Q Timex 1972 Reissue: Celebrating 50 Years of Q
The Specs
Year: 2022 (Original: 1972)
Case Width: 39mm
Case Height: 43mm
Case Thickness: 15mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Chinese Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
They year is 1972, and just like many of it’s competitors, Timex is in the middle of what is now known as the Quartz Crisis (thanks Seiko). Although the 50s and 60s were an amazing time for the watch maker that a had a firm grip on the industry with it’s affordable, and beautiful pieces, the early 70s was a tough time. It was time to pivot into quartz or…well…see ya. Pivoting is exactly what Timex did, and in 1972 the first Timex Q Quartz watch was released with six unique and gorgeous offerings. It’s important to remember that, in contrast to current times, quartz technology then was a new and more premium option. Unlike the typical price tag of around twenty dollars for a Timex, the first Qs came in at a whopping (for the time) $125. That is not much less than most Timex Q reissues sell for now in 2022. Despite the high price, the pieces took off and led to nearly two decades of “Q” branded Timex pieces before their eventual resurgence in recent years.
Timex chose to go with perhaps the boldest looking of the original Q Time Machines from 1972 with it’s red dial on gold toned case. The majority of the details are the exact same, with the exception of a few upgrades that I believe are very well done. The first, and most noticeable is the addition of applied indices that almost seem to float and cast shadows around the dial. While the original also had an applied look, the indices, which were then stamped, sat much lower and closer to the dial surface. The updated look ads an attractive depth to the dial overall. Next the battery hatch on the back sees a small upgrade to make it more accessible without needing a watch tool. This is a great value add for the average watch owner who often feels that they need to pay for a jeweler or watch maker to replace their battery. The final change from the original release is not the watch itself, but the band. Originally the Q came on a steal bracelet (pictured in the ad above). While this bracelet was personally appealing to me, the addition of the period accurate black leather band on the reissue will likely be more popular with current buyers, and does fit the piece very well.
As a collector, I have actually never given a ton of time to the original 1972 Qs. Although their importance to Timex history continues to be undeniable, It was something about the height and the shape of the case that previously did not work for me. In the past year or so however, I have had much more time to hold a few originals in my hands and I have really come to appreciate and even enjoy the design. The Q Timex 1972 reissue is no different. It wears beautifully and comfortably on the wrist, and of course it’s bright enough to draw most any eye. The design of the case, bring all focus right back to the dial very well, and if you can get past how tall the watch continues to be, then you won’t have any issue making this a well worn part of your collection.
If you enjoy this piece as much as I do, you can pick it up on the Timex website starting today for only $169.
