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TX 530 World Time Airport Lounge Watch Review

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:15:42 +0000

Something about a retro map of the globe on the face of a watch that is cool. TX certain was "retro inspired" in the design of the 530 Series World Time Airport Lounge watch. The latter part of the name referring to the fact that back when air travel was still a somewhat glamorous event, airport lounges often had stylized maps of the world - often with indications of what time it was all over the globe. When the "world became smaller" and travel more accessible to pajama pants wearing travelers, flying started to suck. You pretty much need to be on a private jet or fly business class these days to travel with any sense of dignity.

As a memory of this times long past, TX has designed (and keeps to updated and enhance) the World Time Airport Lounge watch. In addition to the dial with its retro-flair, the watch has a highly curved sapphire crystal over the dial that is meant to remind you of vintage watches that has domed acrylic crystals. Good thing that TX went with a sapphire crystal. The case is 42mm wide and wears a bit large - which is good. I think the size is proper as it is a modern watch in dimensions. The steel case clearly wants to resemble some more expensive watch cases. TX gave it brushed finishing in the middle with polished beveled edges on the lugs and a polished bezel. The chronograph pushers are polished as well and have an interesting black insert ring that looks nice. The watch crown has that deeply engraved TX logo that I always appreciate. With 100 meters of water resistance, along with some interesting details, the quality of the case is OK for the price of the watch.

In addition to the alligator printed leather strap with steel deployment clasp, the watch is available with a steel bracelet. The leather strap offers a bit more of that "authentic vintage' feel. The dial tones are white and metallic grays. Almost monochromatic save for the red tip of the world time hand. Note the tapered date window that is taken directly from vintage Timex watches. TX even tapers the font of the date on the disc to match the shape of the case - a welcome detail.

Compared to many TX watches, the World Time Airport Lounge has a clean looking dial - really. Aside from the stylized map, the subdials on the dial are not too distracting. It has a retrograde GMT hand for the other second time zone, and a summer/winter indicator. Four hands from the center tell the hours, minutes, seconds, and second time zone reference city indicator. The land masses of the dial map are mirror polished. They don't distract much from reading the watch, but the fact that the watch hands are the same color sometimes makes them harder to spot in the dial at a quick glance. Time is actually easier to read when looking at the dial from an angle. I appreciate the Arabic hour numeral around the dial, but wish the watch had more/better lume. For darkness viewing you only have lume tips on the hands that really aren't sufficient.

The second time zone function is really easy to use. The pushers above and below the crown moves the red "T" tipped hand east or west to reference cities. This changes the time in the retrograde GMT subdial to reflect the right hour, and you use the main minute hand on the dial for the minutes. The retrograde hand and dial are actually easy to see don't blend in with the dial. The problem is that the hours are spaced too closely together. This means that you need to spend a second inspecting the exact hour that the GMT hand is pointing to. Though changing time zones is really easy, and you can quickly see the times around the world. The watch also features a W/S indicators that tells you whether it is summer or winter in the specified timezone. This can help you judge whether daylight saving times applies. You can manually adjust the W/S indicator via a small pusher inset in the case.

The watch movement is a special German designed proprietary quartz movement for TX. Another nice feature it has is the ability to adjust the date in both directions. So while you have a quartz movement, TX can at least claim it is an in-house quartz movement that no one else can use. Each TX movement is like this, and I must admit they get very creative in their movement designs. While most TX watches are wild and modern looking, the 530 series World Time Airport Lounge feels more classy and American in theme. Not too expensive, it s a fun watch that fits a variety of lifestyles and ages. The world map in the background with its globe style design is always interesting look at and attracts the eyes of onlookers frequently. This specific model is reference T3C474, but other versions are available with black dials and in rose gold tones. Actually, the black dial models also have the steel hands, so legibility on those is likely better (but you don't get the cool mirrored map). Price retails for $495.

Thanks to TX for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

TX 800 Series Linear Chronograph Watch Review

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:32:10 +0000

Don't be afraid to like this watch. I do. I think it looks pretty hot actually. Is that something I typically say about a watch? No, but this isn't a typical looking watch. Are you MAN ENOUGH to wear a white watch? Sure you are. Now granted, a watch like this is not for everyone, or every outfit. Frankly some of you may look outright silly wearing this watch. For other, this is a fantastic addition to your collection. From TX, this is the newest version of their 800 Series Linear Chronograph watch model. This model T3C456TX is in all white, with a steel case and rose gold toned trim. More on that later.

