The Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch is a highly sought-after collaboration that blends vintage aesthetics with modern affordability, originally retailing for $198 USD but now commanding resale prices between $450 and $700 due to its rapid sell-out status. This timepiece features a distinctive 37mm x 25mm gold-plated oval case, a unique day-night sun and moon indicator (distinct from a traditional moon phase), and 50 meters of water resistance, making it a stylish yet practical daily wearer. While the original model is no longer available at retail and often confused with the newer Moon Phase sequel, its unique design and strong market demand make it a compelling, albeit expensive, choice for collectors and style enthusiasts alike.
What Is the Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch?
The Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch represents a standout collaboration between Noah, a New York-based clothing brand known for its quality and heritage focus, and Timex, an American watchmaker celebrated for durability and value. This partnership aimed to create a timepiece that offers the visual appeal of luxury vintage watches at an accessible price point, resulting in a design that quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the watch community.
The Story Behind the Hype
When first released, this watch achieved legendary status by selling out in approximately 60 seconds. The immediate scarcity transformed it from a simple accessory into a collectible item almost overnight. This intense demand was driven by the unique combination of a classic oval shape, a playful dial feature, and a sub-$200 price tag that is rarely seen for such a distinctive design.
Design and Aesthetics
The visual appeal of the Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch lies in its departure from standard round watches, offering a sophisticated profile that punches above its weight class in terms of style.
The Oval Case Shape
The watch features an elegant oval case that draws direct inspiration from high-end luxury icons like the Patek Philippe Ellipse, as well as the Cartier Tank and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Measuring 37mm in length and 25mm in width, the case provides a balanced look that suits a wide range of wrist sizes without appearing overly large or small. The case material is gold-plated stainless steel, giving it a warm, premium finish that mimics solid gold watches costing ten times as much.
The Dial: Sun and Moon Feature
The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a soft white “French vanilla” background with classic Roman numerals. Its defining characteristic is the sun and moon aperture, a small window that displays a sun illustration during the day and a moon illustration at night. This serves as a practical day-night (AM/PM) indicator, helping the wearer distinguish between morning and evening hours at a glance, a feature that adds significant charm and utility.
The Strap
Completing the vintage look is a genuine leather strap with a crocodile-embossed pattern. The original release typically featured a black leather strap, which creates a sharp, formal contrast against the gold case. The texture of the strap adds depth to the overall design, reinforcing the watch’s position as a dressy yet versatile accessory.
Key Features and Specifications
Beyond its good looks, the Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch is built with practical specifications that ensure reliability for everyday use.
Movement: Quartz Reliability
Powering the watch is a Japanese quartz movement, chosen for its exceptional accuracy and low maintenance requirements. Unlike mechanical watches that need daily winding, this quartz caliber runs on a battery that lasts for several years, ensuring the watch keeps precise time with minimal effort from the owner. This choice aligns with Timex’s reputation for producing tough, “set it and forget it” timepieces.
Water Resistance
The watch offers a water resistance rating of 50 meters (5 ATM). This level of protection means the watch can safely withstand rain, hand washing, and accidental splashes. While it is technically rated for swimming, it is generally recommended to avoid submerging a leather-strapped watch in water for extended periods to preserve the strap’s condition.
Glass and Crystal
Protecting the dial is a mineral glass crystal. While not as scratch-resistant as the sapphire crystal found on luxury watches, mineral glass is a durable and cost-effective choice that handles daily bumps and scrapes well. It contributes to keeping the overall cost of the watch down while still providing clear visibility and adequate protection.
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Dimensions Summary
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case Shape | Oval |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm x 25mm |
| Case Material | Gold-plated Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Mineral Glass |
| Movement | Quartz |
| Strap Width | 18mm |
| Dial Color | White (French Vanilla) |
Price Analysis and Value
The financial aspect of the Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch is complex due to its transition from an affordable retail item to a premium resale commodity.
Original Retail Price
At its initial launch, the watch was priced at an incredibly accessible $198 USD. In the United Kingdom, it retailed for approximately £225. This aggressive pricing strategy was the primary catalyst for its instant sell-out, offering consumers a designer collaboration at a mass-market price point.
Current Resale Market
Since the watch is no longer produced in its original form, it is only available on the secondary market. Prices have surged significantly due to scarcity:
- Chrono24: Listings often appear around $461 USD (approx. €390 or £461).
- eBay: Prices for new or like-new conditions can reach as high as $699 USD.
