What We Know
The Timex Atelier line doubles in size today, adding four new references and continuing to expand into new complications with the announcement of the Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti and the Chronograph Quartz M1q. Designed by Giorgio Galli, the new models join the existing Diver and GMT, bringing the collection to a total of six references.
The M1a Ti is built from titanium with a stainless-steel middle case and a black IP coating, measuring 42mm in diameter with a 20mm lug width. The M1q is a skeletonized stainless steel case with the same black IP middle case treatment at 40mm, also with a 20mm lug width.
Both get a fixed tachymeter bezel, a double-domed sapphire crystal with a triple-layer AR coating, and come on either a metal bracelet or an NBR rubber strap with a deployant buckle. The major difference here is that the M1a Ti has an exhibition caseback showcasing the automatic movement beneath.
Both feature two-register chronographs—a first for the Atelier line—with matte black dials, silver subdials, and high-polished silver hands. The M1q adds guilloché texture to the dial and a date window at 6. The M1a Ti stays flat matte.
Powering the duo are two different sides of the spectrum. The M1a Ti features a Swiss-made Landeron L72 automatic chronograph at 4Hz with a 43-hour power reserve and 28 jewels. The M1q uses a Swiss-made Ronda 5021D quartz movement with a battery.
The M1a Ti comes in at $2,250 on a bracelet and $2,100 on a rubber strap. The M1q is $800 on a bracelet and $700 on a rubber strap. Both models are available today at Timex.com and select global retailers.
What We Think
This is a meaningful release for Timex, and a signal that the brand intends to keep building out the Atelier line in earnest. When the GMT24 M1a Automatic landed last October at $1,450, price was the dominant conversation, and it will be again here. The M1q at $700-$800 is defensible if the design really speaks to you, or if you’re looking for an entry point into the Atelier line. However, at that price you’re also in range of quartz chronographs from brands already associated with this price point. The M1a Ti at $2,100-$2,250 is a steeper ask.
I do like that the design language is consistent—Timex is clearly committed to the monochromatic black, white, and grey palette across the collection, and it works. What I’d want to know before saying much more is how these wear in person, particularly the titanium model, where the weight and finishing will do a lot to justify or complicate that number.
But that number is the conversation. At $2,200, there is also a lot of competition. I think Timex deserves credit for committing to this tier rather than hedging, and the M1q makes a strong case for what the collection can do at a more accessible level. Whether the automatic can hold its own at that price point is the question I’m sure we all have, and one that I hope we can get to in a future hands-on.
The Basics
Brand: Timex
Model: Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti / Atelier Chronograph Quartz M1q
Reference Number: TW6A02700 / TW6A02800 (M1a Ti); TW6A06900 / TW6A07000 (M1q)
Diameter: 42mm (M1a Ti) | 40mm (M1q)
Case Material: Skeletonized titanium with stainless steel middle case, black IP coating (M1a Ti); Skeletonized stainless steel with black IP middle case (M1q)
Dial Color: Matte black
Water Resistance: 50m (M1a Ti); 100m (M1q)
Strap/Bracelet: Titanium bracelet or NBR rubber strap
The Movement
Caliber: Landeron L72 Automatic movement (M1a Ti); Ronda 5021D Quartz (M1q)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph (M1a Ti); Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date (M1q)
Power Reserve: 43 hours (M1a Ti)
Winding: Automatic (M1a Ti)
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4Hz (M1a Ti)
Jewels: 28 (M1a Ti)
Pricing & Availability
Price: $2,250 on bracelet / $2,100 on strap (M1a Ti); $800 on bracelet / $700 on strap (M1q)
Availability: Timex.com and select global retailers
Limited Edition: No
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