The register at 6 is your running seconds while the register at 10 is your 30 minute counter for the chronograph. The most characteristic aspect of the MK1 Chronograph’s aluminum case is the side profile where the chronograph pushers are present. Since being a chronograph isn’t really part of the history of the design legacy, I’m not that concerned that these aspects “pop” more than the watch’s core design elements. The chrono pushers and crown are high polished, which adds a refreshing sense of dynamism to the otherwise “one notey” nature of the aluminum case’s matte-like finish. However, on the Timex MK1 Chronograph, that 1/20th sub-register has been modified to not spin at all on the activation of the chrono. Rather, it shoots to the appointed spot on the 1/20th scale after the chronograph has been stopped. As far as guesses as to why Timex has potentially modified the Miyota cal.6s20 in this way – I’m not sure. It’s possibly an energy saving measure since I’m sure the running 1/20th second counter eats a lot of battery life, which they probably need to conserve for the function of the dial’s INDIGLO.

Essentially, the dial features a zinc sulfide and copper compound coating that becomes luminescent when hit with an electric charge. That zinc sulfide/copper layer is placed between two conductive layers to function like electrodes. When the wearer presses the INDIGLO button, energy is drawn from the battery and sent between the two electrode layers. This then applies an electric charge to the zinc sulfide/copper coating dial which releases its luminescence. So there are over 10 styles offered in the MK1 collection. These span across 3 handers to chronographs ranging in size from 40mm to 42mm. I found myself totally drawn to the 40mm MK1 aluminum chronograph model number TW2T10700 *. Two things really drew me in: the chronograph movement (which I’ll get to later) and the aluminum case.

The outer most font markings and the “lumed” triangles actually match the exact style (not the color) as what you’d see on the original Timex Mil-Spec MIL-W-46374B pieces – a great nod to the historical design inspiration for the watch. Also, kudos to Timex for staying true to vintage revival form by putting a crazy high acrylic dome on the watch. I’m in the camp of folks that doesn’t always enjoy sapphire crystal on vintage reissues.

Never expect lume to be good on a Timex. Just accept that the luminescent material applied to the hands and dial are just there to fill a product description bullet point on Amaon. Timex makes up for crummy lume with their proprietary and patented INDIGLO functionality. While I won’t claim to be an expert on just how INDIGLO works, I was able to source this Q&A between the University of Illinois Dept. of Physics and Timex on the details. Over at Timex’s headquarters in Connecticut, the powers that be know the prices and values customers expect. So for the time being we have this interesting mixture of design talent and affordability that doesn’t exist at too many other brands. In my opinion the attention to detail and quality of this watch make it feel like something much more expensive. My initial take on this fact is simply that other companies are charging way too much. That may or may not be a fair statement to make because few companies have Timex’s manufacturing strength and ability to enjoy an economy of scale. Most of the parts in this watch are produced in-house, such as the chronograph quartz movement which is produced by Timex at their in-house manufacturing facility in Cebu, Philippines. Yes, that means you can say that this modestly priced watch even has a “prestigious” in-house made caliber.The movement in the Timex MK1 Chronograph is listed as the W-91, which seems to be further clarified as a “Japanese quartz movement.” Timex doesn’t make their own movements, so after some sleuthing, my best deduction is that this MK1 Chrono is operating on a Miyota cal.6s20 with some modifications. It’s lightweight – like, strangely lightweight. Unless you’ve ever handled an aluminum (or titanium) watch before, nothing will prepare you for that. I measured it at approx. 30g (versus the approx. 50g of my small Seiko SNK). However that lightness to me is refreshing in that at 40mm and being designed to be reminiscent of disposable Mil-Spec timepieces, it feels appropriate. Dare I say, in the spirit of Mil-Spec without actually being Mil-Spec. However if you want a timepiece that pays homage to its own place in US Military Watch history for an affordable price and one that’s offered in many different styles to suite your tastes, then let’s do this thing.