brightness.
Dual personality – travel and urban
The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition comes with two straps: steel bracelet with tool-friendly I-Size quick adjustment system and two-piece woven strap, which transforms the watch into a more relaxed, adventurous version. Changing is quick and tool-free, which is almost a necessity these days.
In steel, it looks assertive, a bit business casual; on a woven strap, it resembles a tool for everyday adventures. This duality – urban functionality and travel versatility – is actually the essence of the collaboration.
A design that doesn't seek attention
Despite its name, “Nocturne,” the watch is not gloomy, but rather subdued. The forged carbon dial combined with sandblasted steel creates matte surfaces that absorb light without screaming for attention. The orange GMT hand is the only striking accent that elegantly breaks up the monochromatic tone.
This is a watch that doesn't try to be luxurious - but rather high-quality, well-thought-out, functional. It doesn't flash logos, it doesn't need expensive materials to prove its worth. Exactly what you would expect from two brands that prefer to speak through design rather than advertising.
Limited, but not unattainable
The series is limited to 1,000 numbered pieces, and the price is approximately 749 USD/EUR – which puts the watch in an interesting class: affordable enough to wear every day, but rare enough to have character. It's not a "hype" watch, but a quiet product that convinces with its presence.
Conclusion: The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Nocturne Edition
Nocturne Edition is proof that collaborations can still offer something serious – not just color variations or marketing gimmicks. This is a watch with character, with an excellent balance between usability, aesthetics and price.
It won't convince you with numbers, but with how it feels on your wrist – calm, solid, timeless.
And that is perhaps the greatest compliment a modern watch can receive.
