Get and forget (2)

Yes, sorting out which watch model to buy in amongst a huge range can be daunting and often compounded by what your particular preference may be. What you want from a new watch etc. This is always the problem I have when looking at the big lads, Seiko, Citizen and Timex. Because they really make models for just about everyone, so it's very difficult.

Timex Expedition Chrono T49895

I tend to check out the ones I like, not because of the number of functions they squeeze in, but for the model that manages to combine a certain simplicity with function, if that doesn't sound silly. By doing this, I gradually out of many dozens of disparate models, manage to pick maybe a couple or so that make sense and manage to fit my simple requirements.
The first one to appear out of the crowd is the T49895 Expedition Chronograph model. With it's ion plated steel case and black dial, luminous analog Hour, Minute hands and center Seconds hands it is very conventional. No superfluous fly back features that to me are unnecessary complications. 3 sub dials for the chronograph function and a multi-date window between 3 and 4 are well defined and clear to read and not a chrome edged reflective numeral in the place! Note this model also has a back light. Chronograph bezel outer rings are neat and unobtrusive and the well knurled crown and pushers are just about perfect. The dimensions are a decent 45mm x 13mm and Water Resistance is 100m.
To cap it all this model has a leather strap fitted to standard lug bars, so alternative straps or strap replacements are not an issue down the road.
This is a model that is sensible terms of Form, Function and Fit and without the added corporate style trappings of being something it's not – it is what it is.

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My second choice from Timex's vast arsenal of watches is the T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph .

Timex T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph

I like this model as it's of Analog-Digital design but not overpoweringly so. Whilst it's supposedly 43.8mm across, I measured mine (I already have one in my collection) and the width to the crown is in fact almost 47mm, so not a small watch by any means. It's only 13.6mm (depth) and wears smaller than it is, albeit with a definite Timex Expedition look to it, but is relatively uncluttered and not over-functioned.
Once again the dial is excellent, matte and well laid out in black with contrasting broad luminous infilled analog Hour and minute hands plus a yellow center seconds Hand. It has a nice overall balance.
Large clear numerals and markers in white and yellow mean good clarity and the Day, Date, Month, Alarm, Timer, Stopwatch plus Digital time display is well positioned @6 and is larger than many, but does not get in the way of the analog functions. Additional chronograph buttons are on the wide bezel @6 for chronograph control such as Stop and Split laps etc. The bezel is influenced by their “shock” range and gives good protection to the crystal.
Note this is a perpetual Calendar model, so once the Calendar is set, forget about short months and so on, it's all taken care of.
Four nicely figured pushers are on the outer edge of the case and are broad and easily accessed, the crown is @3 as usual, well shrouded but accessible. Once again we have an Indiglo back light, so this is well equipped for low light situations and has a 200m Water Resistance.

T49967 Silicon/rubber strap with buckle.

This model comes with a green colored rubber strap and once again if not to your liking it's an easy matter to replace, as the case/lug/strap bars arrangement is about as standard as you can get – many thanks Timex! In practice the strap is actually very good and I have not changed it myself – and I'm really picky when it comes to straps and wrist comfort!
This model once again manages to get the basics right and the overall “Form” is pleasing, Function is unobtrusive and it Fits well to the wrist and it does it all rather well.

T49967 Expedition Combo – on the wrist

Both models above are around the same price (approx £85 in the UK) and for me represent excellent value for money without gimmicks and are two of the most practical and sensible Timex models I've seen for a while.
True Get and Forget watches = Form, Function and Fit. (I can see a slogan coming. . . . . )
Note – I see that many Timex models now come with a generic instructional manual and often these do not relate at all to the watch model you may have bought. The model above (T49967) is such a model and I note the following additional instructions in case anyone purchases one.
The pushers are labelled and self explanatory, but when setting the digital time (first push the “set” pusher and hold it) and you go through the sequences – hours, minutes etc etc. and once done – push the “set” again, the digital display is then set by default to the Time indication.
However to display the Day, Date and Month (the calendar), you must push the ST button on the bezel and the Calendar will flash up for a second. To permanently show the Calendar display rather than the Time display, push and hold the ST button for at least 3 or 4 seconds. This will show the date, day and month then set – then release the button and the Calendar will stay indicated, now as the permanent digital display. So at a glance you now have the analog hour, minute and seconds hands on the main dial and the digital display will be showing the Calendar. (you can reverse the sequence as you wish).
Also when setting the digital display the Calendar can be selected show either USA or UK style (Day, Date and Month) – something I wish others would emulate.

Timex Expedition Vibration Alarm T49854J – Great daily beater!

Finally I'd add to this selection my other Timex Digital Expedition. Quite similar to the ana/digi here, but digital only and once again a really sweet watch to wear – I show an image just for comparison.
It's interesting to note that out of my collection of Timex watches, the one shown here on the left (T49854J) , the ana/digi above (T49867) certainly get the most wrist time. For methey encapsulate everything that Timex in my opinion does best. Really excellent low cost daily beaters – true “get and forget” models, that are a perfect balance between “Form, Function and Fit”.
What really and honestly could be any better?
Well to answer that I am looking at Casio next week and as they're in the same business and “get and forget” is money in the bank! – I'm betting they've got something to offer too! bekijk meer Zwitserse replica en chopard classic racing