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Timex Marlin vs Timex Waterbury

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

Timex Marlin — White dial, steel case
TimexMarlin
Timex Waterbury — White dial, steel case
TimexWaterbury

Key Differences

Best Value
Timex Waterbury (25mm)
Starting from $50
Best Water Resistance
Timex Waterbury (25mm)
50m (2x more)
Biggest Price Drop
Timex Waterbury (25mm)
-25.0% in 30 days

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 Marlin
MSRP
$249
New
$256
Used
$165
Timex Waterbury
MSRP
$99
New
$50
Used
$40
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 Marlin, Timex Waterbury
Specification
Marlin
Waterbury
Pricing
MSRPWaterbury is $150 less at MSRP$249$99
New PriceWaterbury is $206.5 less based on the current snapshot$256$50
Used Price (Low)Waterbury is $125 less at the low end$165$40
Used Price (High)$165$120
30-Day Trend+13.8%-25.0%
Used Price Range$165 - $165$40 - $120
Identity
StyleDress, VintageDress, Casual
Dimensions
DiameterWaterbury is 9mm smaller34mm25mm
Thickness10mmN/A
Movement
MovementAutomaticQuartz
Case
CrystalAcrylicMineral Crystal
Water ResistanceWaterbury adds 20m water resistance30m (splash resistant)50m (swimming)
5 specifications both watches share
Release Era2010s
Case MaterialStainless Steel
BezelFixed
Dial ColorWhite
LuminousNot included

3 fields are excluded from the differences view because one watch lacks comparable data. Use “All specs” to inspect those gaps.

Which Should You Buy?

This Timex Marlin vs Timex Waterbury comparison is less about a universal winner and more about mechanical feel versus low-maintenance convenience, wrist presence versus easier fit, entry price versus premium finishing or specs. They both touch the dress use case, so smaller spec differences can matter more than brand preference.

Bottom line

Timex Marlin is the better choice for most buyers who want a vintage mechanical Timex with enough wrist presence for everyday wear. Choose Timex Waterbury only when you specifically want a very small quartz watch, lower maintenance, and the lower price.

Choose Timex Marlin when

Timex Marlin is a better fit for buyers who want more wrist presence, mechanical-watch enthusiasts, dress styling.

Choose Timex Waterbury when

Timex Waterbury is a better fit for smaller wrists, low-maintenance daily wear, dress styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Timex Marlin: automatic movement

Timex Waterbury: quartz movement

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

Size and wearability

Timex Marlin: 34mm · L2L 41mm · 31.3g

Timex Waterbury: 25mm

Fit is a real separator here — compare case width and lug-to-lug before deciding, especially if wrist comfort matters more than headline features.

Water resistance

Timex Marlin: 30m

Timex Waterbury: 50m

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

Price and value

Timex Marlin: $256

Timex Waterbury: $50

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 Marlin: dress

Timex Waterbury: dress

Both lean into a similar dress use case — the choice is more about fit, features, and price than category.

Crystal and materials

Timex Marlin: acrylic crystal · steel

Timex Waterbury: mineral 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 Marlin If...

  • You want a compact automatic watch with genuine vintage character.
  • You prefer more wrist presence than a very small 25mm case provides.
  • You prefer more dial presence and a larger case feel.

Choose Timex Waterbury If...

  • You specifically want a very small, discreet watch for a narrow wrist.
  • You want quartz convenience and a substantially lower purchase price.
  • You want a smaller case footprint on the wrist.

Price and Value Notes

Timex Waterbury 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 Marlin

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

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Timex Waterbury

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary
Check Price on eBayFrom $45 · 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 Waterbury — it is 25mm wide versus 34mm.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Timex Waterbury — 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 Waterbury is the value pick at roughly $206 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

Evidence reviewed July 19, 2026No 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.
View 2 evidence sources
  • Manufacturer specification
    timex.com
    Reference: Timex Marlin · Timex Waterbury
    Checked: July 19, 2026
    Limitation: Supports published specifications; it does not establish comfort or ownership experience.
  • Manufacturer specification
    timex.com
    Reference: Timex Marlin · Timex Waterbury
    Checked: July 19, 2026
    Limitation: Supports published specifications; it does not establish comfort or ownership experience.

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