Time Is a Superpower: James Gunn & Timex Team Up for a Limited-Edition Superman Watch
In a crossover that merges the worlds of horology and superheroes, Timex has joined forces with DC Studios and filmmaker James Gunn to create a limited-edition Superman watch. Teased to fans back in July with the slogan “Time is a superpower” on social media, the collaboration has now been officially unveiled – just in time to celebrate the release of Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. The result is the Timex x Superman Marlin Jet Automatic, a retro-styled timepiece infused with iconic Superman imagery and the personal touch of James Gunn. Timex’s announcement emphasizes that “the real superpower is time” – found in “the seconds you lend a hand, the minutes you take a stand, and the hours you give your all” – framing every moment as an opportunity to be heroic1. It’s a fitting philosophy for a hero who embodies hope and a company built on the idea of making every second count.
Design: A Timepiece Fit for the Man of Steel
From first glance, the Timex x Superman Marlin Jet Automatic looks like it leapt straight out of the comic panels. The watch blends mid-century modern design cues with details worthy of Superman himself. It features Timex’s classic 38mm Marlin Jet stainless-steel case and a domed Hesalite crystal, giving it a distinctly retro vibe1. But it’s the Superman-inspired accents that truly set it apart: the dial is a bold blue, proudly emblazoned with Superman’s legendary “S” shield at the center, and subtle red and blue accents throughout pay homage to the hero’s iconic costume palette1. The watch comes paired with a black leather strap – vegan leather for durability and comfort – embossed with Superman branding for an extra touch of character1.
Flipping the watch over reveals a special treat for fans and collectors. The case back is an exhibition window, showcasing the mechanical inner workings of the automatic movement. Around the rim of that transparent case back is James Gunn’s own signature, etched into the steel1. This distinctive flourish not only signifies Gunn’s hands-on involvement in the design, but also literally stamps the director’s approval on the project. As Gunn explained in the official announcement, he wanted a watch that embodied Superman’s core values of innate goodness and “strength of heart,” a tribute to a hero who is truly timeless2. By all accounts, Gunn’s influence – combined with Timex’s craftsmanship – has resulted in a timepiece that feels like a genuine extension of the Superman mythos. From the 21-jewel Japanese automatic movement “beating heart” inside, to the bright symbol of hope on its face, every element is thoughtfully crafted to channel the Man of Steel’s spirit1. It’s as much a conversation piece as it is a functional accessory – a watch that says you believe in heroes and the power of time.
Limited Edition Launch Details
Eager collectors and Superman enthusiasts will need to act faster than a speeding bullet. The Timex x Superman Marlin Jet is being produced in an extremely limited run of just 1,000 pieces13. Each watch is individually numbered, making every unit a unique piece of the collection. Pre-orders open on August 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT) exclusively on Timex’s website3. Timex even cheekily advised fans to “set your alarms” for the drop – wise counsel, as this release is expected to sell out quickly. Priced at $369 USD, the watch offers a surprisingly accessible entry point for an automatic movement timepiece with such pedigree3. (For context, Timex’s Marlin automatic line is known for delivering quality and style at a reasonable price, and this special edition sticks to that tradition.)
Those lucky enough to snag a preorder won’t receive their watches immediately – Timex has noted an estimated shipping date in November 20253. That timing means the Superman watch could arrive as a perfect holiday gift for fans, or perhaps a nostalgic keepsake just as the film’s buzz settles into history. The slight wait only heightens the anticipation, as buyers can imagine unboxing that sleek Superman-emblazoned watch just in time to close out the year. And because only a thousand are being made, owning one is truly owning “a piece of history” – a motto often thrown around for collectibles, but in this case quite apt. This watch commemorates a specific cultural moment: James Gunn’s new Superman era. It’s a wearable souvenir of the excitement surrounding a film that set out to redefine a beloved icon. As Timex puts it, “every hero has their moment. Your Timex is a reminder that it’s time to own yours.”1 In other words, this watch isn’t just about telling time – it’s about seizing the moment.
