Even in the watch world, imitation is often the sincerest form of flattery, as famously affordable American watchmaker Timex proves with the latest editions to its Automatic E Line series.
The Timex Automatic E Line series is billed first and foremost as a reboot of the 1983 E Line model, with both navy and silver models now available for pre-order. And yet, there are several design cues that immediately catch the eye, well beyond its decades-old inspiration. Especially in its crisp navy blue dial edition, the Automatic E Line immediately and rather remarkably calls to mind a much more wildly expensive timepiece, the incredibly coveted Patek Philippe Nautilus.
An icon of horology, the Patek Philippe Nautilus shook up the market in 1976 by blending the sport performance of stainless steel and the trappings of luxury design, delivering a mechanical movement that could also compete with the 1972 introduction of the similarly luxurious yet performance-minded Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. At a time when quartz watches reigned supreme, the Nautilus was innovative and bold, characteristics that distinguish the model five decades later.
With more than 40 distinct editions of the Nautilus now available through the horologist, the blue dial model can go for as much as nearly $130,000 on the secondary market, and likely much higher for some expression. The Nautilus can also be secured at times for about $80,000 via Patek Philippe. All of this likely means that prospective buyers and watch enthusiasts should practically jump at the design homage that is the Timex Automatic E Line.
The E Line marks another decisive and distinctive design statement from Timex Design Director Giorgio Galli, who has put the watchmaker back on the map in the last decade-plus in matters of both style and affordable luxury. With a rounded square case and dressy 38mm dial, horizontal texture on the dial led to its original moniker as the “TV Dial” watch, the company said. Timex notes this particular reissue boasts a larger case size, while each watch in the series is outfitted with a 21-jewel Miyota caliber 8215 Japanese automatic movement.
The dial is topped with flat mineral glass crystal for a vintage-style look and clean finish, Timex notes, while a date window rests at the 3-o’clock marker and the “E Line Automatic” logo rests above the 6-o’clock marking. Its Japanese Miyota movement is also visible through an exhibition caseback, another pleasingly elevated detail from the United States-based watch company. An integrated bracelet in brushed stainless steel further nods to the legendary Patek Philippe Nautilus, yet at a mere fraction of the enviable price tag.
Of the E Line series itself, Gear Patrol rightly notes its “a hidden gem in the American watchmaker’s massive catalog.” At a mere $379 when put up against its more expensive forebear, the latest Automatic E Line series reboot is a perfect substitute for a luxury horology icon.