As a functional device, the 800 Series Linear Chronograph watches have always been very cool. Functionality involves the time, 4 hour chronograph, date, and a retrograde 24 hour format second timezone. As for the chronograph, the seconds are indicated around the main dial, the minutes are indicated on a very cool vertically linear retrograde dial, and the hours are told on a retrograde dial that doubles as the second time zone indicator when the chronograph function is not in operation. Unlike most chronograph watches, the Linear Chronograph has a centrally mounted seconds hand for the time in addition to the hand for the chronograph seconds. They don't look the same, so there isn't usually much confusion. While the movement is quartz, the chronograph seconds hand does sweep for a more precise reading.

The dial of the watch is an important area of discussion. Like all TX watches it is made to be visually stimulating and complex. It is busy and cluttered, but in a good way. Sort of makes you want to look at it closely to see what is going on. The dial is in a soft steel tone with a few different types of textures In a lot of angles it looks whitish to match the rest of the watch. Most of it is vertically brushed. There are also some applied plates in a rose gold tone. These match the rose gold toned hands, which are all technical in design. Then there is the neon orange. Personally I love the color and think it looks good. Some people might think it looks abrasive next to white, but everyone admits that it helps legibility and the important areas of the watch dial stand out. Like all TX watch dials, there is a good level of depth to the dial, and it does not appear flat. The dial also has a curved chapter ring around it that is a good look and helps make the dial easy to read and have a quality look about it. No doubt that it is a stylish look. The hour markers and hands have lume applied to them. The standard TX lume isn't the greatest, but gets the job done if you are in daylight for a bit. The watch crown is also in the rose gold tone and has a good looking engraving of the watch logo. A nice deep laser cut design that feels substantial. The pushers are highly polished and simple to use.

Around the dial is a rotating diver style bezel (always a plus in my opinion). It is white as well with rubber and a rose gold tone metal outside. The rubber will likely help prevent scratches. I worry a bit about all the white getting dirty over time. This hasn't happened yet, but mere dirt and such should clean off. Most angles on the 46mm wide steel case are polished, but the exception of the tops of the lugs that are brushed. Detailing on the case is generally good, with a high gloss and good look for a mass produced timepiece. Edges are sharp angles, but not harsh to the touch. Over the watch dial is a nicely AR coated sapphire crystal. Flip the watch over and the caseback is nicely engraved with the TX logo. I think it is funny and cute that there is a little fish design near the 10 ATM (100 meters) water resistance text.

The white rubber strap is quite comfortable and really securely connected to the watch case. It has a specially textured back that I anticipate has to do with airflow to prevent sweaty wrists. It is wide and attractive with a quality milled steel buckle with the brand logo on it once again. One of the things that I appreciate most about the TX watches is that while they always consider fashion and style, their watches are really designed by watch nerds like me that ensure the pieces are functionally sound. Inside the watch is a proprietary TX quartz movement that they are proud to exclaim was designed in Germany. All of their movements are designed in Germany. If you are going to go quartz, then you might as well well have a movement no one else has.

Priced retail at $650 the TX 800 Series Linear Chronograph isn't a cheap watch, but neither is it a cheaply made or feeling watch. While this white with rose gold tone version is on the wild side, the line has a number of color tones for most tastes. This is one of my more favorite TX watches in their current line up and I always am happy to wear it. The comments I get are interesting as well. The design and look of the watch sum it up quite well. There is really nothing else out there like it and I can easily say it is a good watch and certainly hip. Worth checking out, whether you are a baller or not, my say is that white watches are in.

Check out all the TX Linear Chronograph watches here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

TX 400 Series Perpetual Weekly Calendar Ref. T3C301 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:36:28 +0000

This is a pretty good watch to use when making case for the quartz movement. While the concept behind the original perpetual calendar display is unique and simple, it would be hell to accomplish in a mechanical movement. Instead, it is much more practical to have in a quartz based movement, which makes it something people can actually afford. This seems to be the MO behind TX watches, that they emphasize the strengths of quartz watches as opposed to creating watches that you wish had an automatic movement. Plus, they like to indicate that the movements are German designedÂ - a little fact no one will take issue with. As such, each TX watch has a unique array of functions that would either be impossible or highly impractical to have in a mechanical movement which makes the watches even desirable to watch snobs like me.

Here you have the Perpetual Weekly Calendar watch, that is also know as the TX 400 series of watches. This particular model is the reference T3C301 that identifies the dial color as well as the metal bracelet. Other versions of this watch in different colors or a leather strap are available - each with a distinctly formal attitude. There is a particular reason I like this model the best. It reminds me of the classic "dad's watch," but now with more interesting functionality. So let's explore the first part of that statement. The watch has a thematic resembles to the classic Rolex Datejust. You can see this in the jubilee style metal bracelet and the shape of the case along with the steel and gold tones. The similarities end there, but it is enough to give it that classic man's watch look. Aside from that you have a useful perpetual calendar that focuses on the week. The month is not always shown, but you don't need it to be shown all the time. To see what the month is, you press the pusher above the crown and the orange tipped hand moves to the month (as they are written out around the dial) for 5 seconds until it returns to the original position.

