Is Timex Worth Buying in 2025? A Breakdown of Their Best Watches and Trackers

Timex delivers reliable, affordable timekeeping and fitness tracking without premium price tags. Their current range spans simple mechanical watches from £11 up to feature-rich activity trackers at £50, making them genuinely accessible for everyday wear. If you want a watch that works rather than impresses, Timex is dependable—but you're paying for function, not fashion.

Why Timex?

Timex has been making watches since 1854 and built its reputation on durability and affordability. They specialise in no-nonsense timekeeping: quartz movements (not mechanical complexity), tough materials, and practical designs. What sets them apart isn't innovation—it's consistency. A Timex watch from 2005 still works the same as one today. They've recently expanded into wearable tech with their Helix range, adding fitness tracking and emergency SOS functions to their DNA of reliable, low-cost timepieces. For buyers who skip marketing and value longevity, Timex remains a pragmatic choice.

Top Picks

Timex Men's Time Machines Watch — £11.00

Best for: Throwaway durability and collectors who buy multiples. This is the budget benchmark—a functioning mechanical watch at pocket-money prices. Perfect if you want something genuinely waterproof (not just splash-resistant) without investment risk.

Timex Metropolitan Rs Unisex Watch — £69.95

Best for: Everyday wear with a touch of style. The Metropolitan line bridges Timex's utility heritage with design restraint. At under £70, this is where Timex watches start looking like watches rather than functional tools. Clean dial, reliable quartz movement, and proper wrist presence.

Timex Helix Tech-30 Activity Tracker (tw00sos03t) — £44.95

Best for: Budget fitness tracking with emergency backup. The Helix Tech-30 adds step counting, calorie tracking, and a dedicated SOS button—genuinely useful if you're hiking or running alone. The SOS function automatically alerts emergency contacts with your GPS location. Compact rectangular case, digital readout, and 30-day battery life.

Timex Helix Tech-30 Activity Tracker (tw00sos04t) — £49.95

Best for: Enhanced fitness tracking with more sensor sensitivity. The marginally pricier variant offers identical features but refined sensor calibration—better step accuracy and heart-rate consistency. Worth the £5 extra if you're serious about tracking metrics rather than just wearing a watch that counts steps.

Timex Helix Tech Fitness Band (twtxb101t) — £44.95

Best for: Lightweight daily activity tracking without watch aesthetics. This is a band-style tracker, not a watch face—slimmer, more flexible, and closer to the fitness-focused design of Fitbit or Garmin. Same tech as the Tech-30 but in a different form factor. Choose this if traditional watch styling gets in your way.

Quick Comparison

| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Time Machines Watch | £11.00 | Budget buyers & collectors | Waterproof at entry-level price | | Metropolitan Rs Watch | £69.95 | Everyday wear with style | Wearable design + reliability | | Helix Tech-30 SOS (tw00sos03t) | £44.95 | Solo fitness activities | GPS-linked SOS emergency button | | Helix Tech-30 SOS (tw00sos04t) | £49.95 | Serious fitness tracking | Refined sensor accuracy | | Helix Tech Fitness Band | £44.95 | Minimal wrist footprint | Band design, not watch face |

What to Look For

• Movement type: Timex uses quartz (battery-powered, low-maintenance) across this range. No mechanical movements here—expect accuracy within ±15 seconds per month and zero winding required.
• Water resistance: Check ratings carefully. Time Machines claim waterproofing; Metropolitan Rs typically handle splashes; activity trackers are usually 3–5 ATM (shower-safe, not swim-proof).
• Battery life: Analogue watches last 2–5 years per battery. The Helix trackers claim 30 days—realistic if you're not obsessively syncing to your phone. Expect 20–25 days in practice.
• Strap durability: Timex uses rubber and stainless steel. Rubber rots faster (3–4 years), so budget for replacement straps at £10–15. Stainless steel lasts longer but catches sweat.

The Bottom Line

Buy a Timex Metropolitan Rs at £69.95 if you want a proper everyday watch that won't embarrass you or your bank account. For fitness tracking, the Helix Tech-30 (tw00sos03t) at £44.95 justifies its price through the SOS function alone—useful enough to matter, cheap enough to risk. Skip the smart-watch feature arms race; Timex watches do one thing well: they work reliably for years without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Timex good value for money?

Yes, if you value reliability and durability over design. Timex watches typically outlast their price point by 5–10 years, making them cost-effective per year worn. The Metropolitan Rs (£69.95) and activity trackers (£44.95–£49.95) both offer features you'd pay 2–3× more for from other brands.

Are Timex watches waterproof?

It depends on the model. The Time Machines (£11) claims true waterproofing; the Metropolitan Rs is splash-resistant but not rated for swimming. Activity trackers are typically 3–5 ATM, safe for showers but not submerged water sports. Always check the specific model's water resistance rating before immersion.

How long do Timex watch batteries last?

Analogue Timex watches typically run 2–5 years on a single battery, depending on battery size and dial complications. Activity trackers claim 30-day battery life but often deliver 20–25 days in real use. Battery replacement is inexpensive (£5–10 at most watch shops).

Can Timex activity trackers replace a smartwatch?

Not entirely. Timex Helix trackers count steps, estimate calories, and monitor heart rate, but they lack app notifications, music control, or voice assistants. They're better for fitness tracking than daily convenience—buy one if you want a dedicated tracker, not a smartphone on your wrist.

Is the SOS function on Helix trackers actually useful?

Yes, especially for solo runners, hikers, or outdoor workers. The SOS button automatically triggers GPS location sharing with pre-set emergency contacts. It's a small feature but genuinely valuable for safety; few budget trackers include it.