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Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch
Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch Review Facts
The Timex Expedition Series has produced a plethora of different watches for the affordable market. Today, we will be taking a look at a specific model. The point is to see if it is going to be worth your time and hard-earned money. As you probably guessed, this Timex Expedition Chronograph watch is like the rest as it comes with an affordable price tag. If you want to check other models make sure you read our guide on the best solar-powered watches.
Now, “affordable” does not necessarily have to mean poorly-designed as this is not always the case. And, when it comes to this specific watch, it is not the case either. Then again, you will soon find that there are some legitimate gripes and concerns when it comes to this design. Some of them, and rightfully so, will steer specific buyers away.
But, for what it is, this timepiece is a simple, basic, clean, practical, and somewhat versatile model that can easily be used for everyday purposes. It is not necessarily geared toward a specific demographic of buyers as it is a device that can work and look great for just about anyone.
If this raised your interest take time to read our detailed review of Timex Expedition Chronograph Watch for Men and see if this is the real deal for you.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Complete with chronograph functionality
You can change the date on the face
The band is quite soft and comfortable to wear
Equipped with a mineral glass crystal case
The visual appeal is above-average
Has a battery life of up to five years
Water-resistant to 100 meters
Cons
The chronograph is limited to 30 minutes
The band has been known to have durability issues
Not the brightest backlight ever
There is no anti-reflective coating
Features
Right from the get-go, understand that this Timex Expedition watch is not a smartwatch by any means. If you are looking one for the tactical situations, click here to check the best tactical watches.
It does not have Bluetooth functionality and can’t sync with your smartphone. For the most part, it is a pretty simple design, but that does not mean that there are not some noteworthy features to speak of.
Outside of its distinct capability to keep time (it is equipped with Arabic numerals from 5 to 60 with increments of 5), it has also been designed with a chronograph.
For those of you who do not know, this allows the watch to act as a stopwatch, and this can be useful for a wide array of reasons. Do note, however, that this function is limited to just 30 minutes (and it measures to 1/20th of a second, as well).
So, if you need intervals more significant than 30 minutes, you will need to do some basic math. After four hours, though, the chronograph will reset, so do be aware of that.
Past this functionality, there is also a date window that is located at the 4 o’clock position. Changing the date is also made easier thanks to the implemented Quick Date function.
It does not have Bluetooth functionality and can’t sync with your smartphone. For the most part, it is a pretty simple design, but that does not mean that there are not some noteworthy features to speak of.
Outside of its distinct capability to keep time (it is equipped with Arabic numerals from 5 to 60 with increments of 5), it has also been designed with a chronograph.
For those of you who do not know, this allows the watch to act as a stopwatch, and this can be useful for a wide array of reasons. Do note, however, that this function is limited to just 30 minutes (and it measures to 1/20th of a second, as well).
So, if you need intervals more significant than 30 minutes, you will need to do some basic math. After four hours, though, the chronograph will reset, so do be aware of that.
Past this functionality, there is also a date window that is located at the 4 o’clock position. Changing the date is also made easier thanks to the implemented Quick Date function.
Band
The good news about the band of Timex Expedition Chronograph is the fact that the leather both looks and feels good. Some of you may prefer either a stainless steel or rubber band, but the leather works pretty well, for the most part. It is also adjustable and will fit a wrist with circumferences no greater than eight inches.
Again, comfort is not the issue here as it feels almost like a leather canvas. The issue comes with its longevity because, as various buyers have made mention of, it is not correctly built to last. Most people will agree that this is the weakest aspect of the entire design.
While wearing this Timex Expedition Chronograph watch, you will probably notice that the leather feels cheap and poorly made. This is rather unfortunate, but the good news is you can always replace the band with a superior leather one. But, that will take more money out of your pocket.
Again, comfort is not the issue here as it feels almost like a leather canvas. The issue comes with its longevity because, as various buyers have made mention of, it is not correctly built to last. Most people will agree that this is the weakest aspect of the entire design.
While wearing this Timex Expedition Chronograph watch, you will probably notice that the leather feels cheap and poorly made. This is rather unfortunate, but the good news is you can always replace the band with a superior leather one. But, that will take more money out of your pocket.
Face
Seeing that the watch face is one of the most critical aspects of any timepiece out there, it is essential to know that there is both good and bad news regarding it. Let’s start with the good news, shall we?
The black steel case that is used to protect the interior components (which is covered with mineral glass crystal) does a great job of doing just that.