The rest of the calendar is laid out in a clever fashion. The orange retrograde hand moves from day to day (of the week) and then back to the original position after Sunday (yes, this is not the American style of when the week finishes and begins, but get over it as it makes sense for most people). The orange hand also points to the date on a disc that turns once a week to keep up with the hand. Thus the same hand shows you the day and the date. Clever! The calendar does not need to be adjusted until the year 2100, a fact that TX really likes to mention, just leave a note to your heir's heir about this fact.

The dial on the T3C301 is pretty nicely done - not much else out there at this price range like it. Lots of texturing and layers, while the lume covered hour markers are applied. The hands are well done, but I would have liked for them to contrast a bit more with the dial. This is of course not an issue with the black faced version of this watch. I also like the angled chapter ring which helps add depth and complexity to the dial. The luminant works, but is a bit thinly applied, so expect the best results after the watch has been out in the sun a bit for darkness viewing. For a watch at this price level, I am really impressed by the build quality. It feels solid and well put together - with a good looking polish.

TX put the 400 series watches in a big case, 46mm wide actually. It doesn't feel so big, but would dwarf a classic Rolex Datejust that was just 36mm wide. The crown is very impressive with its relief "TX' logo that is something hard to find on watches such as this. Really nice touch. The case is further water resistant to 100 meters and has an almost flush, flat sapphire crustal that looks to have AR coating applied on the back of the crystal. You can tell that the smooth polished bezel, dial accents, hands, and crown and pusher are all gold toned adding to that classic look. The rest of the steel case has some contrasting polished and brushed finishing. The level of polish is pretty good as you notice it distinctly. I want to mention the size of the watch again, because I think if "dad" (which might be you), or someone else in that hegemonic man role thinks the watch is too big in comparison to their old watch... I would simply recommend giving it a try. Then they will find it hard to go back to 'ol' small and dainty' every again.

I like the style of the bracelet even though it is pretty "old school." It still looks good, and retro reminders are cool. It is comfortable and uses butterfly style deployment clasp. While the watch fits on me well, I would have liked there to be a half link (smaller size link that can be removed for more precise sizing) on the bracelet because I appreciate when a company wants everyone to have the most comfortable fit possible with their watches on their wrist. The Japanese are probably the best when it comes to creating watch bracelets with a ton of minute size adjustments, something the rest of the watch world should look at closely.

The TX Perpetual Weekly Calendar watch shines most when placed on your wrist. It feel right, and the curved lugs keep the watch from looking too big on any wrist - even my smaller wrists. You can see the classic look enhanced by the modern dial is style you haven't seen before. My feeling is that in addition to those of you who enjoy this watch yourselves, this watch would make the perfect gift for those guys that wouldn't necessarily buy a watch by themselves, but sorely need an upgrade or replacement. You know who I am talking about... The TX Perpetual Weekly Calendar watch line ranges in retail value from $550 - $575.

Learn more about the TX Perpetual Weekly Calendar watches here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

TX Watches Of Interest For 2009 At JCK Las Vegas

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:05:44 +0000

You've probably seen an ad or two for TX watches.Â Or you may not know anything about the American brand. Their collection offers interesting and appealing timepieces each with exclusive quartz movements that you won't find elsewhere. I don't like each watch in their 2009 lineup, but some of the pieces are done quite well. Here are a few of my favorite watches that I got to check out at the TX TechnoLuxury watch booth in Las Vegas earlier this month at the JCK show.

This first watch proves that white watches are cool. It is one of the 800 Series TX Linear Chronograph watches - so named for the vertical chronograph minutes indicator. There is also a retrograde dial that serves as a second timezone and the overall design of the dial is unique and edgy. The white tones persist through the watch (obviously), but don't define it 100%. You still get some sporty orange and rose gold tones on the dial and hands. It is really nicely done. I like the white on white rotating bezel with high relief numerals. The watch is admirably sized at probably 45mm wide or so and was very comfy on my wrist. You might find the dial a bit intimidating at first but it is quite easy to live with after you get the hang of the look. A really nice white colored watch that I would easily sport often. This watch was really new so I could not find the exact model number, but it should be prices somewhere between about $600 - $700.

