★★★★★ 1
Great watch, but serious design flaw; Not expedition worthy.
Color: Black/Black/Brown
This is a great watch. Love the metal casing, band, and aesthetic design. Although it looks and 'feels' rugged, it is not worthy for the man of adventure. Let me explain.
The middle knob of the watch (the main knob that you push for light/pull to set time) is a bit large and too exposed for its own good. This makes the knob vulnerable to any stress. Example, if you flex your wrist/hand backwards throughout your adventures, whether pushing yourself off the ground or climbing over rocks, the back of your hand places pressure on the knob. The knob eventually reacts to this stress by breaking off. The knob has a little metal stem behind it that appears to be made of lower quality metal. This knob is crucial to the watch as it is used to set the time (by pulling and turning knob). Without it, the watch is useless regarding time.
If you are having difficulty understanding the hand/wrist stress, think of yourself in a push-up position while wearing the watch. The back of your hand places stress on the knob which is exacerbated by the angle of the watch strapped in that position.
Perhaps I had a fluke, but this same problem happened on 3 watches. Yes, I loved this watch so much, that I purchased it 2 more times. The knob on the first one broke after being in the field doing archaeology, the second in an outdoor adventure, and the 3rd occurred by simply pushing myself off the floor after lying down. The knob broke off in all 3. This is a design flaw combined with low quality metal for the metallic rod behind the knob.
If you look at a few other Timex 'expedition' models, you'll see the case is molded to the sides of the knob, protecting it from stress. This particular model could use something like that. I really loved this watch and still do. But I cannot recommend it to men who do active things. If you have a simple life working in the office and come home to the couch, this watch will suit you fine. For all others who move their hands in all sorts of directions, beware of this watch.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2016