Category Vintage Timex Marlin Watches

The original Timex Marlin watch range evolved from the late 1940’s W series (Waterproof) range of watches. The Timex Marlin name was used until the early 1980s when Timex catalogs dropped the Marlin name in favour of the more generic Mechanical categorisation. Water resistant models then continuing the heritage of the original Marlin brand until 1996 when Timex stopped producing manual wind and automatic watches.

What makes a Timex Marlin?

Vintage Timex marlins were originally marketed as being durable waterproof watches. This was achieved through a clever case design that used the pressure of water on the acrylic crystal and case back to maintain water tightness. In addition, rubber gaskets were positioned inside the case to prevent water ingress where the stem enters the case.

Waterproof becomes water resistant

Vintage Timex Marlin watches can be seen with both the word waterproof and water resistant on the dial. Waterproof watches were produced until 1968. At this point the law changed and using “proof” was deemed to be potentially missleading hence the move to “water resistant”.</p

Note smaller sprites and some viscounts also carried the waterproof/water resistant labelling. As a result this alone should not be used in a watches identification.

The New Timex Marlin

in 2016 Timex relaunched the Marlin and began producing mechanical watches for the first time since 1996.  Unlike vintage Timex Marlin’s, new Marlin watches were produced in both manual wind and automatic versions. This saw a resurgence in popularity for Timex’s vintage watch designs which have been upscaled to fit a more modern aesthetic.

Timex Marlin Calendar 1980 Ref. 27820 10580

vintage Timex marlin calendar 1980 Ref. 27820 10580

Brand: TimexModel: Timex Marlin CalendarReference: 27820Caliber: M105 (Manual Wind, date window)Year: 1980Dial Code: 27820 10580Manufactured: Great BritainCase: Gold platedLug Width: 18mm The closest catalog reference i have for this vintage Timex Marlin Calendar was one year later in 1981 reference…

Timex Marlin 1972 Ref. 26266 2472

timex marlin 26266 2472 1972

Brand: TimexModel: Timex MarlinReference: 26266Caliber: M24 (Manual wind. no date)Year: 1972Dial Code: 26266 2472Case: Gold plated, sunburst patternCrystal: Acrylic, domedLug Width: 18mmDial: Green dial with white printed alternating arabic and stick markersHands: White unlumed stick lands Repairing this watch requires…

Timex Marlin 1989 Ref. 20637 10489

Timex marlin 20637 10489 1989

Needs Crown/Repair Brand: TimexModel: Timex MarlinReference: 20637Caliber: M104 (Manual Wind)Year: 1989Dial Code: N/A (20637 10489 equivalent)Case: Gold platedLug width: 18mmDial Markings: Wave logo, water resistant, printed Arabic numerals, minute track with gold pips every 5 minutes.

Timex Marlin Ref. ?

Timex Marlin (?)

Brand: TimexModel: TBC (Marlin?)Caliber: M22 (Manual Wind)Year: UnknownCase: Gold platedDial Markings: Waterproof, Linen Here’s a mystery watch. It does have Waterproof printed on the dial suggesting its a vintage Timex Marlin, but those hands could make it something different? If…

Timex Dive Watch 1971 Marlin Ref. 2317 2571

Timex Marlin [Dive Watch] 2317-2571 1971

Reference: 2317Caliber: M25 (Manual wind, Calendar)Year: 1971Dial Code: 2317 2571Closest catalog reference: N/AModel: Timex Marlin CalendarDial: BlackDial Markings: Waterproof, 25 Metres (Non-US market)Markers: White/Lumed, printed, stickHands: White/Lumed, stick with paddle sweepCase: Chrome platedLug Width: 18mmCrystal: TBCCompatible crowns: TBCBezel: Black tachometer…