Then you have another great looking new TX watch. This is part of the 500 Series World Time models and is a bit more polished in terms of style than the outgoing models. Again, this is a new model so I don't have the exact model number. The world map in the background gets a new retro look which looks really nice with the blue against white. I believe the watch has a perpetual calendar, and the displays include the hemispherical season of the second timezone (winter or summer) and the date. The major focus of the watch is the world time complication. You can see the red "T" hand around the dial where you can select a timezone via a reference city. This changes the time in the retrograde 24 hour dial located near 10 o'clock. The main time is show on the dial of the watch. Overall you have a really convenient world time watch that looks unique and is fun to use. The crystal of the watch is actually sapphire bonded over mineral crystal. A bit less expensive to make than all sapphire crystal but has most of the benefit of a sapphire crystal. The crystal is also retro inspired rising off the case with rounded edges. Best part of this new 500 Series World Time watch is the new bracelet. The outgoing metal bracelets where pretty ugly. This has an almost jubilee style bracelet that is handsome. I liked this watch a lot and think it will be a good seller - also a good gift watch. Price will likely be around $500 for this watch.

Sorry about the slightly blurry image, this watch was a pain to get a pic of, and I couldn't tell I didn't get a good pic until it was too late. Still, you can tell that this is a really cool "phantom" style all black watch.Â This is the TX Pilot ref. T3C423 watch from TX's 600 Series watches. The watch has a quartz flyback chronographÂ as well as a second time zone. You also get the case and a rotating slide-rule bezel. The watch is probably about 45mm wide and is really cool looking. You can tell that the dial is deep and easy to read despite the black tones. People will want to know what that big black watch on your wrist is. All the detail on the dial make it quite intriguing. Still, the functionality is simple and you get used to the look of the dial with ease. It is matched with a black leather strap and retails for $575. For some people this is the best TX watch in their lineup.

Remember the World Time watch I discussed above? This is one of the World Time Sport models in TX's 550 Series of watches. This watch is model number T3C414. The watch shares the same functions as the World Time watch, but also has a rotating diver style bezel - here in a rose gold tone. The case is steel and also 45mm wide. I like the texturing on the dial and the applied pieces that really give it a nice complex look. This is worlds above a simple "painted dial." I rarely like dials that have no depth to them. The watch is very sporty and fun to look at and wear. The build quality is good too, which is something I can say across the board for all TX watches. They did a good job on the quality side. The strap is leather and nicely fitted to the case. Price for this watch is $545.

This was another handsome and classic style watch with some cool functions thanks to a unique TX quartz movement. This is part of TX's 400 series and is the Perpetual Weekly Calendar ref. T3C301. This has the same bracelet as the World Time watch above that I said was well done. Here you can just get a better look at it. So this watch does something pretty cool. The little orange hand does two things. It points to the day of the week and the date - at the same time. It is able to do this because the lower date disc actually follows the hand as it moves across the retrograde day of the week indicator. If you push the pusher at 2 o'clock the orange hand moves around the dial to point to the correct month. If you look closely you can see the months spelled out around the dial. The sloped chapter right has class looking hour markers which are covered in SuperLumiNova. The dial is textured nicely for a classic look. You can see that the hands are in a rose gold tone as well as the bezel and crown. The rest of the watch is in polished or brushed steel. Being 44mm wide this is a not to small conservative watch with cool tech that will appeal to many people I think. A great give for a more mature guy who isn't into "wild" watches and does not want to spend too much. This TX Perpetual Weekly Calendar watch retails at $575. This was really a particularly nice watch.

Here is the last watch I wanted to mention that I saw while with TX and it is a women's model. You have the TX World Time model again, but in a different case that is tapered to be wider at the base than at the dial. It think it is based on the popular Louis Vuitton Tambour watch case. A well make thick white leather strap goes with the white dial that has a world map with each continent in a nice girly pastel color. I think this is a good watch for the woman that likes a nice style and some function to match. For me, it feels like a good gift to get a lady because I can feel confident that the watch is "cool" and that she will appreciate the feminine character of the style. It is not a little watch either at about 45mm wide. Also a new model so I am not sure of the reference number but the price should be about $395.

Overall I feel confident that TX watches are offering up a nice line of timepieces. Not only do that have special quartz movements exclusive to them, but they have unique looks that really no one else out there right now has. TX is part of big Timex, but really other than that they don't share too much in common. TX likes to think of themselves as a reasonably prices luxury watch makers with quartz movements, and I think they are correct. Again, not all of their models have my seal of approvals, but models like the ones above are certainly worth a look if you find the designs to your liking.

Learn more about TX watches at their website here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Review of the TX 730 Flyback Chronograph (Grown Up Timex) From WatchReport.com

admin — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:52:19 +0000

The TX 730 Flyback Chronograph is a watch to stand against the canons of Asian elites like Seiko and Citizen. Continue reading → Related posts: