In a time when smartwatches pack your wrist with notifications, fitness data, and even ECGs, there’s something quietly revolutionary about simplicity. The Timex Weekender, a humble analog watch priced under $50, continues to stand tall in a world of tech-saturated timekeeping. First launched over a decade ago, the Weekender remains one of Timex’s most beloved lines—and in 2025, it’s proving its value all over again.
A Design That Doesn’t Date
The Weekender has always been about functional, no-frills style. Its classic round dial—available in 38mm or 40mm—makes it suitable for virtually any wrist size. The Arabic numerals are large and clean, often accompanied by a 24-hour military time ring inside the main indices. With a slim profile and lightweight case made from chrome-plated brass, it’s unobtrusive yet distinctly charming.
What really elevates the Weekender’s design is its signature quick-release “slip-thru” strap system. This allows wearers to swap out straps in seconds—no spring bar tools or fiddling needed. In 2025, the variety of straps available is even broader: from breathable NATO nylon in endless colors, to stitched leather and even eco-conscious materials like recycled PET fabric. It’s endlessly customizable, making one affordable watch feel like a wardrobe of timepieces.
Quartz Precision: Reliable as Ever
Powering the Weekender is a quartz movement, which remains a logical choice for this category. Quartz movements aren’t just more accurate than most mechanical counterparts—they’re also virtually maintenance-free. Battery changes come every 2-3 years depending on the model, and you never have to worry about winding or setting it if it sits idle for days.
While horology purists may scoff at battery-powered watches, quartz is what makes the Weekender so accessible. It’s grab-and-go, always-on timekeeping for everyday life.
Indiglo: A Timeless Feature That Still Shines
One of the Weekender’s most iconic elements is Timex’s Indiglo technology, introduced back in the early ‘90s. With a push of the crown, the entire dial glows a soft blue-green, making time checks at night—or in movie theaters or dim restaurants—effortless.
In 2025, Indiglo still outperforms the lume on many analog watches in this price range. And it does so without requiring expensive luminescent paint or long exposure to light beforehand. It’s simple, useful, and incredibly consistent.
What’s New for 2025?
This year, Timex has quietly refreshed the Weekender lineup with slightly improved materials and new colorways. Some newer models now feature updated mineral glass with better scratch resistance and slightly quieter ticking movements—a frequent gripe among longtime users has been the loudness of the second hand, especially when left on a nightstand.
There are also new eco-themed editions made with recycled cases and packaging, aligning with the brand’s push for sustainability. Limited-edition collaborations with pop culture brands, vintage poster art, and minimalist designers have also breathed fresh life into the line without drifting too far from the original formula.
Strengths
- Price: Most models still fall between $30 and $50, making it one of the best value watches on the market.
- Versatility: With a new strap, the same watch can feel casual, sporty, or even business-ready.
- Style: Its military-inspired dial and mid-century charm have aged remarkably well.
- User-friendly: No learning curve. No charging cables. No app. Just wear it.
Weaknesses
- Ticking Noise: While some newer versions are quieter, many still produce a noticeable tick.
- Limited Water Resistance: Rated at 30m, it’s splash-resistant at best—definitely not for swimming.
- Basic Functionality: No date display, alarms, or chronograph on most models. It’s strictly a time-teller.
- Wear Over Time: The chrome finish may fade or scratch with prolonged use, especially if worn daily.
Who It’s For
- Minimalists who want a clean, analog alternative to smartwatches.
- Students or first-time watch buyers who want reliability without a high price tag.
- Collectors who enjoy adding timeless icons to their rotation.
- Travelers or anyone needing a cheap, dependable backup watch that’s easy to pack and replace.
The Verdict: Still Worth It?
Absolutely. In a world where wristwear often tries to do everything, the Timex Weekender does just one thing—tell time—and it does that incredibly well. For under $50, you get a stylish, reliable, and highly customizable timepiece with decades of history behind it.
In 2025, the Timex Weekender remains one of the few watches that genuinely bridge the gap between function, form, and affordability. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who appreciates timeless design, this is a watch that deserves to stay in the conversation—and maybe even on your wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notable differences between the Timex Weekender 38mm and 40mm models?
The Timex Weekender comes in both 38mm and 40mm case sizes. The 38mm has a more classic, understated look that works well for smaller wrists or those who prefer a less bulky watch. The 40mm offers a slightly larger face that’s easier to read and has a more modern feel. Both models have the same movement and features, with the main difference being case size and weight. We found the 38mm more comfortable for all-day wear, while the 40mm makes a bolder statement on the wrist.
How does the Timex Weekender Chronograph performance compare to other chronograph watches in its price range?
We’ve tested the Weekender Chronograph against several competitors, and it stands out for its value. The chronograph functions work smoothly and accurately. Unlike some budget options that feel flimsy, the Weekender’s buttons have a satisfying click. Its Indiglo backlight beats most watches at this price point. While it lacks the premium materials of higher-end chronographs, the Weekender’s reliable quartz movement keeps excellent time. The only downside is the slightly busy dial that can be harder to read at a glance compared to some competitors.
Can the Timex Weekender be considered an appropriate choice for formal occasions?
The Weekender isn’t designed as a dress watch, but we found it can work for semi-formal settings with the right strap. Its clean dial and simple design make it versatile. For business casual environments, a leather strap upgrade makes the Weekender blend in nicely. However, for truly formal events like black-tie affairs, we’d recommend a proper dress watch instead. The Weekender’s casual DNA and sporty elements like its prominent second hand make it less than ideal for your most formal occasions.
Is the Timex Weekender strap easily interchangeable, and what strap options are available?
Yes, the Weekender features standard spring bars that make strap changes quick and easy. We swapped straps in under a minute without special tools. The 20mm lug width opens up countless options. Timex sells official nylon straps in various colors and patterns. Third-party options include:
- Leather straps (smooth, suede, or distressed)
- NATO-style nylon straps
- Canvas bands
- Perlon weaves
- Silicone options for sports
This versatility lets us change the watch’s look completely depending on our mood or outfit.
What level of water resistance does the Timex Weekender offer, and is it suitable for swimming?
The Weekender has 30-meter (3 ATM) water resistance. This rating protects against splashes, rain, and brief immersion. We’ve worn it while washing hands and in light rain without issues. However, we don’t recommend swimming with the Weekender. Despite what “30 meters” might suggest, this rating isn’t enough for extended underwater use. The pressure from swimming strokes exceeds what this watch can handle. For swimming, look for watches with at least 50m (5 ATM) resistance, or 100m for serious water activities.
How do users describe their experience with the audible ticking of the Timex Weekender?
The Weekender’s ticking is notably louder than many other watches. We could hear it from across a quiet room, and some users report having to store it in a drawer at night. The tick comes from the quartz movement that powers the watch. Some people find the sound charming and reminiscent of old-school timepieces. Others find it distracting, especially in silent environments. If you’re sensitive to sounds when sleeping, this might not be the watch for you. The chronograph version tends to be slightly quieter than the standard model in our experience.
