Timex and The James Brand is a collaboration that just makes a lot of sense. On paper, the two brands appear to be from different worlds. Timex is a historically important, mass market watch brand that at one point or another touches the wrist of just about every enthusiast – a true horological gateway drug. The James Brand is a niche EDC brand and decidedly more contemporary. But what binds them together, I think, is a common willingness to experiment and try new things. The James Brand has a catalog full of practical, innovative tools that owners continuously find new ways to put into use. And Timex has quietly been a real innovator in offering interesting, design oriented watches that represent true value to enthusiasts over these last several years, with the launch of Timex Atelier being the best example. The two brands have come together once again with a follow up to a big hit limited edition from last year in the form of a new GMT with a very on trend dial material.
The new version of the James Brand x Timex Automatic GMT, which they’ve dubbed the “Nocturne Edition,” exists on the same platform as last year’s release, with a few notable tweaks. The first notable update is Timex has swapped the titanium case of the previous version for one in stainless steel. The 41mm case has a tough, sandblasted finish, which is what you’d expect from an EDC oriented brand like TJB. The other big change is the new dial crafted from forged carbon fiber. It has the telltale texture and unique pattern that the material is known for, and changes the aesthetic of the watch considerably from last year’s release with a matte black dial and acid green accents (this edition has red accents, and a carbon fiber inlay on the crown that matches the dial material).
Another small change (and a functional one) is found on the bezel, which is now a standard dive style timing bezel (in ceramic, no less). Last year’s watch had a 24 hour rotating bezel for the tracking of a third time zone, but I think this execution is probably more functional for more users, on the whole (we still get a fixed 24 hour scale at the dial’s perimeter, and a date window at 3:00). The watch runs on the now ubiquitous Miyota 9075 movement, which offers true traveler GMT functionality (the local hour hand is jumpable without hacking the movement). We say it a lot around here, but it bears repeating: this is a complication that watch enthusiasts dreamt of in watches under $1,000 for years. The fact that they’re so common now is worth celebrating and not something to be taken for granted.
This watch, and others that The James Brand has had a hand in creating, have a ton of charm and an easy appeal. At $749 it also feels like a watch that no one can hurl the all too common “too expensive!” complaint at. A carbon fiber dial, ceramic bezel, true GMT functionality, plus a steel bracelet and an additional fabric strap, all from two brands with a lot of credibility in the enthusiast world right now seems like genuinely good value from where I sit.
The James Brand x Timex Automatic GMT “Nocturne Edition” is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. More information can be found at the Timex website here and the The James Brand website here.
Zach Kazan
2025-10-22 18:00:00