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Timex Legacy vs Timex Marlin

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

Timex Legacy — Blue dial, steel case
TimexLegacy
Timex Marlin — White dial, steel case
TimexMarlin

Key Differences

Best Value
Timex Legacy (34mm)
Starting from $135
Best Water Resistance
Timex Legacy (34mm)
50m (2x more)
Slimmest
Timex Legacy (34mm)
9mm thick

See Both Watches on Your Wrist

Set your wrist circumference to compare relative case presence. Lug-to-lug is included when the catalog has it.

Medium (6.7″)

Proportional guide only: wrist shape, strap articulation, bezel design, and case curvature change how a watch actually wears.

Price Comparison

Timex Legacy
MSRP
$159
New
$200
Used
$80
Timex Marlin
MSRP
$249
New
$256
Used
$165
MSRP New (Amazon) Used (eBay)

Side-by-Side Specs

Start with the specifications that meaningfully differ. Expand the complete table for reference details and missing-data context.

Specification differences for Timex Legacy, Timex Marlin
Specification
Legacy
Marlin
Pricing
MSRPLegacy is $90 less at MSRP$159$249
New PriceLegacy is $56.5 less based on the current snapshot$200$256
Used Price (Low)Legacy is $84.7 less at the low end$80$165
Used Price (High)$225$165
30-Day Trend+5.9%+13.8%
Used Price Range$80 - $225$165 - $165
Identity
StyleCasual, SportsDress, Vintage
Dimensions
ThicknessLegacy is 1mm thinner9mm10mm
WeightMarlin is 67.7g lighter99g31.3g
Lug Width16mm18mm
Lug to Lug40mm41mm
Movement
MovementQuartzAutomatic
Case
CrystalMineral CrystalAcrylic
Water ResistanceLegacy adds 20m water resistance50m (swimming)30m (splash resistant)
Dial
Dial ColorBlueWhite
LuminousLegacy includes luminous markers IncludedNot included
3 specifications both watches share
Diameter34mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
BezelFixed

Which Should You Buy?

This Timex Legacy vs Timex Marlin comparison is less about a universal winner and more about mechanical feel versus low-maintenance convenience, casual character versus dress versatility, entry price versus premium finishing or specs. Treat it as a value-versus-upgrade decision — confirm the extra spend solves a problem you will notice every week.

Bottom line

Water resistance is a meaningful separator here — the higher-rated option gives more flexibility for swimming or rougher daily use. Choose Timex Legacy if you want a lower-maintenance daily watch; choose Timex Marlin if you prefer a mechanical watch experience and do not mind more upkeep.

Choose Timex Legacy when

Timex Legacy is a better fit for low-maintenance daily wear, casual styling.

Choose Timex Marlin when

Timex Marlin is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, dress styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Timex Legacy: quartz movement

Timex Marlin: automatic movement

Timex Legacy uses a quartz movement, while Timex Marlin uses a automatic movement — that changes day-to-day ownership, upkeep, and the overall feel on the wrist.

Size and wearability

Timex Legacy: 34mm · L2L 40mm · 99g

Timex Marlin: 34mm · L2L 41mm · 31.3g

Their size profiles are relatively close, so fit comes down to shape, weight, and how each watch sits on your wrist.

Water resistance

Timex Legacy: 50m

Timex Marlin: 30m

Water resistance is a meaningful separator here — the higher-rated option gives more flexibility for swimming or rougher daily use.

Price and value

Timex Legacy: $135

Timex Marlin: $256

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Style and use case

Timex Legacy: casual

Timex Marlin: dress

Timex Legacy leans more casual, while Timex Marlin pulls toward dress use case — pick the one that matches how you will actually wear it.

Crystal and materials

Timex Legacy: mineral crystal · steel

Timex Marlin: acrylic crystal · steel

Crystal choice can change long-term wear expectations — one may prioritize scratch resistance while the other keeps cost or vintage feel in check.

Choose Timex Legacy If...

  • You want a lower-maintenance daily watch.
  • You are specifically shopping for a casual style watch.
  • You want the lower current entry price.

Choose Timex Marlin If...

  • You prefer a mechanical watch experience and do not mind more upkeep.
  • You are specifically shopping for a dress style watch.
  • You are comfortable paying more for a stronger feature set.

Price and Value Notes

Timex Legacy is often the value play at current pricing, while Timex Marlin makes more sense if you will use its extra features regularly.

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Where to Check Deals

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay

Prices change often, so compare the latest listings and condition options before you buy.

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Timex Legacy

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary
Check Price on eBayFrom $135 · New & used listings

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Timex Marlin

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary
Check Price on eBayFrom $165 · New & used listings

Affiliate links — WatchCompared earns a commission on qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect your price.

Comparison FAQ

Which movement is easier to live with day to day?

Quartz and solar models are usually easier for grab-and-go use, while automatic and manual watches appeal more to buyers who enjoy the mechanical side of watch ownership.

Which one is better for smaller wrists?

Timex Legacy — it is 40mm lug-to-lug versus 41mm, and lug-to-lug is what decides whether a watch overhangs a smaller wrist.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Timex Legacy — it is rated 50m versus 30m. Both are in the same broad bracket, so treat this as a tiebreaker rather than a deciding factor.

Is the more expensive one worth it?

Timex Legacy is the value pick at roughly $121 less. Pay more only if a specific difference above matters to you — otherwise the cheaper one is the smarter buy. Confirm live listings, since marketplace pricing moves.

Evidence & Method

How we compared these watches

No WatchCompared hands-on test claimed
  • Catalog specifications are normalized into the same units before differences are calculated.
  • The verdict uses only populated fields and the source-backed observations listed here.
  • Missing evidence reduces the depth of the conclusion instead of being filled with assumptions.

This page currently relies on normalized catalog fields and calculated differences. No external reviewer observation is used in its verdict.

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