Timex has expanded its Waterbury Heritage collection with two new chronograph watches that bring a distinctly motorsport-inspired character to a relatively compact 39mm case. The new models combine vintage racing influences with a modern meca-quartz movement, a tachymeter bezel, perforated leather straps and a practical design intended for everyday wear.
Launched in the United States, the two new Waterbury Heritage Chronographs are priced at $319 each. Although they share the same basic construction and specifications, Timex has given each version a different colour combination, allowing buyers to choose between a more understated black-and-silver configuration and a considerably more expressive black, gold and red design.
A Compact Chronograph With Racing Influences
The first thing that stands out about the new watches is their connection to classic motorsport chronographs. Timex has used several familiar racing-inspired details, including a black fixed tachymeter bezel, a perforated leather strap and a prominent red chronograph pusher.
The tachymeter scale is not merely decorative. When used together with the chronograph, it can be used to calculate average speed over a known distance. While most owners are unlikely to use the feature for actual racing calculations, it gives the watch the appearance and functionality traditionally associated with motorsport watches.
The result is a design that looks sporty without becoming excessively large. At 39mm, the case is smaller than many contemporary chronographs, making the Waterbury Heritage an interesting option for people who prefer a more restrained watch on the wrist.
39mm Stainless Steel Case
Both versions use a 39mm stainless steel case with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The lug-to-lug measurement is 46mm, while the watch has a thickness of 13.5mm.
The dimensions give the watches a noticeable presence without making them particularly oversized. The 39mm diameter is especially significant because chronographs often use cases measuring 40mm or more. Timex has therefore managed to retain the visual impact of a sports chronograph while keeping the overall diameter relatively compact.
The case design also benefits from the contrast between brushed and polished sections. This gives the watch additional visual depth and helps emphasize its combination of vintage inspiration and contemporary finishing.
Meca-Quartz Movement
Inside both watches is a meca-quartz movement. This type of movement combines the convenience of quartz timekeeping with a mechanical module dedicated to the chronograph function.
The watches are powered by an SR936SW battery. According to the specifications, the chronograph has a smoothly sweeping seconds hand and an instant reset-to-zero function. This gives the chronograph a more mechanical feel while maintaining the convenience of battery-powered operation.
For an everyday watch, this approach has an obvious advantage. The owner does not need to worry about manually winding the watch or keeping it running through regular mechanical maintenance. At the same time, the chronograph provides some of the visual appeal associated with traditional mechanical chronographs.
For buyers who like the appearance and operation of a mechanical chronograph but prefer the practicality of quartz, meca-quartz can therefore be an attractive compromise.
Two Distinct Colourways
Timex has introduced two versions of the Waterbury Heritage Chronograph, and the differences between them are almost entirely visual.
The first model, reference TW2Y93300, is the more conservative option. It features a black dial with silver sub-dials and comes with a black perforated leather strap. The combination gives the watch a classic racing-chronograph appearance without introducing particularly bright colours.
The second version, reference TW2Y93400, is considerably more expressive. It has a black dial with gold-tone accents, black sub-dials and a red perforated leather strap. The red chronograph pusher at the 2 o'clock position reinforces the colour combination.
Both models use luminous material on their hands and hour markers, helping improve visibility in darker environments.
K1 Mineral Crystal With Anti-Reflective Coating
Protecting the dial is a double-domed K1 mineral crystal with an anti-reflective coating. K1 mineral glass offers improved impact resistance compared with standard mineral crystal, which makes it suitable for a watch intended for regular use.
However, it is worth noting that K1 mineral crystal is not equivalent to sapphire crystal. Sapphire generally offers substantially better resistance to scratches, while mineral crystal can be more vulnerable to marks over time.
The choice of K1 glass is therefore consistent with the price and positioning of the Waterbury Heritage Chronograph. Timex has focused on providing a practical combination of durability, appearance and cost rather than pushing the watch into a premium price category.
Perforated Leather Straps
The racing influence continues with the straps. Both watches use 20mm perforated leather straps, with the TW2Y93300 receiving a black strap and the TW2Y93400 using a striking red version.
Perforated leather straps have long been associated with motorsport-inspired watches. The design originally had practical advantages, particularly in terms of ventilation, but it has also become a visual signature of racing-style chronographs.
Timex has also equipped the watches with quick-release spring bars. This means the 20mm straps can be removed and replaced without specialised tools, making it relatively easy for owners to change the appearance of the watch.
50 Metres of Water Resistance
Both Waterbury Heritage Chronographs are rated for 50 metres of water resistance. This provides a reasonable level of protection for normal everyday situations, including rain and occasional splashes.
However, the rating does not make these watches suitable for swimming or diving. Their design and intended use are much more closely connected with everyday wear and motorsport-inspired styling than with aquatic sports.
For most owners, the 50-metre rating should be sufficient for ordinary daily activities, provided the watch is treated according to Timex's recommendations.
A Vintage Look Without an Oversized Case
One of the most appealing aspects of the new Waterbury Heritage Chronographs is the way Timex has combined several classic elements without making the watch excessively large.
The tachymeter bezel, sub-dials, perforated leather, red pusher and vintage-inspired proportions all contribute to the racing aesthetic. At the same time, the 39mm case keeps the overall design relatively restrained.
This makes the watches potentially appealing to people who enjoy vintage chronographs but do not want to wear a very large modern sports watch. The proportions should also make the watches suitable for a wider variety of wrists and everyday situations.
Price and Availability
The two new Timex Waterbury Heritage Chronographs are available in the United States for $319 each. Timex has made both versions available through its US website.
At this price, the watches occupy an interesting position in the market. They are more expensive than many basic quartz watches, but remain considerably more accessible than mechanical chronographs from established Swiss brands.
The combination of a meca-quartz movement, stainless steel case, tachymeter bezel, K1 crystal and distinctive leather strap gives the Waterbury Heritage Chronograph a specification list aimed at buyers who want more personality than a conventional everyday quartz watch.
Which Version Looks Better?
The choice between the two models ultimately comes down to personal taste.
The TW2Y93300 is arguably the easier watch to wear on a daily basis. Its black-and-silver colour scheme is relatively subtle and should work with a wide range of clothing. It also retains the racing character without making the watch the most noticeable part of an outfit.
The TW2Y93400 takes the opposite approach. Its gold-tone details and red perforated strap make it much more distinctive. For someone specifically looking for a motorsport-inspired watch with a stronger visual identity, this version is likely to be the more interesting choice.
Final Thoughts
The new Timex Waterbury Heritage Chronographs are a good example of how the brand continues to use its heritage without simply reproducing an old design. The watches take familiar motorsport elements and combine them with a compact 39mm case, modern materials and a convenient meca-quartz movement.
The $319 price also keeps the watches within reach of buyers who want a distinctive chronograph without entering the luxury-watch market. Neither model attempts to compete with high-end mechanical racing chronographs, but that is not really the point.
Instead, the Waterbury Heritage Chronograph focuses on accessible design, practical everyday functionality and a strong connection to classic motorsport aesthetics. With two very different colourways, quick-release straps, a tachymeter bezel and a compact case, Timex has created a pair of watches that should appeal particularly to enthusiasts who appreciate vintage racing style but prefer modern convenience.