Timberland

Timberland grew out of the Abington Shoe Company, and took its name from the boot that made it: the waterproof yellow nubuck work boot introduced in 1973, which went from New England building sites to becoming a fixture of hip-hop style within a decade.

The watches are licensed. Timberland does not manufacture them; the line is produced under agreement by a specialist watch maker, and sold through the same outdoor and department-store channels as the footwear.

They follow the clothing rather than the other way round: chunky cases, canvas and leather straps, earth tones, luminous markers, water resistance suitable for weather rather than diving. Quartz movements throughout, priced to sit alongside a pair of boots rather than above them.

Bought as an outdoor-styled accessory that matches the rest of the wardrobe, they do exactly what is asked. They are not built by a watch company and do not claim to be.

Timberland holds 5 models, from £76 to £97. Half cost less than £97, and a quarter less than £83. 2 of 5 are automatic. Prices are checked nightly against the retailers’ own feeds.

1952

The Abington Shoe Company begins in New England.

1973

The waterproof yellow boot gives the company its name.

1978

The business formally becomes Timberland.

2011

Acquired by VF Corporation.

2015

Licensed watch collection expands internationally.