Timex Weekender Vs Expedition (Differences Revealed)

Ready to learn the differences between the Timex Weekender and Expedition? Here’s what you should know.

If there’s one thing we know and love about Timex, it’s that they serve up good budget watches. Well, that and the iconically loud tick on said watches — though that might be one quality that some know, but don’t love. 

The Weekender and the Expedition look like siblings at first glance. They’re not the same watch, but the core Weekender and the Expedition Scout look more like each other than the Scout looks like some of its actual fellow Expedition watches.

These models are, however, pretty dissimilar. Furthermore, the Weekender line and the Expedition line are vastly different. By the end of this, you’ll know just how different, down to every detail.

Timex Weekender vs Timex Expedition: Quick Overview

Ultimately, the Timex Weekender is a more versatile, everyday watch and the perfect, adaptable beater. You can wear it with anything from shorts to a suit, particularly because it’s so minimal and goes with any strap.

The simplicity of the Weekender also makes it a quintessential Timex, a sort of base for more complex models to start from. Since it’s inspired by field watches, it’s also super legible.

Meanwhile, the Expedition is a strapping outdoor watch that’s more spec-forward. The Scout is the most basic and most popular version, though everything in the subline is generally more matte and muscular.

While the Weekender is a day-to-day timepiece, the Expedition is for the trails and mountains, or for guys who love sporting an outdoor or workwear style.

The Expedition family has a wider range too, with more colors, remixes, and even mechanicals, automatics, and titanium constructions, though those are obviously far more expensive.

Timex Weekender

The Timex Weekender is a delightfully straightforward watch in all of its iterations.

You’d wonder where a model like that has a place in a world full of limited editions, million-dollar auction record-breakers, and a watch culture seemingly obsessed with complications.

Well, it serves as a breath of fresh air and good old days nostalgia. The Weekender represents a casual and versatile vibe. It’s a basic, honest timekeeper.

Looks

The core variation of the Weekender has a simplistic kind of stylishness to it, almost like a field watch version of a Swiss railway clock — especially the stark white version with the red second hand.

With its perfectly circular silhouette, straight lugs, and inner 24-hour military track, the Weekender is definitely a field watch-inspired piece.

Visually, and practically, since function and looks are inextricably related when it came to the first real field watches, the Weekender does a lot with its few elements.

Despite having a signature flat look, the subtle and small moments of dimensionality are what level it up from other budget bangers.

The sloping chapter ring on the dial, the bend of the silver-toned case, and the way the straight lugs secretly curve from the side provided intrigue as your wrist moves.

All of the colorways are casual and easy-going, though the black version wouldn’t look out of place in a street style context, say with black or charcoal jeans and sneakers. 

The white version has a liveliness to it, again, especially the one with the red second hand as it really pops in contrast. 

My favorite is the cream version because it visually leans more into the vintage field watch aesthetic.

There are 38-millimeter Weekenders and 40-millimeter ones. Both are super adaptable, though I personally love a 38-millimeter everyday timepiece. This is especially so when it comes to models that are inspired by old military watches because they were closer to that size.

The simplicity of the watch face allows you to wear the Weekender with, very literally and with no exaggeration, any strap. A simple leather strap or a NATO go well with the practical look. A metal bracelet would match the steel case. 

Heck, if you’re bold, you can even use a dressier strap to do a high-low combination.

It’s easy to pair because, in a way, it’s like a blank canvas. I’ve seen stylish gents partner the red-hand versions with red leather straps or nylon bracelets with red accents, and it’s a really spirited combination.

Even in its other variations, the Weekender doesn’t stray too far from the original template. They all have Arabic indices and the same case shape and lugs. 

Some iterations have a silver second hand instead of a red second hand. Most feature stark black stick hands, though there are Weekenders with “windowed” hands for a touch of sort-of complexity (the hands aren’t actually skeletal, but have a rectangle painted on the body).

The most different version is the chronograph, which, in addition to the three subdials, come with pushers that provide more contour to the case shape.

The way the stage-left subdial cuts off the 10 o’clock mark and the slanted date window of the Weekender Chrono are instances in which, even in this variant, small details bring some fun to the otherwise standard design.

Features

As it does with its looks, the Weekender does a lot with the little it has on the practicality front too.

So the 30 meters of water resistance isn’t particularly impressive, but since we’re all so used to semi-waterproof watches these days, we forget that waterproofing isn’t some cheap trick. For the Weekender’s often ~$50 price tag, its splash-proof status shouldn’t cause anyone grief.

