Timex has expanded its premium Timex Atelier line with the launch of the Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti in India. Priced at Rs 1,99,995 and Rs 2,09,995 depending on the strap, this is the brand’s first chronograph expression under the Atelier sub-brand, and it makes a strong case for why the two-lakh bracket just got more interesting.
Two variants. One philosophy. A lot to unpack.
Table of contents
What Is the Timex Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti?
The M1a Ti is a 42mm Swiss Made automatic chronograph built around a skeletonized titanium case. The architecture is the point here. Timex has cut away material from the case itself, turning structural necessity into visual design. It is not decorative skeletonization for the sake of it. The removed sections reveal the case’s geometry and give the watch a layered, three-dimensional presence on the wrist.
Both variants share the same movement, same case, same dial philosophy. The difference comes down to the bracelet.
Variant 1: TW6A028004A pairs the titanium case with a black NBR synthetic rubber strap, priced at Rs 1,99,995.
Variant 2: TW6A027004A uses a self-adjustable stainless steel bracelet with removable links for easy resizing, priced at Rs 2,09,995. This variant also features a guilloché dial, a precision-engraved surface that creates subtle light play across the face.
The Movement: Landeron L72
The heart of both watches is the Swiss-made Landeron L72 automatic movement. Here are the specifics:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Movement | Landeron L72, Swiss Automatic |
| Frequency | 28,800 A/h (4 Hz) |
| Jewels | 28 |
| Power Reserve | 43 hours |
| Accuracy | +10 / -18 seconds per day |
| Chronograph | 60-second and 30-minute counters |
| Caseback | Exhibition (movement visible through the back) |
The accuracy spec is worth noting. A deviation window of +10/-18 sec per day is on the wider side for a movement at this price point. For a dress piece or a weekend watch, this is perfectly acceptable. If you need COSC-level precision, that is a different conversation. But the movement itself, visible through the exhibition caseback, is genuinely good to look at.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 15.5mm |
| Case Material | Titanium (skeletonized) |
| Crystal | Double-Curved Sapphire |
| Dial Color | Matte Black |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Strap Option 1 | NBR Synthetic Rubber, 20mm, Black |
| Strap Option 2 | Stainless Steel Bracelet, 20mm, adjustable |
| Fit Range | 150mm to 205mm wrist circumference |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Movement Origin | Switzerland |
Design: Restraint as a Feature
The matte black dial does something most watch dials avoid: it absorbs light rather than bouncing it back. The subdials sit flush within the overall composition, avoiding the cluttered look that kills a lot of chronograph designs. No unnecessary text. No oversized logos. The tachymeter scale on the steel bracelet variant adds a functional layer without disrupting the visual balance.
At 15.5mm thick, the watch will sit noticably on the wrist. Not uncomfortably, but you will know it is there. That is fine for a 42mm skeletonized chronograph. The titanium construction keeps the actual weight low, which is where the material choice pays off most.
The rubber strap variant is sportier. The steel bracelet version leans toward something you could conceivably wear to dinner. Both read correctly for what they are trying to be.
Sapphire Crystal and 100M Water Resistance
The double-curved sapphire crystal is a genuine plus. Scratch resistance is not a concern here. At 100m water resistance, swimming and snorkeling are fine. Buttons should not be pressed underwater, which is standard for a push-button chronograph crown mechanism.
Pricing and Where to Buy
| Variant | Model Number | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber Strap | TW6A028004A | Rs 1,99,995 |
| Steel Bracelet + Guilloché Dial | TW6A027004A | Rs 2,09,995 |
The watches are currently available exclusively through shop.timexindia.com.
For Amazon.in availability, you can check the search links below. Direct product pages will be updated once listings go live:
Timex Atelier Chronograph M1a Ti (Rubber Strap) on Amazon.in
Timex Atelier Chronograph M1a Ti (Steel Bracelet) on Amazon.in
Note: These watches are not yet listed on Amazon.in as of publishing. The links above will surface relevant results once Timex India makes them available on the platform.
How It Compares to Other Swiss Automatics Under Rs 2.5 Lakh
At this price, the M1a Ti is going up against a genuinely crowded field. Here is a quick reference:
| Watch | Price (Approx.) | Movement | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timex Atelier Chronograph M1a Ti | Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 2,10,000 | Swiss Auto (Landeron L72) | Titanium |
| Seiko Presage SARB series | Rs 60,000 to Rs 90,000 | Japanese Auto | Stainless Steel |
| Longines HydroConquest Chrono | Rs 2,40,000 onwards | Swiss Auto (ETA) | Stainless Steel |
| TAG Heuer Carrera entry variants | Rs 3,00,000 onwards | Swiss Auto | Stainless Steel |
The M1a Ti sits at a price where the competition is mostly stainless steel. Titanium at this level is a material advantage that actually affects daily wear.
Verdict
This is not a watch for everyone. Two lakh rupees for a Timex will raise eyebrows, and fairly so. But the Timex Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti is not really a Timex in the traditional sense. The Swiss movement, the titanium skeletonized case, and the sapphire crystal place it in a different bracket entirely.
The wider accuracy spec is the one honest reservation. At Rs 2,09,995, you would expect the movement to be tuned tighter from the factory. That said, the watch can be regulated by any competent watchmaker if precision matters to you.
If you are drawn to architectural design, want titanium on your wrist, and can stretch to this price point, the M1a Ti makes a strong argument. The rubber strap variant is the better starting point, Rs 10,000 cheaper and arguably the cleaner look of the two.
Buy the Timex Atelier Chronograph M1a Ti (Rubber Strap) on Amazon.in: Check Price and Availability
Buy the Timex Atelier Chronograph M1a Ti (Steel Bracelet) on Amazon.in: Check Price and Availability