Superman Soars on the Silver Screen
The limited-edition watch comes on the heels of Superman (2025), James Gunn’s highly anticipated reboot of the Superman film franchise. And unlike some superhero reboots that struggle to take off, Gunn’s take on the Man of Tomorrow has been met with both critical and fan acclaim. Early teasers promised a return to the optimism and bright heroism that Superman stands for – and the final film delivered. Critics have praised Superman as “a breath of fresh air” in a genre often mired in darkness and cynicism, calling it “refreshingly idealistic … rebellious, even radical” in its earnest tone4. Gunn’s signature style and heartfelt approach to the character seem to have struck a chord. ComicBook.com’s Spencer Perry wrote that Gunn “is unafraid to embrace the comic book elements at the heart of the source material,” lauding the film’s “pitch-perfect cast,” its stylish action sequences, and a “poise that many DC fans have been waiting to see realized in live-action.”5 Such positive reviews have been echoed across the board, from enthusiastic social media reactions to veteran critics noting the film’s nostalgic “old-school charm” and sense of “child-like wonder” reminiscent of Christopher Reeve’s era.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Superman (2025) has achieved something truly super. The film is sitting Certified Fresh with a robust 83% approval rating from critics, indicating a strong majority of positive reviews6. (For DC movies, that’s among the highest scores in recent memory – a sign of Gunn’s successful creative reset.) Even more impressively, Superman has been a smash hit with audiences, earning an audience score that rocketed as high as 90%+ on the Rotten Tomatoes “Popcorn Meter.” In fact, immediately after the first fan screenings, the audience score was an astonishing 96% – the highest ever for a DC film – before settling in around the 90% range with a larger sample size5. This means that not only are critics loving the film’s heartfelt, hopeful vibe, but everyday moviegoers are walking out of theaters genuinely delighted. Many fans have cited the movie’s uplifting message and spirited fun as exactly what they’d been craving from a Superman story. It’s a refreshing contrast to the grimdark tone that had dominated some of Superman’s past onscreen outings. Gunn’s film embraces hope, heroism, and even a bit of corny optimism – and people are here for it.
Notably, James Gunn – known for his offbeat humor and ragtag team-ups in Guardians of the Galaxy – proved that he could pivot to depicting a sincere, noble hero without losing his creative spark. By all accounts, Superman (2025) balances modern blockbuster spectacle with an old-fashioned appreciation for truth, justice, and yes, the American way (or as close to it as fits in 2025). The success of the film bodes well for DC Studios’ new slate, which Gunn is spearheading. If Superman is the foundation, it’s a solid one – critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes cheekily notes that the movie “flies high as a Man of Tomorrow grounded in the here and now,” pulling off the dual feat of building a dynamic new world for DC while keeping Superman’s big, beating heart front and center6. For the first time in a long time, there’s a sense that Superman is truly back.
A Timely Tribute Both On and Off Screen
The partnership between Timex and James Gunn is a case of perfect timing in more ways than one. By releasing the watch now, Timex taps directly into the post-movie hype, giving fans a tangible way to celebrate a Superman they love. It’s the kind of synergistic cross-promotion that feels organic: this watch isn’t a random piece of logo-slapped merchandise, but a carefully considered collectible that carries the same themes as the film itself. After all, Superman has always been about using one’s gifts to help others, and what is time if not one of our most precious gifts? As Timex eloquently put it, “you don’t need a cape to make an impact…every moment is an opportunity to be heroic.”1 Wearing a watch that subtly reminds you “even heroes run on time” (as engraved by Gunn on the case back) is both fun and motivational. It’s a daily reminder of Superman’s faith in humanity – and perhaps a nudge to be the hero of your own story, one minute at a time.
Interestingly, the influence of this collaboration even made its way into the Superman film itself. Eagle-eyed viewers might notice that Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan) sports a Timex watch on her wrist throughout the movie. In fact, it’s the Timex Cavatina, a classic ladies’ watch known for its elegant simplicity and endurance2. According to Gunn, this was an intentional choice to reflect Lois’s character – a “timeless” symbol of strength and intelligence. It’s a subtle detail, but it underscores how deeply the concept of time is woven into this Superman reboot’s fabric, from narrative themes all the way to wardrobe. The Timex x Superman Marlin Jet, then, feels like a natural extension of that idea beyond the screen. Fans not only get to watch their hero honor the power of time in the story, but also wear a piece of that inspiration themselves in real life.
In the end, the “Time is a superpower” watch encapsulates the spirit of hope and heroism that defines Superman. It stands as a stylish tribute to the idea that what we do with our time is what makes us heroes. For collectors, it’s a must-have limited edition; for fans, it’s a celebration of a new era of Superman; and for Timex, it’s a shining example of storytelling through design. As the countdown to preorders hits zero hour, one thing is certain: this Superman watch is poised to become a super-powered success, reminding us all that even an ordinary Tuesday 10 a.m. can be a moment of greatness – if you’ve got the right watch and the right attitude. After all, in the words of Timex’s campaign, time itself is the one superpower we all share. Now it’s time to make it yours.
PR Newswire prnewswire.comprnewswire.com. 2
Rotten Tomatoes – “Superman (2025) – editorial.rottentomatoes.com.
ComicBook.com – “Superman Praised by Fans With DC’s Best Audience Score Ever comicbook.comcomicbook.com.
Rotten Tomatoes – “8 James Gunn Movies Ranked” editorial.rottentomatoes.com
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