Timex’s affordable field watch is the brand’s most gorpcore launch in years (in a good way)

Timex’s Expedition series is loaded to the gills with fan-favorite affordable field watches. And over the years, there have been a ton of different variants from the simple to the completely overbuilt. There are even digital editions.

But the latest, the Timex Expedition Freedive Solar, is special, even amongst its peers, for a few different reasons. While it still captures the core spirit of this adventurous line and hits a budget-friendly price point, it also has some features and styling that are unique to this model.

Stylistically, this green-all-over Expedition stands out as particularly vibrant when compared to its siblings.

Shifting #TIDE

Undoubtedly, you’ve noticed the particularly verdant shades present on this watch (and its accompanying strap). As it’s a field watch, you might assume this color scheme was chosen to reflect its intended outdoor use and the environment in which it belongs (the outdoors).

To a degree, you’d be right. Yes, this is a field watch, and it is, indeed, designed, at least in part, for woodland adventures. But that’s not quite the breadth of the story. You see, green is also the color that represents eco-consciousness and friendliness, as well as the concept of recycling. And this, too, has a direct connection to the watch.

The solar movement means you never have to worry about batteries, winding or otherwise. Just put it on and head out.

This is because the case and the accompanying strap were created utilizing #TIDE materials, which are created from repurposed ocean-bound waste, such as plastics and fishing nets.

While this is a field watch, it does have another connection to the ocean: it has a dive timer-style unidirectional rotating bezel. That said, it’s important to note that this is not a true dive watch, as it can only withstand depths of up to 50 meters, so this addition is more stylistic and referential than functional.

Both the case and the strap are made from recycled ocean waste, courtesy of #TIDE.

Outdoor-friendly in more ways than one

While you might assume that the dive timer bezel on this watch is a bit of a misdirect, it actually has excellent outdoor applications: it can measure elapsed time more accurately than a watch alone, which can be very valuable for hiking. And yet, that’s only one element that’s outdoor adventure-friendly.

One of the most valuable convenient elements of this watch is its movement. As is common with affordable Timex watches, it has a quartz movement that’s both highly reliable and accurate. However, it’s not battery-powered, at least not in the traditional sense.

Not only is the fabric strap comfortable, but it is durable, as well, making it perfect for adventure.

The dial of this watch is a solar panel, which feeds power directly to the movement, eliminating the need to replace the internal batteries. Just wear it when you head out, and the ambient sunlight (or any other light source) will keep it charged up, so you can stay focused on the trails.

It also has a durable mineral crystal, crown guard, Fast Wrap strap (for easy on and off) and a date window. And you get all of that for under $160, which is a pretty great value proposition.

The case is slightly translucent, giving it a bit of a Y2K retro vibe.

Availability and pricing

Green Timex Expedition solar watch with yellow accents and fabric strap.