Horology is often seen as a slow industry but if you look back at the watchmaking landscape just 50 years ago it was a vastly different place. It was the golden age of quartz watches with their superior timekeeping ability and accessibility making them rival traditional luxury watches in terms of desirability. Even today, when the luxury watch market is doing really well, there’s still a place for stylish and accessible quartz watches. One that draws on that Seventies heritage is Timex’s new Q Timex 1972 Reissue.
Considering that “Reissue” is in the name of the watch, you’d be correct in thinking that it is heavily inspired by a specific historical reference. Specifically, it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the very first quartz watch from Timex in 1972. That influence can be seen in the tonneau shape of the gold tone stainless steel case and the period accurate domed acrylic crystal.
As for the dial, it’s a deep red that pairs wonderfully with the gold of the case, hands and floating hour markers. With the red and gold I could almost imagine this being a watch released for Chinese New Year, which started earlier this month, as red and gold are auspicious colours in Chinese tradition. However, they’re also bold colours that reflect the equally bold styles of the 1970s.
Of course, as a part of the Q series, the Q Timex 1972 Reissue houses a quartz movement. If you’re unfamiliar with the difference between a quartz movement and a mechanical one, it essentially comes down to the fact quartz is an electronic watch movement. It uses a quartz crystal that oscillates when a current is applied to it to regulate the frequency, the power is provided by a battery. The result is that quartz watches are both more accurate and more reliable than their mechanical counterparts. The 1972 Reissue is equipped with a coin-slot battery hatch making it super easy to change the battery when it needs replacing after years of service.
Is it as spectacular as a vintage reissue of an incredibly intricate and popular Rolex or Patek Philippe? Of course not. But it is a nice homage to a landmark period in watchmaking and Timex’s history. It also maintains the signature accessibility of quartz, priced at £155.
Price & Specs:
Model: Q Timex 1972 Reissue
Ref: TW2V254007U
Case/Dial: 43mm diameter x 15mm height, stainless steel with gold-tone tonneau case, red dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Quartz movement
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: Black leather
Price/availability: £155
More details at Timex.
