The James Brand and Timex's New GMT Is Limited to Just 1,000 Pieces Worldwide
If you're even tangentially into the whole EDC (or "everyday carry") world, you know The James Brand. The Portland-based company has been making pocket knives and other tools designed for daily use since 2012—and built a hugely devoted fan base along the way. That's thanks to the quality of the materials, the thoughtful details, and the minimalist design language that go into every piece. Can you see where I'm going here?
Yeah, you got it. Turns out the elements that make for a successful folding knife or keychain also happen to translate quick neatly to the world of durable tool watches. Which is why, in the middle of last year, The James Brand teamed up with the folks at Timex to create a limited-edition, hard-wearing GMT from grade 5 titanium that fans of both brands snapped up with all due speed. Later in the year, they did it again—this time with a colorful dial and bezel. And then? Crickets.
The James Brand x Timex GMT.
Until now, that is. Today, The James Brand and Timex unveiled their latest creation, a third riff on the 41mm GMT they've been doing since the beginning. But this time around, there are some major changes. First off, the titanium is out of the picture, replaced by stainless steel. For anyone who likes some reassuring heft on their wrist—and there are a lot of us out there—this is very good news. The other major shift also comes down to materials; the dial and crown inlay are made of forged carbon. Until recently, this stuff was a rarity outside of very expensive timepieces. But, like titanium, it's trickling down into the more affordable part of the price spectrum—which is why, even though it's gone through some big shifts, this iteration feels like a legitimate spiritual successor to the first and second editions.
Not everything has changed, and that's also good news. Because powering the whole affair is a 9075 Miyota automatic movement that allows you to adjust the hour hand independently. This is, in other words, a "true" or "flyer" GMT. When you touch down in a new time zone, you just reset the hour and use the traditional three-hand display to show local time while tracking home time with the 24-hour GMT hand. Without getting into the weeds, it's just easier to use when traveling than its less-expensive counterpart, the "office" or "caller" GMT.
Rounding things out are hits of SuperLuminova for nighttime legibility, a classic three-link bracelet, a sapphire crystal and case back, 200 meters of water resistance, and an extra fabric strap. Like The James Brand's knives, it's a tough-as-nails everyday essential. But luckily, considering its globe-trotting complication, it's a whole lot easier to take on a plane.
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