Timex Weekender New England (ref. TW2Y85000) Review: The Anti-Flex for the Trust-Fund Set

The Timex Weekender has been a cult favorite for years, but the New England variant takes it to a new level. With its clean dial, 40mm case, and NATO strap, it's the ultimate 'I don't care' watch. But in a world where every watch is scrutinized for its investment potential, does this $50 quartz have a place in a serious collection? Let's dive in.

Brand History: Timex's Long Game

Founded in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company, Timex has always been about democratizing timekeeping. The Weekender, introduced in the 2000s, became a modern icon for its minimalist design and accessible price. It's the watch you buy at Target on a whim, but it's also the watch that fashion editors swear by. Timex's ability to blend nostalgia with affordability is unmatched—and the New England variant is a prime example.

Movement and Specs: Quartz Simplicity

Inside the Weekender is a basic quartz movement, powered by a battery that lasts about three years. There's no hacking seconds, but you won't miss it. The Indiglo backlight is a signature feature, illuminating the dial with a soft blue glow at the press of the crown. The 40mm case is made of stainless steel (though some sources say brass—either way, it's light), with an acrylic crystal that scratches easily but adds to the vintage vibe. Water resistance is 30m—enough for splashes, but not for swimming. The NATO strap is comfortable and interchangeable, making it a versatile piece.

Wrist Presence and Feel

Weighing almost nothing, the Weekender disappears on the wrist. The 48mm lug-to-lug ensures it fits most wrists without overhang. The NATO strap is soft and breathable, perfect for summer. The acrylic crystal is prone to scratches, but that's part of the charm—it tells a story. It's a watch you can wear while gardening, sailing, or just lounging. It's not a statement piece; it's an anti-statement.

Accuracy and Daily Use

Quartz accuracy is spot-on. Expect within ±20 seconds per month, which is more than adequate. The Indiglo is genuinely useful in the dark. The only downside is the lack of lume on the hands and markers—you'll rely on the backlight. For daily wear, it's a no-brainer. Set it and forget it.

Investment Value: A Reality Check

Let's be clear: this is not an investment. The MSRP is $50, and on the secondary market, you'll be lucky to get $30. It's not appreciating, and it never will. But that's not the point. For the trust-fund-baby collector, this is a 'fun' watch—a way to show you're in on the joke. It's the watch you wear when you don't want to worry about your Patek. It's a conversation starter, not a portfolio piece. The hold recommendation? Buy it, wear it, lose it, buy another.

Variants and Family

The Weekender New England comes in multiple dial colors—blue, black, white, and more. The reference TW2Y85000 is one of many. The Weekender family also includes the original, the Fairfield, and the Chronograph. Timex also offers the Marlin and Waterbury lines for those seeking a more dressy vibe. But the Weekender remains the quintessential casual Timex.

Similar Watches and Alternatives

If you're looking for other affordable quartz options, the Casio A168 is a digital classic. For an automatic, the Seiko SNK809 is a favorite. Swatch offers more color and Swiss pedigree, but at a higher price. None of these have the same 'I don't care' aesthetic as the Weekender.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Cheap, cheerful, and functional. The Indiglo is a party trick. The NATO strap is comfortable. The design is timeless.

Cons: Acrylic scratches easily. Quartz movement lacks horological interest. Water resistance is minimal. No lume.

Final Verdict

The Timex Weekender New England is a must-have for any collector who appreciates irony. It's the watch you wear when you want to be invisible. It's not an investment, but it's an essential piece of casual cool. At $50, it's the best value in your collection—and the most fun.