The 1978 Q Reissue: A True Reissue
The Specs
Year: 2021
Case Diameter: 37mm
Case Height:
Lug Width: 18mm
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Price: $169.00
Timex has really been enjoying the popularity of their Q models since the reissue of the 1978 “Pepsi” Q in 2019. Since then they have release multiple colorways of that watch, reissued the “Falcon Eye” Q, and now have gone on to explore their more everyman Q styles from the mid to late 70s. This new venture, beginning with the Q 1975 Reissue (previously called “Marmont”, is maybe their best, and most versatile yet.
You have to give people the chrome case, and Timex did not wait long after the gold toned 1975 to release the 1978 Reissue. I’ll just start by saying right away, that this watch nails in every way. As a vintage Timex collector, I naturally spend a lot of time in the 70s. This is the era where Timex went into overdrive and released incredible amounts of designs. A quick search of “vintage Timex” on any auction site will turn up more pieces from the 70s than any other era.
The Q 1978 Reissue is a true recreation of the original Q Quartz Ref. 96952 from the same year. Nearly every single detail is is just as it was. Down to the the original product reference number at the bottom of the dial. The only dial detail that is different would be a more narrow gap between the day and date windows, bringing the windows further away from center. This is a welcome change. At 37mm, it wears perfectly on the wrist, and who can deny a well designed cushion case where all the lines and curves bring your attention right back to center? I was pleasantly surprised by the leather strap used in this model as well. The original was a plastic made to look like leather, but this piece gives us a strap that is supple and ready to wear right out of the box. No stiffness to be heard of. I would go as far as to say that this may be one of the best leather straps that Timex has put on a modern watch. Flip it around, and you will see the same, easy-access battery hatch that could be found on several vintage and reissue Q models alike. When you really think about a model like this as being a great “everyman’s” watch, the hatch makes even more sense. The average wearer no longer needs to go to their local repair person or jeweler to get their battery replaced, but can simply twist the hatch and replace it themselves. The battery type is even engraved on the hatch for convenience.
The brushed dial is attractive in its simplicity, with applied indices and black highlights throughout that help to not drown things out in too much chrome and silver. This makes it easy to read and certainly easy to look at. You’ll notice to that it does a great job at catching light and adding some warmth to the dial.
I can’t say it enough. Timex is on a roll with this line of Q pieces. It is a perfect every day watch, not begging for too much attention, while still catching the eye. For me, that’s just about everything you could need in your daily watch arsenal.
