Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Timex Goes Upscale with the Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti
A clean dial, titanium construction, Swiss-made movement, all in a Timex Atelier series chronograph that punches well above its weight.
Timex is one of those names in watchmaking that dominated with radically affordable, mass-produced watches. Like many others, the brand felt the crunch of the quartz crisis, largely shelving mechanical production. It did not have much choice but to embrace quartz. It was a smart move then, but they never truly lost their mechanical watchmaking know-how. Think the Marlin automatic, the MK1 Automatic Field, and of course the Giorgio Galli and Atelier line. In 2026, Timex is pushing further with a higher-end automatic chronograph, without the premium. Meet the Timex Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti. It comes from the upmarket Atelier series, showing how the brand is adding Swiss-made complexity to its portfolio while keeping prices accessible for everyday wearers.
The Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti measures 40mm across, although a top ring takes the overall width to 42mm. Its titanium case is anything but plain, with openings along the sides exposing the black IP-coated middle section in steel and parts of the movement – just like the watches from the Giorgio Galli line. This is a neat touch that gives the watch a more architectural feel without going overboard, and honestly, it becomes more visually interesting. A fixed titanium bezel with a black IP finish and silver stainless steel insert with tachymeter sits on top, while a double-domed sapphire crystal with triple-layer anti-reflective coating protects the dial. The crown is also made from titanium, and water resistance is rated at 50 metres. Titanium here makes plenty of sense, helping keep the weight down despite the added complexity of the chronograph movement.
Fan of simple black dials? Then this might not disappoint. Timex keeps it straightforward with a matte black base that helps absorb light and cut down reflections. Combined with silver sub-dials and polished hands, it is a combination that works very well in the contrast department. The silver counters pop out against the dark background, while the absence of a date window makes for a clean dial and adds to the symmetry of the display. There is very little colour, very little text, and very little visual noise: a simple execution that simply works in the metal and is easy to appreciate.
Timex offers the Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti with either a titanium bracelet or an NBR rubber strap. The latter is a durable synthetic rubber often favoured for sports watches thanks to its resistance to sweat, water, and daily wear. The bracelet gets a handy tool-free adjustment system, while the rubber option comes with quick-release spring bars. Both use a titanium deployant buckle.
Powering the Timex Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti is the Swiss-made Landeron L72 automatic chronograph movement, a clone of the Valjoux 7750. Visible through a titanium exhibition caseback, the movement runs at 28,800 vibrations/hour and delivers a 43-hour power reserve. Proven, reliable and on par with its mission.
The Timex Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti manages to balance a lot of things at once. It is modern, highly functional, and cool to look at. Following the Swiss-made Giorgio Galli models, this is another sign that Timex is serious about moving further upmarket. Nothing feels overdone, nothing feels forced, and for a Swiss-made titanium chronograph at this price, Timex has put together a genuinely appealing package. The Timex Atelier Chronograph Automatic M1a Ti on the rubber strap is priced at EUR 2,050, while the titanium-bracelet reference comes in at EUR 2,200.
For more information, please visit timex.com or timexatelier.com.
