When shopping for a women’s automatic watch, finding something that steps outside of traditional designs without becoming overly complicated can be a challenge. The Timex Celestial Opulence Automatic (TW2T86300) is a watch that attempts to strike that balance. It draws inspiration from the night sky and pairs it with a traditional mechanical movement.  

However, as many owners quickly discover, its eye-catching design comes with a practical drawback that you should be aware of before making it your daily timepiece.

The Appeal of the Celestial Opulence Design

Let’s talk about the best part of the Timex TW2T86300: the way it looks. I am really drawn to the design of this watch, specifically the combination of black and gold.

The watch features a gold-tone stainless steel case paired with a deep black dial. It’s a classic color combination that works with almost everything in my wardrobe. Whether I’m just wearing jeans and a t-shirt or dressing up a little bit for an evening out, the black and gold colorway manages to fit right in. It looks rich and warm, but the black keeps it grounded so it doesn’t look cheap or overly bright.

The dial is where the “Celestial” name comes into play. It has a night sky theme, featuring small stars and Swarovski crystals acting as the hour markers. I usually don’t like crystals on watches because they can look tacky, but here they are small enough that they just look like distant stars catching the light.

Another cool detail is the center of the dial. Instead of a traditional ticking second hand, there is an inner disc with a floating pointer on it. As the watch runs, that little dot slowly glides around the dial. It’s a very simple, quiet feature, but it adds a lot of personality to the watch.

The case is 38mm wide. For a women’s watch, that is definitely on the larger side. I personally like a slightly oversized look, so the 38mm size is perfect for my wrist. It has a nice presence without feeling heavy or clunky.

Another nice little bonus is that the strap has a quick-release pin. Basically, you don’t need any special watch tools to take the strap off.

While the design won me over initially, living with the watch for a few years has revealed its primary weakness: the crystal. Like many watches in this price bracket, the Timex Celestial Opulence uses a mineral glass crystal

The Magic of the Automatic Movement


As I mentioned earlier, the automatic movement was a huge selling point for me. I really like knowing that the watch is running just because I am wearing it.

If you turn the watch over, it has an exhibition case back. This means the back of the watch is made of glass, allowing you to see the actual mechanical movement inside. You can see the gears, the little screws, and the rotor spinning around when you move the watch. It’s a really nice touch that Timex didn’t have to include, but I’m glad they did. Even after a few years, I still catch myself taking the watch off just to look at the mechanics ticking away on the back.

The Big Flaw: A Magnet for Scratches

Up to this point, my review probably sounds very positive. I really do like this watch. But now we have to talk about the glass, which is the main reason I have a love-hate relationship with my Timex TW2T86300.

The crystal (the clear part that covers and protects the dial) is domed. This means it sticks up above the metal case in a rounded shape. Visually, a domed crystal looks great. It gives the watch a nice, slightly vintage profile and plays with the light in a very pretty way.

The problem is the material and the shape combined. Because the glass sits up so high, it is usually the first thing that hits anything when you bump your wrist. And unfortunately, the glass on this watch gets scratched very quickly.

Long-Term Verdict

So, where does that leave me with the Timex Celestial Opulence Automatic TW2T86300?

Honestly, I still wear it. I have had it for a few years, and despite the frustrating scratches, the core of the watch is exactly what I wanted. The black and gold design is versatile, the 38mm size fits my style perfectly, and having an automatic movement in a women’s watch at this price point is hard to beat. I really enjoy the floating pointer detail and the fact that I never have to take it to a jeweler to replace a dead battery.

However, I can’t recommend this watch without a heavy warning about the glass. If you are someone who expects your watch to look brand new and pristine for years, this is absolutely not the watch for you. It will get scratched, and it will happen faster than you think.

But, if you can accept that the watch will quickly show signs of wear and develop a “lived-in” look, it’s a solid choice. It is a nice, simple, and reliable automatic watch that looks great with almost any outfit. I just wish Timex had used a slightly more durable glass to protect that beautiful dial.