In the world of watches that get the job done without fuss, Timex has always stood out for punching above its weight. But just a few weeks back, the brand shook things up with the debut of Timex Atelier, its fresh stab at something more upscale. Kicking off with a tough-as-nails diver called the Marine M1a, Timex proved it could hang with the big names—and that first run vanished off shelves faster than you can say "sold out." At a grand for the privilege, folks snapped them up, and now preorders are lining up for the next wave.
That momentum didn't slow down. Over the weekend, at the bustling Windup Watch Fair in New York, Timex Atelier dropped its follow-up: a slick GMT model built for guys who chase sunsets across time zones. Named the GMT24 M1a, this isn't just another tick-tocker—it's a travel essential that borrows heavily from the diver's blueprint but tweaks it just right for road warriors. If the Marine was Timex's muscle car, this GMT feels like the sleek convertible you take on those cross-country hauls.
Image credit: Timex
Picture this: You're landing in London after a red-eye from Chicago, bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, fumbling for your phone to check local time. With the GMT24 M1a on your wrist, that's old news. This watch keeps your home base ticking in the background while the main hands sync up to wherever you've planted your boots. It's the kind of practical smarts that busy dads, weekend pilots, and armchair adventurers have craved for years—reliable, no-nonsense, and tough enough to shrug off the rigors of real life.
What makes the GMT24 M1a click so well with the Marine M1a? Plenty of shared bones, for starters. Both rock the same stainless steel case vibe, complete with those carved-out crown guards that give it a rugged edge and skeletonized sides flashing a black IP-coated mid-case underneath. It's like Timex took the diver's industrial grit and polished it for the boardroom or the backcountry trail. But they shaved it down a touch for the GMT—dropping from 41mm wide to a more wrist-friendly 40mm, and slimming the thickness from 13mm to 12.7mm. Not a huge swing, but enough to make it slide under a crisp shirt cuff without a second thought.
That case pairs seamlessly with the bracelet or strap options carried over from the diver. The 20mm lug width means no retooling needed; you get the identical stainless steel bracelet with its open-link design that echoes the case's airy skeleton look. It's a smart move—those links aren't just for show. Timex baked in a tool-free link removal system, so if your wrist runs on the slimmer side after those holiday feasts, you're not wrestling with tiny screws in a dimly lit hotel room. Plus, quick-release spring bars let you swap straps on the fly, whether you're suiting up for a client dinner or heading out for a hike.
And speaking of straps, the black rubber one is a standout. Curved to hug the case without any awkward gaps, it snaps shut with a branded deployant clasp that's secure but easy to wrangle one-handed. Ditch the extra keepers for a streamlined profile—no dangling bits to snag on your carry-on. It's these little details that scream "built by folks who get it," turning a watch into something you actually reach for every morning.
Image credit: Timex
Flip your gaze to the dial, and it's familiar territory with a fresh twist. The black enamel finish holds court, ringed by a circular-brushed stainless steel edge that catches the light just so. Applied indices glow bright with Super-LumiNova, the stuff that turns night into day for quick glances at 3 a.m. The hands? A dauphine-style set for the hours and minutes, tipped with lume, joined by that playful lollipop seconds hand. But here's where the GMT shines: an extra orange lance hand for your second time zone, also packed with glow-in-the-dark juice. Every marker, every GMT notch—it's all lit up, ensuring you never squint at borders or bulkheads.
The real eye-catcher, though, lurks under the crystal. Ditching the diver's external ceramic bezel for something subtler, the GMT24 M1a goes internal and fixed. Nestled beneath a box-shaped sapphire dome, the 24-hour scale is fully lumed, with a minute track angled outward like it's daring you to read it from across the room. Sure, the minute hand falls a hair short of touching it, which might trip up a perfectionist, but that quirk adds a raw, tool-watch character to an otherwise refined piece. It's got that instrument-panel feel, reminiscent of the gauges in a classic Ford pickup—functional first, flashy second.
Under the hood, Timex Atelier keeps things interesting. After tapping the obscure Catena movement for the Marine, they've doubled down on the unexpected with a Landeron caliber for the GMT. Old-school watch nuts might recall Landeron from its heyday cranking out chronographs, but today's version plays in the ETA clone league as a Sellita stand-in. The Landeron 24 is a Swiss-made automatic with 28 jewels, humming at 4Hz for that smooth sweep, and holding a 40-hour power reserve—plenty for a long layover or a forgotten wind.
It's a "caller" GMT setup, meaning the fourth hand adjusts solo, no messing with the local hour. No date window here, so the crown likely skips that position altogether, keeping the dial clean. Peep through the exhibition caseback, and you'll spot perlage finishing and blued screws adding a touch of class to the works. Water resistance dials back to 100m from the diver's 200m—still plenty for a splash in the hotel pool or a sudden downpour on the links, but smartly tuned for a travel-focused build.
Image credit: Timex
Hands-on, the GMT24 M1a doesn't disappoint. That box crystal over the enamel dial pops with depth, like staring into a midnight sky, and the skeletonized case brings a modern edge that's worlds away from Timex's Ironman roots. Side by side with the Marine, the GMT edges it out for everyday carry—less bulk, more versatility for the man juggling family barbecues in Ohio one week and supplier meetings in Frankfurt the next. Both pieces flip the script on what Timex means, proving affordable roots can bloom into something premium without losing heart.
Pricing reflects the upgrade: $1,350 on the rubber strap, $1,450 with the bracelet. Both hit the Timex Atelier site right now, no waiting game. For a watch that's Swiss-made, complication-loaded, and dripping with thoughtful engineering, it's a steal that undercuts plenty of desk-diver pretenders.
In a market flooded with overpriced status symbols, the GMT24 M1a stands as Timex's strongest play yet—a travel watch that respects your time, your wallet, and your wrist. Whether you're plotting the next fishing trip to the Keys or sealing deals overseas, this one's got your back. Grab one, and watch how it quietly becomes the unsung hero of your rotation.
Quick Specs at a Glance
- Case Size: 40mm stainless steel, skeletonized sides with black IP mid-case
- Movement: Landeron Cal. 24 automatic GMT, 28 jewels, 4Hz, 40-hour power reserve
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire
- Strap/Bracelet: 20mm quick-release stainless steel bracelet (tool-free sizing) or curved black rubber with deployant clasp
- Dial/Hands: Black enamel with lumed indices, dauphine-style hands, orange GMT lance hand
- Bezel: Internal fixed 24-hour scale with lumed markings
- Price: $1,350 (rubber), $1,450 (bracelet)
Timex Atelier isn't chasing trends here—it's redefining reliability for the long haul. If you've ever grumbled about a watch that looks great but flakes on the road, the GMT24 M1a is your antidote. Solid build, smart features, and that Timex grit? It's the companion that keeps pace with life's detours.
