What We Know
The day after Memorial Day brings the promise of warmer days, long summer nights, and backyard cookouts. Timex and J.Crew have decided to mark the occasion in a way that feels entirely right for the season—and perfect for us here at Hodinkee—with the release of the Timex MK1 for J.Crew. The MK1 is one of Timex’s most storied models, originally rooted in military-inspired design. This version trades military-spec field watch utility for a leisurely day on the water.
Housed in a 36mm gold-plated stainless steel case with a clean white dial, crisp Arabic numerals, and a printed rail track, the star of the show is unmistakably the small figure swimming across the dial.
That figure, true anglers will recognize it immediately, is a brook trout—rendered from an original watercolor by J.Crew’s in-house artist. It’s a matter-of-fact detail that is unexpected, and works. With the trout and enlarged numbers taking up precious dial real estate, branding is limited. The Timex logo is on the front, the J.Crew logo on the caseback.
Built for long days on the water, the MK1 for J.Crew offers 50m of water resistance and sits behind an acrylic crystal. It runs on a quartz movement, with an 18mm lug width and a neatly braided dark brown leather strap that has the signs of it only getting better with time.
The Timex MK1 for J.Crew launches May 28th at $198 and is available at Timex.com, JCrew.com, and select J.Crew retail locations.
What We Think
What more could you ask for from a collaboration between two of America’s most enduring brands? Classic silhouette, perfect proportions, a little aquatic life—all tied together with just the right amount of nostalgia. Safe to say, we’ve got something on the line here.
The dial is the focal point, as it should be. There’s a real confidence in its simplicity: twelve numerals, the Timex name, and a watercolor brook trout. But don’t overlook the strap—the dark braided leather feels like the J.Crew designers quietly asserting themselves, almost suggesting that this watch would look perfect paired with a braided leather belt, a classic summer staple.
Wear this one all season. By the time Labor Day rolls around, the strap will have perfect patina—and come winter, it’ll be a good reminder that summer’s just around the corner.
The Basics
Brand: Timex x J.Crew
Model: MK1
Diameter: 36mm
Case Material: Stainless-Steel
Dial Color: White
Indexes: Printed
Lume: No
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: Braided leather dark brown strap
The Movement
Caliber: Quartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Pricing & Availability
Price: $198
Availability: May 28, 2026, at jcrew.com, timex.com, and select J.Crew retail locations.
Limited Edition: No
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