Timex Expedition Scout Review: The Best Field Watch On A Tight Budget?

The Timex Expedition Scout is a military inspired watch that has been around for years now and is a staple in the affordable field watch space. In fact, this is probably among the least expensive quality field watches out there and while it’s far from perfect, it’s got a lot to offer.

[toc-section heading="Some Timex history"]

Timex dates back to 1854, when the Waterbury Clock Company first set up shop in Connecticut. Following World War I, the brand emerged as a leading producer of affordable wristwatches built for everyday wear, all centered around a reputation for rugged reliability. Their memorable slogan “takes a licking and keeps on ticking” was born in the 50s and was inspired by their well-known televised torture tests that cemented Timex as the watch that simply wouldn’t quit. These stunts became part of pop culture, reinforcing the idea that a Timex was resilient (in addition to affordable).

[toc-section heading="Timex and Military Field Watches"]

As for field watches like this one, Timex has some genuine (if modest) military credentials. In 1982, the brand produced low-cost, disposable mechanical watches in olive-green plastic cases, echoing the Benrus designs worn by U.S. service members during the Vietnam era. While Timex was never a major military supplier, it does provide some insight into their field-watch cred, and it helps explain why the brand’s modern Expedition line feels so grounded in that utilitarian, no-nonsense tradition.

[toc-section heading="Reviewing The Timex Expedition Scout"]

Timex Expedition Scout Case

The Timex Expedition Scout is a very straightforward, no-fuss field watch that measures 40mm wide and 11mm thick with a lug-to-lug measurement of just around 48mm (and an unfortunately middling 50m of water resistance). The coolest aspect of this two-figure price tag watch is, of course, Timex’s proprietary Indiglo backlighting, which is activated by a push of the crown. It’s just always fun, and it adds a kind of nostalgic charm that reminds you why these simple quartz beaters remain so beloved. One thing I have to mention is that the ticking of the seconds hand is pretty loud and almost distracting if it’s quiet enough, though some people actually find that sound reassuring in a strange way.

As with other cheaper Timex watches, the case is actually done in brass rather than steel, but the matte finish should help mute any scuffs. Is stainless steel a better option? Sure, but this is a budget watch we are talking about here, so you take the good with the bad (and it’s not even that bad). The case back is done in steel, though. The finish on the case itself actually isn’t bad, with soft lines and a step on the bezel. This model has a green nylon strap set between the 20mm wide lugs, and it’s actually pretty comfortable with some good stitching across it. That said, I often forget how rough nylon can actually be when it hasn’t been worn in, and it can take a bit of breaking-in before it feels perfectly at home on the wrist.

Timex Expedition Scout Dial

We’ve got a mineral crystal here which sits between something like acrylic and sapphire. I personally have no gripes with mineral crystal on a budget watch even if it gets scratched more easily—it’s fine with legibility and durable enough to get the job done. Beneath this mineral crystal is a very legible dial done in a classic field watch layout with Arabic hour numerals as well as a 24-hour inner ring. The large white hands are nicely lumed and super easy to read. I like the muted yellow used on the seconds hand here but, honestly, the ticking sound that emanates from every jump of the seconds hand can get a little grating. That said, I do like how small and unobtrusive the date window is, and I especially appreciate how well it blends into the 24-hour track without feeling forced or awkward in the overall design.

I know I already mentioned it, but activating the Indiglo backlight with a push of the crown just never gets old. It genuinely adds this almost childlike sense of joy every time you activate it. Pulling the crown out one position allows you to change the date which is, somehow, even louder than the ticking of the seconds hand. Legibility is the most important thing here and this collection certainly nails it in nearly every lighting situation, whether indoors or out in bright sun.

Timex Expedition Scout Movement

I am not entirely certain what kind of quartz movement Timex uses here but I do know that the crown-activation of the Indiglo function must mean that it’s not simply a copy/paste third-party movement. Of course, these are highly accurate and only lose a couple of seconds per month. As for battery, this uses a CR2016 that can be picked up anywhere for a couple of bucks for a set. Battery life likely depends on how often you use the Indiglo function—which, to be fair, is the most fun part of the Expedition Scout and also the hardest part to resist using over and over again.

[toc-section heading="Final Thoughts And Price"]

There are a lot iterations of the Expedition Scout out there so I won’t even attempt to get into all the references but I can’t imagine there isn’t something out there for even the pickiest tastes. These watches technically retail for about $90 (though there is always a sale) but can be picked up for anywhere from $40 up, making it something of an unbeatable deal when it comes to military style field watches. timex.com