Head-to-Head Comparison

Longines Master Collection Moonphase vs Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Longines's dress watch meets Timex's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500) delivers Miyota Automatic technology in the tier below the Longines Master Collection Moonphase ($2,500–$5,000). The Marlin Automatic 40mm measures 40mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Master Collection Moonphase justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Caliber L899. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.

Longines Master Collection Moonphase

Longines

Master Collection Moonphase

$2,500–$5,000

Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureLongines Master Collection MoonphaseTimex Marlin Automatic 40mm
Price$2,500–$5,000$250–$500
Case Size40mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Caliber L899Automatic Miyota 8205
Caliber TypeAutomatic (ETA A31.L91 base)Miyota Automatic
Power Reserve72 Hours40 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginSwiss MadeMade in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Longines's design language vs Timex's approach

The Longines Master Collection Moonphase features a Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Mineral Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Longines

Automatic Caliber L899 vs Automatic Miyota 8205

The Master Collection Moonphase runs the Automatic Caliber L899 (Automatic (ETA A31.L91 base), 72 Hours power reserve) at 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz) frequency. The Marlin Automatic 40mm uses the Automatic Miyota 8205 (Miyota Automatic, 40 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Master Collection Moonphase edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Draw

40mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the Master Collection Moonphase is similarly sized compared to the Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Longines Master Collection Moonphase sits at $2,500–$5,000 and the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Master Collection Moonphase uses Sapphire Crystal with 72 Hours, against Mineral Crystal and 40 Hours on the Marlin Automatic 40mm. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Master Collection Moonphase is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Marlin Automatic 40mm handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Longines

Master Collection Moonphase

Choose the Longines Master Collection Moonphase if you prioritize Automatic (ETA A31.L91 base) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $2,500–$5,000, it delivers Automatic Caliber L899 with 72 Hours power reserve.

Check Price on Amazon

Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

Choose the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm if you value Miyota Automatic technology, Made in Japan (Movement) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Miyota 8205 with 40 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

Check Price on Amazon

The Bottom Line

The Longines Master Collection Moonphase and Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Longines bringing Swiss Made tradition while Timex delivers Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Longines Master Collection Moonphase ($2,500–$5,000) offers Automatic Caliber L899 with 72 Hours power reserve, while the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500) features Automatic Miyota 8205 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.
The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Longines Master Collection Moonphase may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Master Collection Moonphase at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Master Collection Moonphase uses Sapphire Crystal while the Marlin Automatic 40mm uses Mineral Crystal. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.