Just take it off when you’re washing the dishes.

Another thing to watch out for, if you have allergies, is the fact the case isn’t actually made of steel, but out of brass. This isn’t Timex specific, as a lot of watches at and over this price point won’t always use stainless steel.

One great thing about Timex is that, even within this budget category, they take care to use low-lead brass. When you look at the product description, it mentions that the case material is “BRASS and LLB.” Low lead brass is what LLB means.

Brass can have up to 2% of residual surface lead since it’s difficult to remove without taking away some of the other components of the alloy. At least with the Weekender, you know it’s pretty much inconsequential.

And of course, not only do the no-frills Arabic numerals, chapter ring, and stark hands add to the Weekender’s practical charm, but they also add to its, well, practicality.

The defined borders throughout the watch’s design make it incredibly legible from any angle. The second hand isn’t just an accent, but a hard-to-miss needle that allows you to see exactly what it’s pointing to on the ring.

Meanwhile, the minute hand literally sits over the hour markers. This is all protected by a shatter-resistant, but not scratch-resistant, mineral glass — no surprises at this price point.

One of the most fun features of any Timex watch is its signature Indiglo dial. You can manually activate it to illuminate the entire face. Not only is it a fun party trick, but you can actually use this brilliant light as a flashlight.

The chronograph version has the added stopwatch function, Timex’s treat to the market since Chronos are very rarely this affordable.

Remember when I mentioned that the Weekender can go with any bracelet? Well, it’s outfitted with a slip-through strap design which makes changing it really easy. 

Overall, this daily beater is functional, user-friendly, and easy to style. And if you break it, it’s easy to replace too.

History

It’s difficult to pinpoint when exactly the Weekender came out, but its design is as Timex as it gets. In fact, it’s so quintessential, it’s arguably one of their most important tent-pole designs.

The Timex name was first used as a limited run during World War II, making reliable, no-frills, army-inspired pieces a part of their brand history.

Prior to that, Timex was a true American heritage brand, starting as the Waterbury Clock Company in 1854. They were based in the Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut which used to be considered the Switzerland of America.

Their claim to fame was taking clock-making techniques from Europe and using American mass manufacturing to democratize timekeeping devices. Also, Waterbury, Connecticut was a brass capital in the industry.

A lot of the history is in its features, which yes, building watches with brass and mineral is also a way to stay affordable, but that was always Timex’s thing.

And that’s what makes the Weekender so on-brand. When it comes to the brand history and culture, the Weekender is the simplest, most honest distillation of what Timex is.

Timex Expedition

The Expedition is Timex’s resident outdoorsy watch, their adventurer if you will. It’s made for the trails, and for a wider range of weather than the Weekender.

There’s also a wide range of watches in the Expedition family. The Expedition Scout is the line’s template of sorts. It’s certainly one of their most popular. Though visually, there are plenty of Expeditions that wildly stray from this core.

We’ll acknowledge the range, but keep the Scout as the true north for this comparison, partly because it’s likely the base of the line, but also because it’s the most comparable to the Weekender.

Looks

In general, the Expedition line is burlier-looking, more matte than shine, with a range of adventurous-looking models compared to the Weekender. They’ve got everything from gunmetal-toned cases to a covert-looking all-black. 

Still, when looking at the simplest rendition, there are a few similarities between it and the Weekender.

Both feature Arabic indices and an inner track that goes up to the 24th hour. A lot of the time, they each have an accent design via the second hand.

For the Expedition, it sometimes takes the form of a different colored tip, or for more outside-the-template models, dynamic and fun shapes. For example, the Expedition Acadia has a sort of lollipop-meets-hourglass shape.

That’s definitely one thing about the Expedition line. It’s not nearly as minimalist as the Weekender.

Even just looking at the hands, the Scout is adorned with a compelling set of syringe pointers, which is seen in the next evolution up, the North Sierra.

And the solar version of the Sierra even has a raised outer track with triangular markers next to the Arabic indices, a design I can only describe as sprightly.

Going back to the Scout though, the case has a lot of breaks on the surface, creating two levels on the watch face. You’ve got the bezel, the foundation it sits on, and lugs that swerve out from this foundation. 

Suffice it to say, even the simplest Expedition has more diversity on its silhouette than the Weekender does.

Beyond that, the T45181 is tank-level rugged with tons of hard edges, and the best part is it’s a 39-millimeter watch.

