
Except you’ve been below a horological rock, you already know that Timex and Todd Snyder have been collaborating for years. The collaborations are at all times impressed by classic designs, typically by army watches. And so they’re universally widespread, whether or not it’s for his or her undeniably beauty or their quirk, the proposition of two American manufacturers producing reasonably priced watches doesn’t appear to tire. So that you gained’t be shocked to listen to that they’re at it once more, this time with a watch that will break up the watch neighborhood: the Timex X Todd Snyder MK-1 “Black + White”. Now, this isn’t the primary watch with a black and white dial. I’m reminded of a number of classic Rados in addition to newer choices from each Zenith and Chanel. Whereas Rado did the identical break up down the center, Zenith favored a diagonal break up for its Lupin the Third Chronomaster and Chanel went straight bonkers with a two-tone ceramic case, dial, and bezel. Properly, Timex and Todd Snyder aren’t rehashing an previous design, however additionally they aren’t breaking any molds.
To listen to Timex and Todd Snyder inform it, the concept for the MK-1 Black + White was to mix the black dials of historic army watches—watches inextricably linked to warfare—and the white dials that dominated (and proceed to dominate) extra formal costume watches—watches worn distant from the frontlines the place peace prevails. In splitting the dial, the watch contrasts warfare and peace, black and white—it additionally makes for a cool design, particularly with the pops of pink on the 24-hour observe and the lollipop seconds hand and the way in which the colours are inverted for the dial markings alongside the midline. The sword palms function a coating of lume, and relaxation assured that the dial options an Indiglo backlight activated by the crown. Take a look at the broad arrow at 6 o’clock although. Sure, it’s a traditional aspect discovered on historic army watches, nevertheless it’s a traditional British aspect. The broad arrow was made well-known on watches by the “Soiled Dozen” army watches of World Struggle II, commissioned by the British Ministry of Protection. The inclusion of the broad arrow let you already know that the watch was commissioned by and property of Her Majesty’s Authorities. Included right here, on a watch from two very American manufacturers, it feels misplaced.
The case is stored easy, which permits the dial to do all of the speaking. The 40mm case has 20mm lugs and a modest water resistance of 50m. The pull-out crown It encompasses a domed acrylic crystal and is secured to a black NATO strap with MK-1 markings, which reinforces the army discipline design. Design-wise, this metal case can be very acquainted to anybody who’s purchased a Timex lately, as its silhouette options throughout the model’s collections. It’s outlined by a rounded bezel and slender lugs with a profile that expands as they attain their termina. The snap-on caseback options branding and a few compulsory specs. The motion, as you might anticipate, is a generic quartz motion, about which no particulars are offered.
I’m at all times suspicious when quirky watch designs have that means ascribed to them. I’d be rather more inclined to imagine that somebody within the design division thought up a black and white dial, then created an inspirational story after the very fact. However that’s the cynic in me. The daring black and white distinction infuses the practicality of a standard discipline watch dial with a bit of caprice, delivering a watch that’s good, low-cost enjoyable. The Timex X Todd Snyder MK-1 “Black + White” is priced at $138. For extra info, please go to the Todd Snyder web site.