Famous Wrists: The Timex Mercury “MLK”
Although they are rarely seen or talked about, Timex watches have been on the wrists of many notable individuals throughout its decades long history as a brand. None of these people have been more notable or significant to history though, than Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of his birthday, I wanted to highlight the lesser known piece that occupied time on his wrist, the Timex Mercury ref. 1044.
Affectionately dubbed the Timex “MLK” by many vintage Timex collectors, this unassuming piece was produced by Timex between 1968 and 1970. The Mercury models were meant to be more of an every day, casual dress watch and lacked the water resistance of the Marlin series that was the flagship of Timex for so many years. The gold plated case is thin, and wears easy on the wrist at a modest (but normal for the time) 32mm diameter. At the heart of the watch is the M24, the longest produced and maybe most durable of the Timex movements. The most standout feature of the 1044 is the indices found between 12, 3, 6, and 9 that very accurately capture the mid-century modern aesthetic of the 60s.
Dr. King was most often pictured with his Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601, but according to his late wife, Coretta Scott King, the 1968 Timex 1044 was worn by him in his more private and quiet moments. He would often even be wearing it during some of his most important meetings and negotiations. To me this watch is very reflective of the man who’s wrist spent so much time on - simple, deeply contemplative, and direct. I am honored to know that a brand who’s history I am so passionate about was worn by a man who fought so hard for the civil liberties of black Americans, and forever helped changed the tide of the Civil Rights movement this country.
Today you can see THE Timex Mercury “MLK” (Pictured Below) displayed at Heartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta, the place where I call home, and where Dr. King did as well. It is displayed near some additional personal items. I try to stop by every chance I get to pay my respects and honor the man who helped changed American history for the better.
You can find more on the 1044 here.
