About Timex
Timex as we know it today came to be in the mid-1980’s, though the company’s history dates as far back as 1854 (in one form or another). Famous for their slogan “it takes a licking and keeps on ticking”, Timex watches have become synonymous with inexpensive, durable, reliable quartz timepieces. We consider Timex a reputable manufacturer and have had good experience with their watches.
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Review Summary
With date display, a day/night indicator, and a power reserve display, the T2M979 is a complicated automatic at a low price point. Be aware that the automatic movement is of unknown origin, but is likely a Chinese-manufactured DG28. If you’re specifically looking for an inexpensive, complicated auto, consider this Timex. Otherwise, there are better watches worth considering at this price point.
Timex T2M979 Technical Specifications
- Model Number: T2M979
- MSRP: $185
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Alternate Models: Other Timex automatics
- Movement: Automatic (likely DG28)
- Complications: Date display, day/night indicator, power reserve display
- Power Reserve: Approximately 38 hours
- Water Resistance: 50m/165ft
- Crystal Material: Mineral
Operating the Watch
The Timex T2M979 is set as per any automatic with a date display. Note that it is best to turn the crown 10-15 times to give it charge so that timekeeping begins as soon as the time has been set.
How To set the time:
- Pull crown to the furthest position (position 3). Turn the crown clockwise to set the time. Note that the date display will roll over at midnight, indicating AM time.
How To set the date:
- Pull the crown to the middle position (position 2) and turn clockwise to set the date.
Timex T2M979 Aesthetics & Design
The dial of the T2M979 is very busy, and I find it creates this sense of cheapness that is a bit of a stain on the watch in general. The small details that can make a big impact have been neglected, and instead everything feels cold. The Timex logo and automatic text, for example, are set on a flat backdrop despite the rest of the dial being edged or grooved.
It makes those two items stand out, and not in a good way. The rest of the case is unremarkable, finished smooth and undecorated. Considering the business of the face, the T2M979 benefits from the case being so restrained.
The movement is sparsely decorated, and just as well- that the rest of the watch is overdone is no reason to continue the trend. With the stainless steel bracelet, the T2M979 doesn’t look all bad. If anything, it’s a mediocre aesthetic that some people may enjoy and others won’t. I appear to be in the latter category.
Timex T2M979 Build Quality
There are a few areas where the T2M979 shows its inexpensive price tag, and its build quality is one of them. While not poorly made, it also lacks some of the more rigorous quality control that you may receive when purchasing a quartz of similar value.
Crystal, Case, and Dial
The mineral crystal is standard fare, and after several weeks of wear shows little indication of use. It hasn’t been tested against any kind of real impact, but considering that it’s a basic mineral crystal, I wouldn’t expect anything special in terms of durability. The case and dial have acceptable tolerances. Under zoom from my 90mm macro lens I can see numerous areas where the workmanship on the dial is a bit of a let down, but I can’t see the same imperfections with my naked eye. After a few weeks of wear I am able to see fine lines and scratches on the case.
Strap and Clasp
The stainless steep bracelet is acceptable enough. It has decent weight and doesn’t fatigue my wrist when worn for long periods of time. The clasp is also a secure deployment clasp, and once it is locked into place it doesn’t release unless the side buttons are depressed. The clasp has never accidentally released while I was wearing it. I am confident that it will last as long as the watch will.
More About the Timex T2M979
Movement
It’s hard to gauge the quality of the movement inside when I’m not 100% sure what it is. My best guess is that it is a Dixmont-Guagzhou DG28, which is a clone of the Miyota 8500. If the movement inside the T2M979 is the DG28, it’s a fairly reliable movement that is typically made with acceptable QA and tolerances.
My experience with the T2M979 shows a daily gain of about 27 seconds, meaning that I’m resetting the time every 3 to 4 days. This is quite high for an automatic, though it can be somewhat forgiven due to the inexpensive price.
Value for Money
At the MSRP of $185 I don’t feel that this Timex is a great value. While it has a complicated movement, it also leaves much to be desired with respect to accuracy and quality of finish. The materials used are acceptable, but again, you can see evidence of where corners were cut almost everywhere.
While the watch isn’t the best looking that I’ve reviewed, it still delivers good value assuming you can get it for $140 or less (which is what I paid for it). At that price the combination of materials, movement, and complications outweigh some of the fit and finish issues.
Personally, I would rather wear an over-sized Seiko 5 or a Citizen Eco-Drive for the same money as the T2M979.
Photo Gallery
That’s a pretty affordable piece. The durability seems to be an issue, I wonder if there’s a similar model with a better build? What are your thoughts, Cameron?
At this price point you tend to have to choose between reliability, durability, and accuracy. That being said, if you move into a quartz movement as opposed to an automatic you’ll be able to find more durable and reliable watches in the $150 price point.
I like the classic look of the watch and I think the Power Reserve complication looks pretty cool. When I wear a watch, I wear the watch…so my big concern with this one would be durability. The price point means this isn’t a huge concern, but I’d probably look for something more durable for day to day wear.
Fair enough!