- StockX: Market trends show values consistently hovering between $500 and $800 USD.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Paying three to four times the original retail price is a significant decision. The value proposition holds true if you prioritize the unique oval design and the specific sun/moon day-night indicator, as few alternatives exist in this style range. However, if you are simply looking for a reliable timekeeper, the high resale premium may be hard to justify compared to other standard Timex models. The strong resale value also suggests it has become a legitimate collector’s item, potentially holding its value well in the future.
Sun and Moon vs. Moon Phase: Critical Differences
A common point of confusion exists between the original Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch and the newer Noah x Timex Moon Phase Watch. Understanding the difference is vital before making a purchase.
The Original: Sun and Moon
- Function: Displays a Sun or Moon icon to indicate Day (AM) or Night (PM). It does not track the lunar cycle.
- Case Size: 37mm x 25mm.
- Availability: Sold out permanently; only available via resale.
- Price: Originally $198; now $450+.
The Sequel: Moon Phase Watch
- Function: Displays the actual lunar cycle (waxing/waning moon) and often includes a date window. This is a traditional horological complication.
- Case Size: Often cited as 31mm x 35mm (a slightly different oval proportion) or similar dimensions depending on the specific release batch.
- Availability: Available for pre-order or direct purchase (e.g., shipping dates around May 2026 for recent batches).
- Price: Retail is approximately $228 USD.
- Strap: Frequently paired with a brown leather strap rather than the original black.
If you specifically want the whimsical day/night indicator of the original, you must ensure you are buying the “Sun and Moon” model and not the “Moon Phase” sequel, as they offer different visual experiences.
Who Should Buy This Watch?
The Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch appeals to a specific demographic of watch enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals.
- Style Enthusiasts: Ideal for those who appreciate vintage-inspired fashion and want a watch that stands out from the ubiquitous round divers and field watches.
- Collectors: A must-have for collectors of modern collaborations or limited-edition Timex releases, given its historical significance as a “60-second sell-out.”
- Value Seekers (Historically): While the resale price is high, it is still significantly cheaper than the vintage luxury watches (like Patek or Cartier) that inspired its design.
- Gift Givers: The unique packaging and brand prestige make it an impressive gift for someone who values unique, story-rich items.
Pros and Cons
To help you decide, here is a balanced look at the strengths and weaknesses of owning this timepiece.
Pros
- Distinctive Design: The oval case and sun/moon dial are unique in the sub-$1000 market.
- Premium Feel: Gold plating and crocodile-embossed leather feel far more expensive than the original price.
- Low Maintenance: Quartz movement ensures accuracy without daily winding.
- Daily Durability: 50m water resistance makes it suitable for all-weather wear.
- Strong Resale Value: Unlike most fashion watches, this model has appreciated in value.
Cons
- Availability: Impossible to buy at retail; requires hunting on secondary markets.
- High Entry Cost: Resale prices ($500+) are steep for a quartz Timex.
- Crystal Material: Mineral glass is more prone to scratching than sapphire.
- Strap Wear: Genuine leather straps may require replacement after heavy daily use.
Buying Guide and Safety Tips
Purchasing a discontinued watch on the secondary market carries risks, so caution is advised to ensure authenticity and value.
- Verify the Seller: Stick to reputable platforms like Chrono24, StockX, or highly-rated eBay sellers with positive feedback specifically for watches.
- Inspect the Dial: Ensure the sun and moon indicator is crisp and the Roman numerals are perfectly printed. Fakes often have blurry details or misaligned apertures.
- Check for Documentation: Original boxes and papers add value and prove authenticity, though they are rare given the watch’s age.
- Confirm the Model: Double-check that the listing explicitly states “Sun and Moon” and shows the day/night aperture, not the lunar cycle, if that is what you desire.
- Price Check: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true (e.g., under $300). The market rate is firmly established above $450 for good condition examples.
My Final Thought
The Noah x Timex Sun and Moon Watch is a triumph of design that successfully bridged the gap between affordable fashion and serious watch collecting. Its oval case, gold-plated finish, and charming day-night indicator offer a level of style typically reserved for much more expensive timepieces. While the original $198 price tag is a distant memory, the watch’s ability to hold and increase its value speaks to its enduring appeal.
If you can find one within the $450–$600 range, it is a worthy acquisition for anyone who loves unique wristwear. It serves as a conversation starter and a stylish accessory that works equally well with a suit or casual jeans. However, if the resale premium feels too steep, the newer Noah x Timex Moon Phase model offers a similar aesthetic and build quality at a more accessible retail price, albeit with a different complication. Ultimately, the original Sun and Moon model remains a iconic piece of modern watch history that is well worth the hunt.
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