Timex Deepwater Arctic Diver

Here we go again

When I saw these models I was not sure how to react. With Timex, I keep looking for logical relationships to previous releases and then get confused as to what they are aiming for. Its as if Timex just throws out products to see what sticks. As they release new models it not always clear to me how they fit into the bigger picture. Are they additions to earlier lines, new lines, or filling holes in some product group? Maybe its me, but I wish Timex communicated better with potential customers as to what it is they are doing. I believe all the Reef and Meridian models are still available but the Reef GMTs are on sale, so probably not getting restocked.

This is another addition to the Deepwater line. So, here we get more Deepwater with Arctic added on. We have had Deepwater Reef, Deepwater Meridian, and now Arctic. I’m not even including the Tiburón that came before the Reef! Three different Deepwater diver lines all within two years, but each different. The only thing they have in common is a 200m WR. Releases just appear and then disappear without much notice. I always feel like I’m not sure what is happening or why.

What is an Arctic?

Well, its a quartz diver in a 40.5mm steel case and bracelet. Yet another size; we have had 44mm, 43mm, 41mm, 38mm randomly within the Deepwater line, so lets add 40.5. Next we will get a 42mm but it will be a different watch. Three flavors; black, blue and gilt root beer. It is decidedly retro with a five-link bracelet and no date. The wave pattern on the dial is gone for this one.

As I said earlier, I did not know what to think when I saw them? I first thought, “Didn’t people like the Meridian?” I thought the Meridian was well received. This Arctic is similar. I guess the dial now is more of a Longines Hydroquest than a Submariner look? Why not just do a Meridian with no date in different sizes or different bracelets?

Overall I find them a little ho-hum. We have seen this look before from many brands. A generic diver look, like the Meridian. A comfortable design. I still like the Reef the best and that 38mm Meridian. The Arctic is not offensive, just not really interesting? I can stretch to say the gilt version is pretty cool and I like the 5-link style bracelets. From the minimal marketing copy it seems Timex was looking to find a design to add more lume and to lean more towards retro? Size is down to 40.5mm from the 44mm Meridian, but then there is also a 38mmm Meridian.

Closing Thoughts

At this point I don’t have much to say about these. I am not motivated to get one but just wanted to express some thoughts since I have been following the Deepwater saga. I don’t want to be negative about them; its more neutral, really. I appreciate the effort for retro influences and them being smaller than 44mm. I ruled out the 44mm Meridian right off the bat–I don’t want that style of a watch at that size on my smaller wrist. The 40.5 of the Arctic seems much better even though I have not tried one on.

Now that Timex has laid out the Reef, the Meridian and the Arctic, I wish they would develop each line before moving on–maybe add some more colors finishes or sizes. A 38mm Reef would be fun? I don’t think that will happen. I have complained in the past that Timex was not really doing a retro diver. Maybe this is it? It just doesn’t stand out enough in a crowded segment. I’m just not seeing anything particularly original.