There are few names in American watch making as synonymous as Timex. In fact, it is probably safe to say that Timex is the most famous name in American watches, and chances are, either you or someone close to you owns a Timex or had one at some point. They "take a licking and keep on ticking". The Gallatin solar is my third Timex watch and has overall delivered on it's promises of being a reliable watch albeit with a few drawbacks
I bought this piece to serve as a beater watch after getting a summer job at Sorento's. I wanted something rugged, reliable, and not flashy to use on the job. I got this piece before I had any interest in mechanical watches, however, given it's solar powered movement, I figured it would have the accuracy of a quartz movement (because it is a quartz watch) without the need of ever having to change the battery. The accuracy of this watch has been exceptional. I have not owned it long enough to test the longevity of the battery. At one point, though, after not wearing it for awhile, the second hand started to tick irregularly which was solved by leaving the watch out in the sun to recharge.
I like the colors used on the watch dial and the pop of the red on the hand, date window box, 12 o'clock triangle, and word "solar" at the bottom of the dial. And while it certainly doesn't scream luxury, I personally enjoy the hexagon pattern prevalent on the dial. The industrial shape of the minute and hour hands works well as does the small cutouts at at the hour markers 1,2,4... and so on. For a watch at this price, I think that the attention to detail in the dial design is not wonderful, but good, especially given the price of the watch and the solar powered movement you're getting. I am not a huge fan of the muted green strap, but it get's the job done and I do like the expedition branding on the strap with the location of Timex's headquarters right outside of Waterbury, Connecticut.
There are some downsides, however. The acrylic dial on this watch face is scratched and the resin dive bezel dents easily too. The bezel doesn't rotate which is kind of aggerating considering it has such a large presence on the watch yet it's not a functional; and quite honestly: it has a cheap look to it. While this was my fault for not doing my due diligence when I bought the watch, 45mm is too large for my small wrists.
While I can't confirm this was the same location as the manufacturer is alluding to, I think it is neat that I have been to Gallatin County. This is where the family and I skied at the third largest ski resort in North America and one of the largest ski resorts in the world: Big Sky Montana. Not only that, but I wore this watch during our days skiing, snowmobiling , sled dogging, and of course hot tubbing at night in the single digits. It's also ironic that I had no knowledge of that we were traveling to Gallatin country yet I was wearing a watch named and inspired by that very area.
I have taken this watch on past trips, for example Amelia Island, Florida, and I plan on taking it as my primary watch on our trip to the Turks coming up this summer. It is also my go to watch for lake days when I need something water proof that just get's the job done. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of the diver style but I do have a special fondness for this watch and it shall continue to be found on my wrist during my rugged endeavors.
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