Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Timex watches return to the ‘80s with this limited edition Ironman, the latest collab with The James Brand

Timex collaborates with The James Brand for nostalgic Ironman watch

Timex x The James Brand watch
Timex / Timex

Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to take you on a journey back in time to the glorious ‘80s, an era of leg warmers, neon tracksuits, and Walkmans. It was a decade where style was as bold as the hair, and now, we’re thrilled to tell you that Timex watches have resurrected the spirit of the ’80s with their latest masterpiece – the limited edition Ironman, in a spectacular collaboration with The James Brand; it’s a marriage of retro innovation and modern performance.

Resin, recycled fabric, and retro vibes

The new Timex Ironman follows in the footsteps of the decade of risk-taking. This watch has a revved-up color scheme that feels like a blast of nostalgia on your wrist. It immediately catches the eye thanks to its vivid neon colors, which recall back to its mid-1980s introduction.

The electric yellow resin case for the Ironman is strong yet portable. Bright red buttons that pop with a lively energy reminiscent of a Rubik’s Cube serve as its accents. The strap is one of the coolest features; it’s a repurposed, ocean-bound plastic strap made of #Tide sustainable teal fabric. Thus, you’re thereby wearing a piece of the planet’s metamorphosis from garbage to the wrist while you wear this watch.

Timex x The James Brand watch
Timex / Timex

Performance meets style

Now, this watch isn’t just about aesthetics, as any sportsman or dedicated outdoor enthusiast would appreciate its wealth of features. There is a countdown timer, a stopwatch with a 30-lap memory, and a customizable alarm. It has you covered whether you want to time your upcoming run or remind yourself to take a break from work.

With a water resistance of 100 meters, the Ironman can handle the elements. This watch won’t bat an eye if you’re caught in the rain, walking through the muck, or taking a well-earned plunge after a challenging day. The digital dial markings on the Ironman wonderfully complement the classic casing while staying loyal to its digital heritage. Speaking of the dial, the INDIGLO display makes it easy to read the time, even in the dark.

Timex x The James Brand gear
Timex / Timex

The James Brand x Timex: A match made in ’80s heaven

But there’s more to this collaboration than just watches for men. The James Brand, known for its minimalist and functional everyday carry gear, has designed accessories to accompany the Ironman. This three-piece collection includes the Ironman watch, a color-coordinating ultra-lightweight Redstone Knife designed for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking or camping, and a retro canvas wallet with hook and loop closure. It’s a whole package that’s well-known yet brand new.

The James Brand founder, Ryan Coulter, aptly describes the watch as a statement piece, saying, “A watch says a lot about its wearer, and we often think of timepieces as the ‘first cousin’ to our EDC products.” This collaboration is more than just two brands slapping their names on a timepiece; it’s about a connection between your watch and your personal hobbies.

Topics
Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
These two-tone Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches go full on ’80s (and we love it)
Omega launches a two-tone gold Speedmaster Moonwatch
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch bi-color

Omega watches have launched a bi-color Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18-karat Moonshine Gold or Sedna Gold combined with stainless steel. Anybody who browses the secondhand watch market will know two-tone Speedmasters are nothing new, however, this is the first time that a modern version of the Speedmaster Moonwatch will be available in bi-color metals. The two-tone design certainly takes us back to the 80s and 90s when experimenting with precious metals and steel was bold but common.
Omega Bi-Color Speedmaster Moonwatch: A history

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch chronograph became a part of American history in the 60s when a modern version was provided to NASA astronauts. And, if we're really talking American history, Sonny Crockett certainly popularized two-tone watches during the days of "Miami Vice," as did Christian Bale in "American Psycho," though those were Rolex.

Read more
Christie’s latest luxury watch auction includes this insane Richard Mille
Christie's is auctioning off a Richard Mille, its most expensive ever
RM56-02 Tourbillon Sapphire

If you're the average guy with 1-2 watches from brands like Omega, TAG Heuer, or Tissot in your closet, then a Christie's auction will certainly be shocking for you. The auction house is gearing up for its "Important Watches" auction at Rockefeller Center on June 10, where they will showcase 118 spectacular pieces, and when we say "spectacular," we're talking more than the price of your house and all your friend's houses combined.
Christie's auction: Richard Mille 56-02 Tourbillon Sapphire

The main attraction at this auction is a limited-edition Richard Mille watch that's expected to be the most expensive ever sold by Christie's New York. This particular model, the RM56-02 Tourbillon Sapphire, is one of only 10 ever made and is expected to fetch up to $4 million dollars; that's a lot of zeros. This Richard Mille watch was first released back in 2014 and is famous for its use of sapphire, which provides an unmatched level of transparency in which you can see the skeletonized tourbillon within. Each 3-part sapphire case took 40 days to produce, with the sapphire bridges requiring 400 hours of labor. To put that into perspective, 2 whole weeks have 336 hours.

Read more
The titanium GMT from Timex, The James Brand is exceptional (and under $1,000)
Timex partners with The James Brand for automatic GMT
Timex x The James Brand automatic GMT on wrist

With websites like Temu and Shein taking over the world, it's rare to find products that are high-quality but also affordable. That sentiment is no truer than in the watch industry, and some brands have managed to achieve that balance in an exceptional way. When brands like The James Brand and Timex collaborate, the outcome is impressive to witness.

This week marked the release of the fourth collaboration between The James Brand and Timex. The first was in 2021, which was a 41mm titanium Expedition North that rose to the top of the ranks incredibly quickly, followed by a white-dial version in 2022. In 2023, they released the digital Ironman, and now they've released the limited edition titanium GMT. Finally! We've been waiting for this. The new James Brand x Timex Automatic GMT was designed by Timex Chief Creative Director Giorgio Galli along with The James Brand team.
The James Brand x Timex Automatic GMT

Read more