Timex launches two MK1 Chronograph watches with sunray dials

Timex is filling out its field watch lineup with the MK1 Chronograph, a pair of new models built around a movement that splits the difference between quartz reliability and mechanical feel. Both versions are on sale now in the US, a silver-tone stainless steel case with a green dial at $239, and a black-finished case with a blue dial at $249.

What sets the MK1 apart from a typical quartz chronograph is its meca-quartz movement, running on an SR936SW battery. The base watch keeps time the same way any quartz movement does, but the stopwatch function is driven by a separate mechanical module. That means the chronograph's second hand sweeps continuously when the pushers are engaged, instead of jumping once per second the way most quartz chronographs do, and it snaps cleanly back to zero on reset. It is a way of borrowing the tactile feel of a mechanical chronograph without the cost of building the whole watch around a mechanical caliber.

Case dimensions are identical across both colorways: 40mm in diameter, 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and 9.5mm thick, sizing that lines up with most other field watches on the market. Timex tops both with a domed acrylic crystal, a material chosen for its resistance to shattering rather than to scratching, so light surface marks are common but can be polished out at home. The dial layout uses full Arabic numerals with luminescent paint on the hands and hour markers for nighttime legibility.

Each model comes fitted with a 20mm black leather strap sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, an industry certification tied to lower environmental impact in the tanning process, with stitching color-matched to the dial. The straps use quick-release spring bars, so swapping them does not require a tool. Water resistance sits at 50 meters, which covers rain and hand-washing but rules out diving or prolonged submersion. Both MK1 Chronograph models are available directly through Timex's website.