I purchased this watch because, roughly three weeks ago, while going through airport security, I lost my J. Crew Military Watch. It was also made by Timex, featured a 24-hour clock, and had classic styling and a black nylon NATO-style band. I liked the watch a lot, but always felt it could be better. And it was around $160.

So imagine my surprise when I discover this little gem, sitting in the 'Weekender' collection (although very different from its round-faced, glossier counterparts) and perfectly willing to replace my lost watch, and at a third of the price. It is also a bit larger than the other Timex's of similar styling, which is nice to get some 'weight' to the piece without it looking like a 'big face' noveau watch.

In fact, I was at a function with some friends yesterday when a friend, who happened to be wearing the J. Crew version, commented on how I had the 'upgraded' J. Crew version of his watch. I chuckled and responded that mine was actually a Weekender, albeit a very unique one with a great, hefty look.

Many have compared the Weekender series, with their slide-back nylon straps, to the slightly more elegant (and thusly more expensive!) J. Crew Timex versions. This is an apt comparison, but here is where this particular Weekender takes the cake:

- Date-marked Calendar
The little window on the 24-hour markings near 3 perfectly fits a date marking that is nondescript and yet very useful. Other Weekenders, and the more expensive J. Crew model, have no such features

- Outside Engraved Tachymeter
I'm not much for the actual use of a tachymeter, but having it there and having it actually engraved into the brushed nickel outside casing is quite nice. It gives the watch a slightly higher profile and more heft, and adds to the 'expensive' feeling of the whole thing

- Indiglo Electroluminescent Backlight
A 'standard' amongst most Timex watches, this feature is actually missing from all the J. Crew models and a handful of the Weekenders. On this particular model, it works great. The black background illuminates clearly in the dark, leaving the white marking 'dark' against the backlit face for easy readability in low light. The hour and minute hands, too, glow brightly with glow-in-the-dark painted faces.

OVERALL
I bought this watch to use as I did my J. Crew watch, with a nylon NATO strap, and so I almost immediately removed the black distressed leather band once I received it. The black band was difficult to unbuckle and very rigid, lacking the supple and durable qualities you'd want to find in an at least moderate leather band. Basically: the watch face is great, the band sucks -- but then again, I didn't buy it for the band at all. Compared to, for instance, my Easy Reader classic, which has a nice brown leather band, I hated this black one.

For this face, then, I suggest picking up some different colored NATO straps from Amazon. 18mm fits the lugs on this watch, and many nice military green or blue-striped bands of that size and NATO double-back looping style can be had for around $13 per online. Target, too, has NATO-looking (although not as long and without a 'locking' loop) bands for the regular Weekender line, but they're a slightly-too-wide 20mm, which will also fit the 18mm lugs, but snugly. Over time, I'd worry about having a slightly-too-big band on the spring bars, which might pop out, but it isn't a huge concern for me.

I mainly dropped by two different Targets here in Austin just to pick up a bright orange and a washed-out beige band --- both of which look great with this face, by the way -- to add to the changeability of this timepiece. I've been to the pool with this with a blue-striped nylon band, and submerged for a few hours the watch is still ticking and the band is dry and clean.

BASICALLY, a quality product, good looking timepiece that has already 'paid for itself' in value and in compliments!