That’s one thing I really appreciate about the Expedition line. Variations like the T45181 delve into G-Shock-esque bigger-is-better aesthetics, but they build them in reasonable sizes.

Which brings us to the case. The Expedition Scout and the Sierra North are typically found with 40-millimeter cases, though the entire line, in general, ranges from 36-millimeter watches up to 43-millimeter ones.

There are some outliers, like the Expedition Field Mini, which is 26 millimeters, and the 45-millimeter Expedition North Freedive Ocean.

All that to say, the Expedition, even when just limiting it to the Scout, has more available sizes and colors, and is generally brawnier and more athletic looking.

If you go beyond the core Expeditions, then you’ve got a trove of outdoorsy models rooted in the field watch design, but taking it to places far gone.

One subjective downside to this is that even the simplest Expedition is downright cluttered compared to clean-looking Weekenders. Even the Scout has those extra “Expedition” and “WR” appellations on its face. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste.

Features

Easily, when it comes to function, the Expedition has the Weekender beat.

It has 50 meters of water resistance, which technically can handle shallow water (though to be safe, I never recommend getting your watches completely drenched). Let’s just say it can handle a light drizzle outside, and maybe even a little dishwashing better than the Weekender can.

And while both watches have the legendary Timex Indiglo, the Expedition Scout also has luminous hands, as well as a quick date feature.

Within the entire line, the Expedition family completely leaves the Weekender in its dust when it comes to functionalities.

Going into Expedition models that are far beyond the price points of the Scout, the North Sierra, and any Weekender, might not be a fair fight.

However, since the basic Expeditions already win this round, let me tell you that the line also offers mechanicals and premium materials.

The 38-millimeter Expedition North Field Post has a similar look to the Sierra, but runs on a mechanical hand-wind, adding a tactility and engagement factor. 

Meanwhile, the fully automatic 41-millimeter Expedition North Titanium is, as its name indicates, made of light yet strong titanium, which looks exquisite next to the textured dial. 

Both boast a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and over 100 meters of water resistance.

Even these leveled-up variants aside, the entry-level Expeditions are made to withstand more than just everyday wear. So, again, even if just by a bit, the Scout alone does indeed win the spec competition when compared to the basic Weekender.

History

As a line of more detailed models, the Expedition admittedly doesn’t have that “most fundamental Timex” vibe that the Weekender has. However, I’d still say that the Scout represents the brand well enough, with extras.

Timex introduced the Expedition line in 1997. From the beginning, it was meant to be a rugged and strong watch for the trails and mountains. 

In that sense, it’s one of the best sublines to embody the brand’s official unofficial tagline, a “watch that takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” In the 1960s, Timex television commercials even showcased their watches enduring what they called “torture tests” to prove just how much they could go through.

And like the Weekender, the Expedition’s brand history is in its simplicity and functions. As mentioned, it also has that Timex Indiglo. It’s the very same feature that, during the September 11 tragedy, an office worker used to guide coworkers through 40 dark flights of stairs.

Even in recent pop culture history, Expedition watches have been seen on a range of famous wrists including Ben Affleck, Rob Lowe, and even Zach Galifinakis. 

FAQs

Here are some fast answers to common questions about the Timex Expedition and the Weekender!

Is Timex Expedition good?

Yes, the most basic versions are affordable beaters with lumed hands, a legible face, and a backlight. The entire Expedition line features a range of different outdoor-friendly designs with different colors, specs, and movements.

How accurate is the Timex Expedition?

Most of the watches in the Timex Expedition line, including the Scout, run on reliable quartz movements. That being the case, they’re accurate and practical enough for everyday timekeeping.

What is the Timex Weekender?

The Timex Weekender is a field watch style model often considered the quintessential Timex. It’s versatile, affordable, and one of the brand’s best sellers.

Timex Weekender vs Timex Expedition: Which One Is for You?

If you want a general beater that you can transform via strap changes and wear with a range of outfits, go for the shiny-cased Weekender. It’s also legible, much less cluttered-looking, and is, as mentioned, a quintessential Timex watch.

If you want a sportier and matte watch to wear during a camping trip or just to pair with your favorite work pants, then it’s all about the Expedition. You can do this with the core Scout or North Sierra models, or with the more premium ones as well.

You can also go for the Expedition if you like a lot of features and specs. Though when it comes to the base Weekender and base Expeditions, the latter only slightly tops the former.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!