Marlin Automatic TW2W93100 the 1960s dial returns on blue

What is new about the Marlin Automatic TW2W93100?

The Marlin Automatic has been part of the Timex range for several years, but the TW2W93100 is a 2025 update rather than a straight recolour. Timex says it borrows the dial and hand design from one of its best-selling Marlin watches of the 1960s. That means stylised Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, slim baton markers between them, long silver hands and a deep blue sunray dial with no date window. It sits on a black leather strap from a Leather Working Group tannery, with quick-release spring bars.

Earlier 40 mm Marlin Automatics used applied indices and, on some versions, lumed hands. This one is cleaner and more obviously a dress watch. Timex UK listed it in February 2025, alongside a black-dial sibling on a steel bracelet (TW2W93200).

How big is it, and how will it wear?

Timex quotes a 40 mm stainless steel case, a case height of 14 mm, a 20 mm lug width and a weight of 55.07 g. Timex does not publish a lug to lug figure for this reference. The Slender Wrist measured 48 mm lug to lug on an earlier 40 mm Marlin Automatic, which is likely to be close, as the case shape looks the same.

The 14 mm height is the number to think about. Much of it comes from the domed acrylic crystal, which rises well above the bezel. Reviewers of the earlier 40 mm version called it tall for a dress watch, and Dappered noted that it stands higher than the Orient Bambino 38. The curved case sides help it slide under a cuff, but it will not disappear the way a thin quartz dress watch does.

At 40 mm with no bezel, the dial reads large. That suits wrists of around 6.5 inches and up. If you want something smaller, the 34 mm Marlin Hand-Wound reissue or the 37 mm Marlin Draper are the obvious places to look within the same family.

What movement does it use, and how accurate is it?

Inside is the Miyota 8215, a 21-jewel Japanese automatic that winds by hand as well. Timex lists hacking seconds, so the second hand stops when you pull the crown to set the time. Its spec table gives a power reserve of about 42 hours, while the product description says 40 hours. Either way, it will stop if left off the wrist for a weekend.

Timex states an accuracy of -20 to +40 seconds a day. That is a wide tolerance, typical of this calibre, and most owners report results well inside it. The 8215 is cheap to service and widely understood by independent watchmakers, which matters more over ten years than a few seconds a day.

The 8215 rotor is known for being audible. It spins freely in one direction and makes a faint whirr you can hear in a quiet room. Some owners never notice it; others find it the least refined part of the watch. An exhibition case back lets you see it working.

How well is it built?

The case is polished stainless steel with a fluted crown. Water resistance is 50 m, which Timex says covers short swims, though few people will swim in a dress watch on leather. The crystal is acrylic, a deliberate period choice. It gives the dial a soft, warped edge that glass cannot match, and light scratches buff out with a little polishing paste. It will, however, mark more easily than mineral glass or sapphire.

Owners of earlier Marlin Automatics describe the leather strap as soft and comfortable from new. Quick-release bars make it easy to swap for something brown or suede, which would suit the blue dial well.

Is it good value against its rivals?

The RRP is £240 on the strap and £260 for the bracelet version. That puts it squarely against the Rotary 1895 Tonneau Automatic RGS10061/01, which Rotary lists at £249. The Rotary uses the same Miyota 8215 but adds a sapphire crystal and a guilloché dial in a 36 mm tonneau case. It is the better-specified watch on paper, though the cushion shape is a very different look.

Timex's own Marlin Draper Automatic costs £230, measures 37 mm and adds a day and date. It suits buyers who want a smaller, more 1970s shape. The TW2W93100 is the choice for anyone who wants a round, classic dress watch with a strong mid-century dial.

Timex runs frequent sales on its own site, and earlier Marlin Automatics have often sold well below the RRP. At £240 the value case is fair rather than outstanding. Below that it becomes much easier to recommend.

What is the catch?

The catch is the combination of height and crystal. A 14 mm dress watch with an acrylic dome will not suit everyone, and the crystal needs a little care. The movement is dependable but plain, with a rotor you may hear and a short power reserve. None of this spoils the watch, but buyers expecting sapphire and a slim case at this price should look at the Rotary instead.

For someone who wants a proper automatic with a strong 1960s dial, from a brand with a long history of the Marlin name, it is a likeable and honest choice.

“A proper mid-century dial on a modern case, with the height to match.”

What do owners say?

Themes from public owner feedback, paraphrased. We never copy Amazon reviews or ratings.

• Owners of the previous 40 mm model describe it as wearing smaller than 40 mm thanks to the slim case sides and lack of bezel, though some call it chunky

  OzBargain (opens in a new tab)

• The Miyota rotor is audible in a quiet room and lume on earlier versions was weak

  The Slender Wrist (opens in a new tab)

• The acrylic crystal picks up scratches but these can be polished out

  Dappered (opens in a new tab)

• Accuracy is described as acceptable and in line with other Japanese automatics at this price

  OzBargain (opens in a new tab)