Freelance editor Yuzo Takeishi reviews the Timex MK1 Automatic, a new model for 2025. As its roots lie in the classic military watch Camper, Takeishi gives it his stamp of approval for its practicality.
Photographs & Text by Yuzo Takeishi
[Article published on January 25, 2025]
Timex "MK1 Automatic" Wear Review
Based on the "Camper," a familiar name to watch enthusiasts, Timex's newly released "MK1 Automatic" features an automatic movement and a larger 40mm case. The Camper, with its roots in military watches, is renowned for its ease of use, but how does this derivative model perform? We explore the appeal of this watch by examining the legibility and fit required of a basic three-hand model.
Based on the disposable watch worn by American soldiers
The "Camper" is a model released for the general public based on the Timex military watch issued to American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The military watch on which it was based featured a hand-wound movement housed in a resin case and a pull-through nylon strap. Its simple structure stems from the fact that soldiers on the battlefield could not afford to repair broken watches. This meant that there was a demand for a watch that was durable enough, but could also be replaced with a new one without the need for repairs or battery changes, leading to the creation of this disposable watch.
This military watch, which met the requirements of the US military, attracted attention and in the 1980s a consumer model called the Camper was released. Initially, it was a 36mm watch with a hand-wound movement, but soon a quartz model with a smaller case size of 34mm was developed. After that, the Camper went out of production for a long time, but was revived in 2015 as part of a Japanese project. The current lineup is diverse, starting with a 36mm resin model with a quartz movement, but the latest addition to the Camper lineage is the "MK1," which features a mechanical movement in a stainless steel case.
Automatic winding. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter, 12mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 44,000 yen (tax included).
Dial design with improved visibility
The MK1 released a manual-winding model in March 2025, and the MK1 Automatic, which I'll be reviewing here, will follow. Its biggest features are the automatic movement and the increased case diameter of 40mm. While 40mm is certainly a little large considering the original Camper's 36mm case, it doesn't feel excessively large on the wrist. The enlarged dial improves legibility, and the 40mm case should be easy to use, especially in the coming season when people will be wearing lighter clothing, as it adds an accent to the wrist.
The dial of this model has been given a facelift, with the index font changed, the minute markers shortened, and fine 1/15-second markings added. Compared to the current "Original Camper," it has a more modern look and gives off a stronger instrument-like impression. At the same time, the basic design follows the Camper. The standard design, combining a black dial with white indexes, prevents reflections even under the blazing sun, making it easy to read the time. Of course, the hour and minute hands and hour markers are treated with a luminous coating, ensuring ample visibility in the dark. This is truly a practical design with its roots in military watches.
Cordura nylon straps complement the powerful design
Unlike the original Camper, which featured a pull-through nylon strap, the MK1 Automatic features a Cordura nylon strap. Often used for military equipment and workwear, this material is lightweight, resistant to abrasion and tearing, and has excellent water repellency. The olive green color complements the powerful military watch look. Furthermore, the leather lining on the strap feels comfortable against the skin and provides just the right amount of tension for a perfect fit. However, this model is likely to be worn predominantly in casual settings and styles. Therefore, a rubber lining would likely have broadened the scope of possible wear.
However, this strap is equipped with a quick release lever, making it easy to attach and remove. The lug width is a standard 20mm, and replacement straps are readily available, so you can easily change it depending on the situation and style you're wearing it in.
A truly mass-produced product with practicality that can reach a wide range of people!
My honest impression is that it is very easy to use, thanks to its extremely basic design that does not deviate from the design of military watches. The 40mm case size seems a little large considering the current trend, but that is only from the perspective of a watch enthusiast. In general, it is clear that a 40mm case is easier to read the time. Moreover, since it is equipped with an automatic movement, there is no need to wind it frequently, and since there is no date display, operation is simple. The MK1 Mechanical is a model that can reach a wide range of people, combining unpretentious looks with practicality.
