I like that brushed/polished expansion bracelet more than the watch if I'm honest. Then again I'm probably the only dork here who is an expansion bracelet enthusiast.

Speidel sells a very similar bracelet, although it won't have the "easy link" doo-hicky and you'll have to spend a little time sizing it the old fashioned way (fair amount of cursing and perhaps a little blood).

 

Then again I'm probably the only dork here who is an expansion bracelet enthusiast.

You are not alone. I love my Easy Reader on the stretchy bracelet.

 

A few months ago I ordered the Maen Manhattan in Ice Grey. Concerned it would be too big for my 6 5/8 inch wrist, I cancelled it, then learned Maen would be at Windup NYC so I went to try it on. Although it fit, I wasn’t crazy about the look of the integrated lugs on my wrist so I was glad I passed. Whilst there I stopped by the Timex booth and saw the 1983 reissue which had a similar look and feel to the Maen and had the all silver look I was looking for. So I tried it on. It looked great. So I put it on my list to buy.

Well, last week I bought it and I’ve had a week of wear now and want to share my thoughts. For starters, it’s a great size for my wrist. If I had my druthers, I wish it were a millimeter bigger, but that’s nit picking. Honestly, it’s fine as is. I think it’s a great fit for 6-7 inch wrists, but I imagine it would look small on 7.5 or bigger.

Legibility is a touch challenging at times given the small handset and silver on silver look. But damn, it is so good looking. The crown is a little small and not that easy to manipulate. The movement is rough and the rotor is noisy. It is keeping near perfect time after a week however.

Regarding the bracelet - I like it. It took a while to get used to not having a clasp, but the expansion band took literally seconds to adjust for a perfect fit. The removable links do feel flimsy however and I imagine if you snagged the bracelet on something, the links could break. I’ll be ordering a second bracelet to tuck away just in case.

In terms of price, it seems reasonably priced relative to my other watches. Yes, the glass is acrylic and I wish it were 100m with a 9 series Miyota, but for $200 it seems well priced for a unique offering.

All and all I’m quite pleased with this watch. It’s probably the most perfectly imperfect substitute for an integrated watch. I’ll definitely be keeping this for a long time. Highly recommended.

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Also, if you happen to put some different straps on this I, for one, would love a little bit of a strap fashion show with this guy. Seems like it could very easily be dressed up or down depending on the strap.

 

I’m a big fan of expansion bands as well. I love wearing them, but hate sizing them.
I’ve had my eye on this watch since it was released a few weeks ago. I’m curious what about the bracelet’s removable links makes it feel flimsy?

 

I’m a big fan of expansion bands as well. I love wearing them, but hate sizing them.
I’ve had my eye on this watch since it was released a few weeks ago. I’m curious what about the bracelet’s removable links makes it feel flimsy?

They’re connected by a very thin piece of metal, the teeth of which are small and feel prone to stripping.

 

But what’s up with the solid links that appear to be “fused”? Are they intended to be like that and you break them open one at a time?

 

Those are for adjustment

 

Reach for mine more often than others... when they come back in stock I plan to buy 2 silvers. Where are you buying replacement bracelet?

 

Reach for mine more often than others... when they come back in stock I plan to buy all colors.
Where are you buying replacement bracelet?
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I called Timex and was told I could order one separately.