WatchReviewBlog

Wrist Watch Reviews, Guides & Advice

  • HOME
  • WATCH REVIEWS
  • BY BRAND
  • By Type
    • Automatic Watches
    • Quartz Watches
    • Dive Watches
    • Pilot Watches
    • Chronographs
    • Dress
    • Luxury
    • Sports
    • Women’s
    • Fashion
  • Startups
  • Watch Buying Guides
ShopShow Search
Hide Search
Home » Watch Reviews » Timex M79 Batman Automatic Watch Review

Timex M79 Batman Automatic Watch Review

February 24, 2020 by Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Timex M79 Batman Automatic Watch Review

Last May, Timex re-released their Q Timex, one of their retro watches from the 1970s. This release was wildly popular, so much so that they decided to make another go of it. But this time, they decided to do something a little different. They announced the release of the M79 Automatic Batman, which just dropped on February 12th.

The M79 is, perhaps, even more retro; the “M” stands for “mechanical”. Yes, that’s right. Timex just released a mechanical watch, which has a lot to offer both inside and out.

Not Your Typical Timex

Before we go any further, you may be wondering; “What is Timex doing making a mechanical watch?” The answer is that Timex has always manufactured mechanical watches.


watchpod shop banner
M79 in palm of hand photo

However, during the quartz crisis of the 1970s, they switched their focus to primarily market and manufacture quartz watches. This is why they’re still a household name. Rolex took the opposite approach to stay relevant, aggressively raising prices and marketing their watches as luxury items. To this day, they’re able to sell similar quality watches to Omega and other manufacturers, while charging 2, 3 or 4 times the price.

Side view of watch

In 1979, Timex reduced their most well-known quartz watch, the “Q”. It had a lot of features that are common on mechanical watches, such as a rotating bezel with a Pepsi pattern. Among people who liked mechanical watches but couldn’t afford one, the Q became incredibly popular. As a result, it became an instant classic, which is why the re-release was so popular.

Wrist shot photo

The “79” in the M79 comes from that year. In essence, the M79 is meant to be the best of both worlds. It has the classic look of the Q, with a proper mechanical movement.

The Miyota Movement

The beating heart of the M79 is the automatic Miyota movement. As with most mechanical watches, the Miyota is automatic, so it does not require any winding. It ticks at a rate of 21,600 beats per hour, or 3 ticks per second.

Miyota movement exhibition case back

This makes the second hand skip quickly around the dial, looking almost completely smooth, but still with distinct, tiny jumps. The power reserve of the 21-jewel Miyota movement is 40 hours. This ensures that you can set the watch aside for a day and a half without needing to reset the time.

Sharp Dial and Batman Bezel

The M79 has a sharp, black and white dial that offers plenty of contrast and easy low-light visibility. The dial itself is black, with the word “Timex” at the top and “automatic” printed at the bottom.

Timex M79 with WATCHPOD Travel Case
Timex M79 with the WATCHPOD Single Watch Travel Case

There are fine hashes at single second marks, with large white lume dots at 5-minute positions. Long hashes mark off the 6 and 9 o’clock position, while a broader arrow marks the 12 o’clock position. At 3 o’clock, you’ll see a crisp, white day and date window.

Dial close up

The minute hand is long and silver, with a wide, white lume stripe down the center. The hour hand is broader, with a circular spot in the middle very similar to the famous Mercedes hand, but it’s marked with a tiny Timex logo instead. It too, is silver, with white lume paint. The second hand is long, slender, and bright red, the only part of the dial that isn’t black or white.

Timex on wrist watchpod background

The M79 has a similar appearance to the original Q. However, one significant difference is the bezel, which is a nod to the Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR. Instead of the Q’s Pepsi-style bezel, it has an iconic blue and black bezel. Ten-minute positions are marked by numerals, while single-minute positions are marked by small hashes, and 5-minute positions are indicated with longer hashes.

Sturdy Stainless Steel Case

The case itself is constructed from stainless steel, with a bright, glossy finish that looks like it belongs on a more expensive watch.

Slim case view of watch

It measures 40mm in diameter, which lends it a medium wrist presence as you wear it. The thickness is 14.5mm, once again a fairly medium size. The bezel has a ribbed outer edge, and makes the watch look a bit larger than it actually is.

View of stainless steel case

The case is water resistant to 50 meters, which essentially amounts to a rating of “splash proof”. Take it in the shower, but you probably shouldn’t take it swimming.

Blue bezel and lugs

The crystal is made of acrylic, which means it’s low-glare but vulnerable to scratching. On the one hand, this is a bit disappointing. On the other hand, it’s a Timex. It costs half of what a typical automatic watch will run you. You’re going to have to accept a few sacrifices. That said, there’s an exhibition case back, which gives you a clear view of the Miyota movement.

Retro vintage metal bracelet

Timex rounds out the design with a 4-link steel band. This band is constructed of tiny links, which lets it wrap comfortably around your wrist. It also glistens as you move, adding an attractive touch.

To have a look at Timex’s recent re-issue releases visit their official website here.

Filed Under: Featured, Sports, Watch Reviews Tagged With: Automatic Watches

About Matthew Catellier

Matt is the Founder and Executive editor of The Watch Review Blog. For Matt, watches represent self-expression, art and freedom, and his ideal watch combines functionality with intriguing history behind it. Follow
                                him on Instagram @watchreviewblog.

Comments

  1. Steve says

    January 12, 2021 at 9:21 pm

    Where is the watch made or assembled please? Thx

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get fresh watch reviews, HD photos and more direct to your inbox.

RECENT POSTS

  • Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer Watch Review
  • Farer Resolute Three Hands 36mm Watch Review
  • Rolex Predictions 2023: Our Top 5 New Releases
  • AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Farley Multifunction AV-4098 Watch Review
  • Ball Engineer II Moon Calendar Watch Review

BUYING GUIDES

Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

January 23, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Modern Tudor Sports Watches

January 20, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tissot Watches for 2023

January 19, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tachymeter Function Watches

January 18, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Vacheron Constantin Watches for Collectors

September 1, 2022 By Matthew Catellier 2 Comments

Top 5 Best Grand Seiko Watches For Collectors

November 24, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 8 Comments

Top 5 Most Popular Watches of 2021 for Holiday and Christmas Gifts

November 22, 2021 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Most Popular Luxury Chronograph Watches for Collecting

October 21, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 3 Comments

Top 5 Most Rare and Sought After Omega Speedmaster Watches

October 5, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 4 Comments

HOW WE WORK

Our blog is about honest and fair reviews of each timepiece we evaluate. We do not have any bias for or against any watch or company and work hard to maintain that neutrality. In this age of corporate placement everywhere, we just wanted to let you know we’re on your side, and always will be.

Get in touch?: If you notice something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello, please tweet us at @watchreviewblog or email us at matt@watchreviewblog.com.

INFORMATION

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Watch Q&A
CONTACT

  • General
  • Advertise
CONNECT
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • youtube
Copyright © 2023 · WatchReviewBlog.com · All Rights Are Reserved! · Powered by Custom Dev · Privacy Policy

WatchReviewBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.