The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Watch: Nocturne Edition—Purpose-Built for the Perpetual Traveller

The worlds of streamlined everyday carry and horological heritage collide once again, and this time, the results are nothing short of exceptional.

The next thrilling chapter in the ongoing collaboration between The James Brand and Timex brings us the The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT Watch, dubbed the Nocturne Edition, a piece of wrist-worn engineering designed for those who believe that nothing has to stop just because the sun goes down.

This is an evolution of a successful partnership, pushing the limits of materials, form, and function to deliver what is arguably their most refined expression yet: a darker, weightier, and utterly deliberate take on the iconic GMT tool watch.

At the heart of this formidable timepiece, which comes in at a highly competitive $749, lies the Miyota 9075 “true” GMT automatic movement. For the seasoned traveller, this detail is a game-changer; it’s a 24-jewel movement that allows the local hour hand to move independently, meaning you can jump through time zones without the inconvenience of interrupting the rest of the watch’s action or losing precision on your home time.

It’s a mechanism built for seamless, on-the-fly adjustment, fully empowering the sense that this watch was built for life perpetually on the move.

The design itself marks a bold new chapter for The James Brand, representing their first “cradle-to-grave” watch case design. Every element has been chosen for balance, performance, and longevity. The case and accompanying bracelet are executed in sandblasted stainless steel, a finish that immediately communicates attention to detail, providing a confident, tactile presence on the wrist that will only look better as it accrues the honest scuffs of real-world use.

This refined weight is perfectly balanced by the depth and subtle texture of forged carbon fibre on both the dial and the crown inlay—a detail that adds a layer of quiet sophistication and dimension, reflecting The James Brand’s core design philosophy of purposeful restraint. The Nocturne Effect is evident in this choice of dark, rich materials, exploring the darker side of modern utility.

Beyond the core mechanics and aesthetic brilliance, the practicalities for the adventurer are robustly covered. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits over the dial, providing a crystal-clear view and ensuring longevity, while a unidirectional bezel with a ceramic inlay features a 24-hour index that can be used to track a third time zone at a glance.

Low-light legibility is assured via extensive application of Super-LumiNova detailing, guaranteeing peak performance regardless of the hour. Furthermore, the inclusion of Timex’s innovative I-Size bracelet system is a win for daily wearability, allowing the owner to instantly adjust the fit without needing any tools whatsoever.

For ultimate versatility, the watch includes both the stainless steel bracelet and a secondary two-piece fabric strap, easily swapped out in seconds thanks to quick-release spring bars. The all-important date window at three o’clock ensures you arrive where and when you’re supposed to, rounding out a comprehensive feature set.

This edition is strictly limited to just 1,000 individually numbered pieces, each one backed by the reassurance of Timex’s one-year warranty, making this a true collector’s item that marries luxury specs with an accessible, adventure-ready spirit.

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