Timex is known for offering the look of a luxury watch at an affordable price. Their new watch, the Waterbury Traditional Chronograph, is a clear homage to the legendary Zenith El Primero, one of the most famous chronographs of all time. And while it doesn't offer top-notch Swiss mechanics, it's visually impressive.
Timex is often inspired by prestigious models. Rolex GMT-Master? They have something similar. IWC Mark series? Also. Speedmaster Silver Snoopy? Why not. This time they took inspiration from Zenith El Primero A386 from 1969, the first integrated automatic chronograph on the market. This is the Timex Waterbury Traditional Chronograph.
Its distinctive design with three-color subdials (navy blue, light gray, dark gray) has become timeless. Timex now offers this design in its Waterbury Chronograph – only for less than 185 € (200 $), instead of typical 9.250 € (10.000+ $), as much as a real El Primero costs.
What do you get for €175 (189 $)?
Timex's Waterbury Traditional Chronograph clearly encapsulates the visual image of El Primero:
- Tri-color subdials – navy blue, light gray, dark gray, same as the original
- Date window at 4:30 – classic El Primera detail
- Blue dial with sunburst finish – a prestigious touch to an affordable watch
- Vintage luminescent indexes and red accents – carefully selected details that are reminiscent of the original
- Red tip of the second hand – similar to the modern Zenith Chronomaster Sport
- 41 mm stainless steel case with tachymeter bezel – robust and sporty design
- Water resistance 100 m – enough for everyday use, even though it's not a diving watch
The case has sharp edges, chronograph pushers in the style of vintage models (pump-style pushers) complement the classic aesthetic.
El Primero or just a clever visual trick?
Although Timex visually captures the essence of Zenith's classics, technologically it's not even closeInstead of the legendary automatic El Primero caliber, it is powered by anonymous quartz chronographThe mineral glass does not reach the quality of sapphire, and the details on the dial are not as refined as on the original.
Nevertheless, it offers an attractive alternative. For €175 (189 $) with leather strap or €195 (209 $) with steel bracelet you can try it, how many people will actually notice the difference.
Conclusion
Timex Waterbury Traditional Chronograph It's like a "high fashion" version of a luxury watch - visually similar, significantly cheaper, and one that you won't worry too much about if you ever bump it against a car door.
