Timex’s New Dive Watch Looks Like an Affordable Take on the Omega Seamaster

The most recent evolution in Timex’s ongoing renaissance has been the brand’s transformation into a reliable destination for locating affordable homages to iconic luxury watches.

This transformation began in earnest with the Pepsi-bezeled Q Timex GMT a few years back, a model obviously inspired by Rolex’s GMT-Master, but it’s really ramped up in recent months, with models that take after the Zenith El Primero, Cartier Tank and more.

Now, the brand is at it again with its latest affordable dive watch, the Deepwater Reef 200 XCF. And all you need to do is take one look at the wavy dial to figure out where Timex’s designers got their inspiration for this one.

Timex

Your Timex, Mr. Bond

The dial on the new Deepwater, with its deeply engraved wave pattern, is a dead ringer for the wave dial of the iconic Omega Seamaster Diver 300M — aka, the Bond Watch.

The Seamaster’s dial is made of laser-engraved ceramic, while the Timex’s is decidedly less fancy. But it looks nearly identical to the Omega dial, at least in pictures, so if that’s the general look you’re going for, Timex has you covered.

The indices also look very similar to the Omega’s, with the exception of a triangle marker replacing the Seamaster’s dual bars at 12 o’clock. The hands are also partially skeletonized, like on the famous spy watch. Even the markings on the bezel insert — which is also not in ceramic — are very close to the markings on the Seamaster.

Timex

But once you move beyond the Omega-inspired dial and bezel, the Deepwater Reef 200 XCF very much becomes its own thing.

Most drastically different is the case, which Timex has crafted out of a type of carbon fiber it calls XCF — extended carbon fiber. It’s a lightweight and rugged composite made from a mixture of polycarbonate and carbon fibers. Notably, there’s never been a Seamaster Diver 300M in carbon fiber.

The case is a tad larger than the Seamaster at 43mm compared to 42mm, and it’s less water resistant, with a depth rating of 200m rather than 300m. Thanks to its screw-down crown and caseback, however, it’s still plenty watertight for diving.

Timex

The movement powering the watch is a non-descript quartz calibre, which is a far cry from the in-house automatic co-axial Master Chronometers that drive Omega’s watches. That’s one of several reasons why this watch costs less than 1/20th the price of a Seamaster.

Finally, the Timex does not include a bracelet option. It comes on a two-piece synthetic rubber strap in black or blue that’s equipped with quick-release spring bars and a clever buckle system that eliminates the need for keepers. Honestly, it’s quite a nice strap for the money.

Pricing and Availability

If you’re in the market for a very affordable dive watch and love the look of the Omega Seamaster, then the newest entry in Timex’s Deepwater line has your name written all over it.

It’s available now from Timex’s online shop for just $259 on a black or blue strap — both versions have the same watch head. For that price, this is an absolute steal, and I have no doubt it will quickly shoot up the rankings of Timex’s best sellers.

Timex

Timex Deepwater Reef 200 XCF

Specs

Case Size	43m
Movement	Quartz analog
Water Resistance	200m

• $259 at Timex

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