Timex Expedition Metal Field (Ref. T49961 / TW4B13900)
Field Watch · Timex (Timex Group Dutch B.V.). Tier: Affordable/Mass-market. Timex is renowned for durability and its 'takes a licking and keeps on ticking' reputation.
Period: Modern Tool Watch / Heritage Field (2010s-present). It features classic military-inspired design cues like the 24-hour inner track and syringe hands, updated with modern materials and a sandblasted finish.
Type
Field Watch
Brand
Timex (Timex Group Dutch B.V.). Tier: Affordable/Mass-market. Timex is renowned for durability and its 'takes a licking and keeps on ticking' reputation.
Movement
Quartz Analog. Uses a reliable Timex proprietary movement featuring an integrated Indiglo electroluminescent night-light circuit and date complication. Expected battery life is 3-5 years (CR2016).
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 11mm; Lug-to-lug: 48mm; Lug Width: 20mm. It wears true to size but appears rugged due to its matte finish.
Description
The Timex Expedition Field is a quintessential entry-level tool watch. It represents the democratization of the military field watch aesthetic, prioritizing legibility and ruggedness. With its matte gunmetal finish and contrasting orange seconds hand, it offers a contemporary outdoor look suitable for hiking or casual daily wear. Its standout feature remains the Indiglo backlight, which illuminates the entire dial at the press of the crown.
Key Features
Indiglo night-light, 24-hour military time track, matte non-reflective case, arrow-tipped seconds hand, and high-legibility syringe hands.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with high-contrast white Arabic numerals. Features a primary 12-hour track and a smaller 24-hour military time inner track. Lume-filled syringe-style hour/minute hands with a signature arrow-tipped orange/tan seconds hand. Date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Bead-blasted Brass with a gray/gunmetal PVD matte finish to reduce reflections; stainless steel caseback.
Crystal Type
Flat Mineral Glass. Budget-friendly and impact-resistant, though more prone to scratches than sapphire.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated smooth bezel with a matching bead-blasted matte finish. No rotating functionality.
Crown & Pushers
Over-sized knurled push-pull crown at 3 o'clock. The crown acts as a pusher to activate the Indiglo backlight function.
Bracelet or Strap
Black heavy-duty nylon NATO strap or genuine leather strap with steel buckle (depending on exact SKU). The 20mm lug width makes it highly compatible with aftermarket straps.
Caseback Details
Press-on or screw-down stainless steel case back (typical for Expedition line) with Timex logo, model specs, and battery type engraved.
Movement Type
Quartz Analog. Uses a reliable Timex proprietary movement featuring an integrated Indiglo electroluminescent night-light circuit and date complication. Expected battery life is 3-5 years (CR2016).
Water Resistance
50 Meters (5 ATM). Suitable for light swimming and splashing; not recommended for diving or high-pressure water sports. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in before contact with water.
Origin & Provenance
American Brand; Movement produced in the Philippines or China; Final assembly in Timex facilities in Asia.
Age Estimate
Circa 2014-2022. This specific aesthetic is representative of the modern Expedition line produced within the last decade.
Cultural Significance
The Expedition line is one of the most successful budget field watch series in history, often cited by enthusiasts as the 'gateway' watch into the hobby due to its authentic design and low price point.
Condition Notes
Based on the images, the watch shows light wear on the case edges. The crystal appears clear. Grade: Very Good. The matte finish on these brass cases can wear down over time to reveal the gold-toned brass underneath, particularly at the lugs.
Value Estimate
MSRP: $55-$65 USD. Secondary market value: $25-$45 USD depending on condition and strap presence.
Care & Maintenance
Minimal maintenance required. Wipe down after salt-water exposure. Replace battery immediately when the 'Eatery' (dimming light) occurs to prevent leakage. Avoid heavy magnetism, though less of a concern for quartz.
Similar Watches
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical (Higher end, Swiss mechanical), Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPG Series (Automatic alternative), Bertucci A-2T (Titanium case alternative).
Interesting Facts
The Indiglo technology, debuted in 1992, was famously used during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing by a man who used his Timex to lead people down a darkened stairwell to safety.