The BEST Timex Yet? Timex S1 Giorgio Galli 38mm Review

Timex S1 38 Review

Timex has always been a household name in the world of watches. It’s a staple “department store” brand that everyone loves. For most, it may be their first ever watch that was given to them by their parents. There’s a chance if you look through your attic you might just find a Timex going “tick, tick, tick“. After all, we all know the statement – takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

It all changed when Timex released the Q Reissue back in 2019. It was a nod to their popular quartz timepiece from the 1970s, and they absolutely hit a home run. Since then, Timex has capitalized on their success and is continuing to produce “serious” timepieces. I mean really, Timex is no longer your department store brand, they’re no doubt on a tear. And the Timex S1 Giorgio Galli? That’s a statement piece from Timex.

Timex S1 Giorgio Galli 38: What’s the Story?

Dubbed as The Most “Timex” Timex Has Ever Made, the S1 is the first ever premium Timex. Designed by Giorgio Galli, Timex’s creative director, the S1 combines quality and design in a fitting 38mm package.

Hear me out, you’re getting an automatic Miyota 9039, AR-coated sapphire crystal, all in a unique 38mm skeletonized case. I mean seriously, how has Timex gone from department store quartz watches to this? You could even call it a custom case, and all for just USD$450? Timex isn’t playing around anymore.

Timex Giorgio Galli Review
The gunmetal dial can be extremely subtle under certain lighting.

It’s no secret Seiko has dominated the affordable watch market. But with Timex coming up with offerings like the S1? Combine that with Seiko’s move upmarket? Timex is in serious contention for becoming the next King of the Affordable’s, and it all starts with the S1.

Timex S1 Dimensions

Timex S1 giorgio galli gunmetal dial

Case size: 38mm
Lug to lug: 46mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug width: 18mm

Case: Skeleton metal injected molded
Dial: Skeletonized gunmetal
Crystal: Double-domed sapphire crystal
Movement: Miyota 9039
Water Resistant: 50m / 5 ATM
Strap: Rubber strap with trademark rivet keeper

 

Case & Bezel

An injection-molded 316L SS case at sub-$500 is unheard of. Coming from Timex? They’ve just set a new industry standard when it comes to producing interesting case designs at this price point. What’s this injection-molded case you ask? Well first, the hollow lugs allow you to see right into the horizontal striping on the mid-case. It’s arguably the most unique aspect of the S1, but also the hardest to clean if anything falls into the gaps. The rest of the case follows a mixture of polished and brushed finishing that only elevates the overall design.

A special shout-out must be given to the crown. It has an extremely unique and attractive knurling, and is colored black to close-off the design. Well-freaking done Timex, considering Seiko doesn’t even sign their $1500 Prospex crown. I would’ve loved for the crown to be a screw-down, but I suppose you can’t have it all.

This is how you do an exhibition caseback on an affordable watch. The display glass does not protrude, and is large enough to see the whole movement. Timex has done a fantastic job decorating the otherwise mundane Miyota 9039. On top of that, the custom rotor has hollow elements, much like the case itself. It’s no surprise that the S1 is a product of the creative director – it just feels complete.

Dial & Hands

Keeping with the skeletonized vibes, the dial on the S1 has hollow minute markers. Applied high-polished indices fill the space between the hollow minute markers, and unfortunately isn’t lumed. The minute and hour hands follow a similar high-polished, and is extremely thin with stick-like figures. A needle seconds hand then sweeps through the grey gunmetal dial. You won’t be able to ignore the red ruby at the 6 o’clock, though I must admit it’s a little random.

The start of the show is without a doubt the gunmetal dial, which isn’t something I’d expect from Timex. When I think Timex, I think Waterbury, Scout, Snoopy, you know, classic Timex styles. But the gunmetal on the S1 is super clean, and I suppose, mature? The dial itself is also curved on the edges, which you won’t notice until you take a real close look.

Timex, I’m impressed. It’s clear the level of finesse and effort put into the S1. Releases like this makes me excited for will do in the near future.

Strap

The rubber strap on the S1 is supple and very flexible. Again, the skeletonized nature is evident on the rubber strap. To further their creativity, Timex designed a rivet keeper that’s supposedly a registered trademark design on the S1. The buckle system follows a double-loop insert with a button-lock to hold the strap tightly in place. And I’ll once again commend them on their creativity, it’s evident all throughout the timepiece.

In saying that, the buckle system simply sacrifices practicality for coolness. Seriously, it’s a whole chore trying to strap the Timex on my wrists, and often takes more than a couple of tries. Also, I have a quick question for Timex: If this is targeted at smaller wrists, then why does my 6 inch wrists need the last hole on the strap? You’d think for a 38mm timepiece, the strap would cater more towards enthusiasts with smaller wrists, not larger.

Comfort & Wearability

In terms of comfort, the Timex S1 makes me a happy enthusiast. A case diameter of 38mm is the perfect goldilocks sizing, and at only 11m thin, it sits very nicely on the wrists. The hollow lugs also drop down quite dramatically, which helps the overall comfort of the S1. I did find the rubber strap to be less comfortable, I had to use the closest hole and even that wasn’t hugging my wrists fully.

The Timex S1 is very much an everyday-style watch, designed for those wanting a companion on their wrists. It’s extremely versatile, espeacially on the black rubber strap. If there was a bracelet option, it would make the S1 even more of an everyday-proposition at this price. However, you won’t want to wear this near the water given the 50m water resistance and the lack of a screw-down crown.

Who is the Timex S1 38 for?

Like I said, the Timex S1 means business. It’s a timepiece that a serious contender for being a GADA (Go-Anywhere-Do-Anything). It’s not without it’s flaws, the 50m water resistance stands out, and the rubber strap looks good, but lacks practicality. To be complete honest, if it had a semi-decent bracelet, we may just be looking at the next SARB033 killer.

But, it’s not quite there yet. And the S1 still has some miles to cover before truly becoming the new King of the Affordable’s. Though at this pace that Timex is going? It’s only a matter of time before Timex becomes the Seiko of old. Quality, design, and price.

Timex S1: Closing Thoughts

Aesthetics: You may not gel with the design, but you cannot argue the creativity and uniqueness in the saturated market.

Comfort: Except for the rubber strap, the S1 is perfectly sized for my 6 inch wrists. No other complaints here.

Price: I can’t say bargain, but you’re certainly not doing bad for $450 on the Timex S1. The built-quality is nothing to write home about, but the creativity is top-notch.

Timex S1 caseback
Timex S1 dial under sunlight

Timex S1 on 6 inch wrists
Timex S1 rubber strap
Timex S1 38 review

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