Timex Giorgio Galli S2 Embraces Minimalism with Sleek Black Dial

While my favourite type of Timex tends to be their affordable tool watches like the Expedition or retro models à la the Q Timex, their newest launch is cool for entirely different reasons. It’s the Giorgio Galli S2, a sleek 38mm watch with a minimalist aesthetic designed with carte blanche by Timex’s creative director, Giorgio Galli.

The 38mm sizing of the case feels perfectly judged, leaning into the increasing popularity of smaller watches at the moment while also feeling refined and elegant, complimenting the restrained dial. The design of the case itself was introduced back in 1996 with a layered construction consisting of an injection moulded stainless steel outer portion and a titanium middle case.

Would it be going too far to describe something from 1996 as vintage? It feels so recent in the grand scheme of things and yet 26 years isn’t an insubstantial amount of time – when will we describe watches from the year 2000 as vintage? What makes this discussion all the more relevant is the fact that it was Giorgio Galli who introduced this design meaning he’s been perfecting it over the course of a quarter century.

Narrowing in on the dial, it features a minimalist display of hours, minutes and seconds over a black dial and silver ring with engraved slits for hour markers. It’s restrained and classy, ideal for formal occasions and elegant soirées, or even moody, artistic photoshoots in black and white as the photos provided show.

Beneath the surface it’s powered by the Sellita SW200-1 with 41-hour power reserve. This is actually significant because the SW200-1 previously had a 38-hour power reserve (which we criticised fairly often) but they’ve quietly upgraded it to 41-hours, a very big improvement to quality of life. We first got an inkling of this update when the Oris Divers Sixty-Five received an expanded reserve but now it’s good to see it in another watch too.

In terms of price, the Giorgio Galli S2 is £750, which means it immediately swoops in and claims the title for highest price Timex in the current range. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t solid value considering it has titanium components and an upgraded movement, as well as unique styling.