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 2125 2569 [1969]

Vintage Timex Watches 2125-2569 1969

Year: 1969Reference: 2125-2569Model: Timex Marlin CalendarMovement: m25Case: Gold plated over base metalComplication: Manual wind movement. Calendar (Date) This vintage Timex Marlin men’s watch from 1969 features a champagne dial with black printed roman numerals. Black stick hands. Date window with…

Timex Skindiver/Marlin 2317 2570 [1970]

Vintage Timex Marlin 2317-2570 1970

Year: 1970Reference: 2317 2570Model: Timex Marlin CalendarMovement: m25Type: Sports WatchComplication: Manual wind movement. Calendar (Date).Special Features: Black tachometer bezel. Red checkerboard seconds track. 25 METERS printed on the dial suggests this vintage Timex watch was made for the European market.

Timex Marlin 27550 02575 1975

Vintage Timex Marlin 27550-02575 1975

Year: 1975Reference: 27550 02575Model: Timex Marlin Calendar (Water Resistant)Movement: m25Complication: Manual wind. Sweeping seconds hand. Calendar (Date)Details: This watch has a unique case that as far as i know only appeared in the 1975 German catalog.

Timex Marlin 26951 02776 [1975]

Vintage Timex Marlin 26951-02776 1975

Year: 1975Reference: 26951 02776Model: Timex Marlin Day Date (Water Resistant)Movement: m27Complication: Manual wind. Sweeping seconds hand. Day Date This Marlin day date was the second vintage Timex watch i purchased in 2007 when i decided to start collecting vintage watches.…

Timex Marlin 24517 10582 [1982] Dive Watch

Vintage Timex Marlin 24517-10582 1982

Year: 1982Reference: 24517 10582Model: Marlin Calendar (Water Resistant)Movement: M105Type: Sports WatchName: Red Dot Diver (V1 Unofficial)Complication: Manual Wind, Sweeping Seconds Hand, Calendar (Date)Special Features: Red lollypop sweeping seconds hand. 60 second bezel. Crown guards, wave logo on dial. This is…

Timex Marlin 24563 10586A [1986] Dive Watch

Vintage Timex Marlin 24563-10586A 1986

Year: 1986 (A represents second half of the year)Reference: 24563 10586AModel: Marlin Calendar (Water Resistant)Movement: M105Type: Sports WatchName: Red Dot Diver (V2 Unofficial)Complication: Manual Wind, Sweeping Seconds Hand, Calendar (Date)Special Features: Red lollypop sweeping seconds hand. 60 second bezel. Crown…