Timex are at it like rabbits of late, turning out countless models and re-editions to rival the swatch group. While some are questionable, its latest releases titled ‘Expedition North’ instantly caught my eye with their IP coated and stainless steel cases, choice of solar powered or mechanical movements and varying sizes. I hit ‘add to cart’ on the handsome time only Timex Expedition North Field Post Solar 36mm in black and have been enjoying it a lot.

This Timex Expedition North Field Post Solar is 36mm diameter, 44mm lug to lug and 18mm lug width are a sweet spot for most and certainly a popular size for many brands nowadays. A sensible 12mm depth hugs the wrist perfectly and doesn’t get bulky having a Nato strap tucked underneath. The supplied ‘eco-friendly’ Nato is rubbish by the way, but everyone has a decent Nato lying around to replace this.

A nicely sized screw down crown, to enable 100m of water resistance, is welcome as well as classic syringe style hands (which now seem to be a field watch prerequisite unfortunately) but add some vintage inspired lume to them and you have a charming timepiece for under £200/$200

The Timex expedition north field case construction is done very well, nothing too over the top though, (Okay you could say bland but the dial more than makes up for the average appearance) but what you expect from a well-proportioned Timex watch. The IP coating is lovely; giving a brushed texture and matt appearance that makes it wear smaller. But I find these coated cases fragile, and one small knock or scrap could render it noticeably scarred. So in a field watch environment it may not hold up that well.

The sapphire crystal is very welcome and seems to be more common now in budget priced watches which is great to see. Being a solar movement the dial is transparent so you can view the solar cell beneath which is cool. Accuracy should be top drawer but this isn’t the best solar movement I feel. The seconds hand doesn’t line up with its markers and when adjusting the time there is no resistance to moving the hands which is unsettling (quite common for quartz movements though) and doesn’t fill me with confidence for a long term daily wear. But in theory this is a moot point as you set it once and then forget about it.

Good quality printed numerals in 12 and 24hr configurations adorn the dial in an unusual but welcome grey colour. Giving them a toned down, not so stark appearance highlighting the transparent nature of the dial even more. A lovely simple minute track with coloured (to give a vintage patina/feel) triangles highlight the hour makers on the minute track. Only criticism of the Timex expedition north field is the printed ‘solar powered’ wording which isn’t really wanted or needed. Why not have ‘expedition north’ in italics or ‘100m water resist’ instead.

Apart from these negatives it’s a very pleasing design overall, nicely laid out with charm and character due to the choice of colours and paired down field watch legibility.

All the Timex expedition north field size and design choices mean the watch will pair well with many straps making it a strong contender for a great daily wear, just like the Timex Easyreader range, but with a more relevant aesthetic for today’s unisex market.

Out of the box is a different affair, simple recycled packaging all add to Timex’s commitment to do more than just add unwanted waste. But no instructions are included so unknowingly you have to put this watch in sun light to charge it up and it will eventually kick into life (quick two second movement on the seconds hand) until it is fully charged. Which is fine but some simple printed instructions on the box would go a long way to quash peoples thoughts (if they haven’t bought a solar watch before) that they’ve purchased a dud watch.

All in the Timex Expedition North Field Post Solar is a great field watch with a modern military vibe, but it has some weak points which thankfully aren’t deal breaking considering the price.