This case is going to handle the abuse that you will inevitability put it through (to an extent). And, while it is not precisely scratchproof, it does a solid job overall of resisting major scratches and general wear and tear. The bezel is the one location that you will probably notice some scratches begin to develop, however.
But, now it is time for the bad news. Even though this is equipped with Indiglo nightlight functionality, it is not very strong. For the record, this technology utilizes blue electroluminescent lighting to illuminate the surface of the watch.
In the darkness, it works quite well, but the same can’t be said in broad daylight. Furthermore, the mineral glass crystal lacks any anti-reflective coating. In other words, it can be hard to see the face of this watch from time to time.
The black steel case that is used to protect the interior components (which is covered with mineral glass crystal) does a great job of doing just that.
This case is going to handle the abuse that you will inevitability put it through (to an extent). And, while it is not precisely scratchproof, it does a solid job overall of resisting major scratches and general wear and tear. The bezel is the one location that you will probably notice some scratches begin to develop, however.
But, now it is time for the bad news. Even though this is equipped with Indiglo nightlight functionality, it is not very strong. For the record, this technology utilizes blue electroluminescent lighting to illuminate the surface of the watch.
In the darkness, it works quite well, but the same can’t be said in broad daylight. Furthermore, the mineral glass crystal lacks any anti-reflective coating. In other words, it can be hard to see the face of this watch from time to time.
Comfort
Let’s say that this is one of those watches that you will not mind leaving on for hours on end. As was noted before, the band itself may not be all that well-made, but it is undoubtedly not scratchy or anything like that. Instead, it feels soft against your skin and is not going to irritate.
What also helps in this area is the lightweight nature of this watch. After an extended period, you will most likely forget that you are wearing it, and that is an insanely high compliment.
To top it all off, the strap molds to your wrist almost flawlessly and the implemented holes (used for adjusting) have been outfitted in appropriate spots. There is little to nothing to gripe about in this section.
What also helps in this area is the lightweight nature of this watch. After an extended period, you will most likely forget that you are wearing it, and that is an insanely high compliment.
To top it all off, the strap molds to your wrist almost flawlessly and the implemented holes (used for adjusting) have been outfitted in appropriate spots. There is little to nothing to gripe about in this section.
Durability
The words “rugged” and “durable” have been tossed around to describe this watch, but the question is, does it live up to those claims? In some respects, it does, and in others, it most certainly does not. What you need to keep in mind, however, is that you can’t expect too much from a watch at this price range.
When analyzing the central face, including the steel case, bezel, and mineral glass crystal, it is pretty darn durable and can handle some outdoor adventures. Several users have attributed to this, and some have even used it in military-type situations. Overall, the face holds up well and is pretty impressive.
Almost guaranteed, the band is going to wear down before the face, or internal components do. With the band, you have one of two options at your disposal. You can either wait for it to break and buy a new one afterward, or you can buy a new one from the word go. Just accept going in that there is a high likelihood of the leather ripping.
When analyzing the central face, including the steel case, bezel, and mineral glass crystal, it is pretty darn durable and can handle some outdoor adventures. Several users have attributed to this, and some have even used it in military-type situations. Overall, the face holds up well and is pretty impressive.
Almost guaranteed, the band is going to wear down before the face, or internal components do. With the band, you have one of two options at your disposal. You can either wait for it to break and buy a new one afterward, or you can buy a new one from the word go. Just accept going in that there is a high likelihood of the leather ripping.
Colors
While a lot of bad things have been said about the band of this Timex Expedition Chronograph watch, the leather construction makes it quite striking in appearance. This is the one advantage that leather has over virtually any other material on the face of the earth. And, while you can’t individually select the band color, there are different options available (to go along with varying shades of the face).
Speaking of the watch face, it is classy, clean, and appealing. Each of the watch face options looks good, but the black and red variation does stand out from the pack. It is arguably the most unique, and if you love the combination of black and dark red, you will adore that option.
Overall, this timepiece will match virtually any wardrobe you have. Additionally, you can also tell that it sports a military appeal without being incredibly over the top. Let’s say those aesthetics are not even close to the issue with this watch.
Speaking of the watch face, it is classy, clean, and appealing. Each of the watch face options looks good, but the black and red variation does stand out from the pack. It is arguably the most unique, and if you love the combination of black and dark red, you will adore that option.
Overall, this timepiece will match virtually any wardrobe you have. Additionally, you can also tell that it sports a military appeal without being incredibly over the top. Let’s say those aesthetics are not even close to the issue with this watch.
Waterproofness
There is something that has been glossed over up until now, and it happens to be one of the best features of this entire design. As Timex claims, this watch comes with a water-resistant rating of up to 100 meters. Now, let’s get one thing straight; this does not mean that you can dive with this watch 100 meters below sea level. If interested in dive watches, click here!
