Timex Weekender T2N651PF review

What it is

Timex has made the Weekender for years as its entry-level casual watch, a plain three-hander with a simple dial and a strap that slides through the lugs. This T2N651PF has a cream dial with Arabic numerals and an olive nylon strap. It sits at the bottom of Timex's range in price and complexity.

The name is a hint at its purpose: a watch for relaxed days, not a precision instrument or a dress piece.

The movement

It is a battery-powered quartz watch from Timex with three hands and, on many models, a small date window; check the listing. Accuracy is typical of quartz, usually within a few tens of seconds a month. Battery life is a year or two, and the cell is easy to replace. There is no solar charging. The Indiglo backlight lights the whole dial when you press the crown, which is helpful in the dark.

The simple movement means few things to go wrong, and Timex's service network is easy to reach in the UK. If the battery dies, a jeweller can replace it in minutes.

On the wrist

The case is a medium size, around the 38 to 40 mm mark, and is slim and light, so you barely notice it. The nylon strap is a slip-through type that is comfortable and easy to change, and a vast range of replacement straps in 20 mm fits is on offer. The cream dial and olive strap give a vintage field look that goes with casual clothes.

Straps bought separately can transform the look, from a leather band for smarter wear to a bright NATO for summer, which is a big part of the Weekender's appeal.

Water and everyday wear

Timex lists 30 m water resistance, which means splashes and hand washing are fine but swimming is not. The crystal is a standard mineral or acrylic type, so check the listing for this model. The hands carry a little lume, and Indiglo handles the rest. Nylon straps absorb moisture and dry slowly, so take care after sweaty days.

Because it is only water resistant to 30 m, do not wear it in the shower or sauna, and be aware that heat and steam can harm the seals.

Against the alternatives

The Timex Weekender T2N647PF and Timex Weekender 37mm TW2W86500 are close siblings. The Timex Expedition Camper T49713PF is a small military-style option. The Casio MQ-24-7BLL is an even simpler analogue. For a step up, the Timex Marlin Automatic TW2W93200 is a mechanical watch.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

It suits those who want a casual, light everyday watch with colour and a simple look, and who like swapping straps. Skip it if you want swimming capability, a more robust build or a dressier finish.

It makes a good first watch for a teenager or a low-risk spare.