Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Stauer 1920s Retrograde vs Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Stauer's dress watch meets Timex's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) offers Quartz precision in the tier below the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Marlin Automatic 40mm counters with Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

Stauer1920s Retrograde$100–$150 Check price View the dossier

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Check Price Full Review

Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

$250–$500

View the dossier Full Review

Specifications Compared

Feature	Stauer 1920s Retrograde	Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm
Price	$100–$150	$250–$500
Case Size	43mm	40mm
Movement	Quartz	Automatic Miyota 8205
Caliber Type	Quartz	Miyota Automatic
Power Reserve	Battery	40 Hours
Water Resistance	100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer	30m (3 ATM)
Crystal	Mineral crystal	Mineral Crystal
Case Material	Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)	Stainless Steel
Origin	Stauer (USA brand, imported)	Made in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Stauer's design language vs Timex's approach

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde features a Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) case at 43mm with Mineral 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: Timex

Quartz vs Automatic Miyota 8205

The 1920s Retrograde runs the Quartz (Quartz, Battery power reserve) at standard frequency. The Marlin Automatic 40mm uses the Automatic Miyota 8205 (Miyota Automatic, 40 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Marlin Automatic 40mm offers a longer power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Timex

43mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 43mm, the 1920s Retrograde has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer vs 30m (3 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits at $100–$150 and the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal with Battery, against Mineral Crystal and 40 Hours on the Marlin Automatic 40mm. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Stauer

100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer vs 30m (3 ATM)

The 1920s Retrograde is rated to 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer while the Marlin Automatic 40mm handles 30m (3 ATM). The 1920s Retrograde is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you prioritize Quartz engineering, Stauer (USA brand, imported) craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer water resistance. At $100–$150, it delivers Quartz with Battery power reserve.

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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.

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The Bottom Line

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde and Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Stauer bringing Stauer (USA brand, imported) tradition while Timex delivers Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $250–$500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. However, the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer water resistance handles everyday situations. The Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal while the Marlin Automatic 40mm uses Mineral Crystal.

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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.