The intensity of the water pressure at that level would probably end up ruining this watch. So, what does this rating imply then? For a watch that is water-resistant to 100 meters (or 330 feet) such as this one, it means that it will be able to handle casual swimming and even as a snorkeling gear. So, indeed, it is fully waterproof.
However, diving is still going to be out of the question with this timepiece. You will not want to go down with it for more than just a few feet. Then again, it also means that if you get caught in a rainstorm, you will be covered.
The intensity of the water pressure at that level would probably end up ruining this watch. So, what does this rating imply then? For a watch that is water-resistant to 100 meters (or 330 feet) such as this one, it means that it will be able to handle casual swimming and even as a snorkeling gear. So, indeed, it is fully waterproof.
However, diving is still going to be out of the question with this timepiece. You will not want to go down with it for more than just a few feet. Then again, it also means that if you get caught in a rainstorm, you will be covered.
Power Source
The Timex Expedition Chronograph watch is rather low-maintenance in regard to how it is powered. There is going to be no need for you to charge the battery or to even replace it yourself, honestly. This is because it is powered via a lithium metal battery. And, indeed, this battery is included for you so you do not need to account for it yourself.
Timex rates this battery to last for up to five years and given you will not be shutting off this watch, there is no real way to preserve the battery life. You simply just use it until the battery dies but that does not necessarily signal the end of its lifespan.
While it may be too difficult to replace the battery on your own (as you will not want to compromise its ability to prevent water from entering inside) you could take the watch to a professional dealer, if you wanted to. But, consider what that will cost you as it may simply benefit you to just buy a brand-new model instead.
Timex rates this battery to last for up to five years and given you will not be shutting off this watch, there is no real way to preserve the battery life. You simply just use it until the battery dies but that does not necessarily signal the end of its lifespan.
While it may be too difficult to replace the battery on your own (as you will not want to compromise its ability to prevent water from entering inside) you could take the watch to a professional dealer, if you wanted to. But, consider what that will cost you as it may simply benefit you to just buy a brand-new model instead.
Ease of Use
As this is not a hybrid smartwatch, it is not going to be complicated at all to use. There are only three functions that you will ever need to worry about. Firstly, you will need to set and possibly reset the first time. Secondly, you can change the date and, thirdly, you can utilize the chronograph feature.
Changing the time is about as easy as it is for other non-digital timepieces. All you need to do is pull the crown out (into the third position) and rotate it until the desired time is set. Once this is done, push the crown back in, and you will be good to go.
To set the date, the crown will need to be pulled into the second position. You will need to complete two revolutions to adjust the time by one day, so keep that in mind. As for the chronograph function, you can find all you need to know in the included user manual.
Changing the time is about as easy as it is for other non-digital timepieces. All you need to do is pull the crown out (into the third position) and rotate it until the desired time is set. Once this is done, push the crown back in, and you will be good to go.
To set the date, the crown will need to be pulled into the second position. You will need to complete two revolutions to adjust the time by one day, so keep that in mind. As for the chronograph function, you can find all you need to know in the included user manual.
Bottom Line
At this price range, it is tough to ask for much more out of this Timex Expedition Chronograph watch. You have to understand the limitations that specific technology devices will have at lower prices. If they had to do it again, though, Timex might have considered implementing a different band.
Yes, it is comfortable and looks quite stunning, but its durability is just too much of a common problem to be ignored. Thus, most of you who want to use and wear this watch extensively will wish to think about replacing the band yourself.
In terms of its functionality and practical nature, it is simple but effective. The addition of its chronograph feature is a nice touch, and the ability to change the date is as well. At the same time, due to the reflection and lighting issues, this is not the most friendly watch face to see at all times.
It sounds like we are bashing this watch, but that is not the case. If you pair it with a much better band, then it could be considered a steal at this price. But, this will also never be regarded as a top-tier design, either.
Yes, it is comfortable and looks quite stunning, but its durability is just too much of a common problem to be ignored. Thus, most of you who want to use and wear this watch extensively will wish to think about replacing the band yourself.
In terms of its functionality and practical nature, it is simple but effective. The addition of its chronograph feature is a nice touch, and the ability to change the date is as well. At the same time, due to the reflection and lighting issues, this is not the most friendly watch face to see at all times.
It sounds like we are bashing this watch, but that is not the case. If you pair it with a much better band, then it could be considered a steal at this price. But, this will also never be regarded as a top-tier design, either.
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