Sponsored post presented on aBlogtoWatch for advertiser.
The Q collection from Timex is perhaps the most exciting line the brand offers. Yes, it has a slew of affordable quartz watches, intriguing collaborations, and enthusiast-minded mechanical models, but the Q collection is different. Timex Q models celebrate the entirety of Timex, taking inspiration from the brand’s rich history while unabashedly proclaiming the quartz movements that are found in most Timex watches. The brand has to date achieved this balance by releasing Q models that are near identical reproductions of some of its hits from the 1970s. The watches—seven models, so far—have all revisited watches that were part of the brand’s quartz offerings from the decade that saw the entire watch industry begin to shift towards the superiority of quartz timekeeping; the models are all undeniably 1970s in their aesthetic. With the introduction of the all-new Timex Q Timex Chronograph, the brand has not drawn on a specific model for inspiration, but instead, captured the essence of watch design in the 1970s, with a strong racing identity and styling that makes it a perfect addition to the Q Timex collection.
While Timex may trace its roots to the 1854 founding of the Waterbury Clock Company, its present incarnation is no doubt most strongly tied to the brand’s 1970s transformation. It was then, in the face of the quartz crisis, that the brand began its pivot from a mechanical watch and clockmaker to a purveyor of quartz timepieces. And it is to that era—the modern brand’s true foundation—that the Q Timex Chronograph pays tribute. The 1970s were an exciting time for watches and saw the explosion in popularity of functional watches that did more than just told the time and date. It was the 1970s, too, when watches and auto racing became so intrinsically linked, generating some of the most iconic watches ever made. The Q Timex Chronograph takes clear inspiration from these early racing chronographs, while still managing to be its own watch.
Underneath a domed acrylic crystal, which sets the vintage tone, the Q Timex Chronograph is offered in two opposing dial colors, panda and reverse panda. The panda dial features a warm cream color with black recessed subdials, while the reverse panda features an inky black main dial accented with white subdials. The warmth of the panda dial recalls a well-loved watch that has accrued an even patina, while the black dial offers continuity with the surrounding black aluminum tachymeter bezel found on both variants. The dial is further defined, as all Q Timex models, by the large ‘Q’ at 12 o’clock, as well as applied block indices. They are all highly polished, matching the obelisk hour and minute hands and the playful lollipop chronograph seconds hand, which feature lume for added legibility in low-light situations. The subdials offer a quick display of 24-hour time, running seconds, and a 60-minute chronograph counter. The chronograph timing to 60 minutes should be ample for almost any task, whether it’s at home or out on the track. Completing each dial is a beveled date window nestled at 4:30, with the wheel color-matched to the dial. Taken as a whole, the dials stand out for their richness and vintage simplicity that avoids the follies of clutter and kaleidoscopic color use; like their forebears, they seem made to actually be used, with legibility made a priority.
On the wrist, the Q Timex Chronograph wears surprisingly well. At first glance, the 40mm stainless steel case’s shape seems unwieldy, but Timex has managed to make all the right tweaks to allow it to sit easily on the wrist. From the top, the form is angular and simple, with brushing on the case around the bezel and down the slope of the hooded 18mm lugs. Looking at the side, though, one sees a polished profile with bold lugs and an under-case curve that allows the watch to truly hug the wrist. On the 3 o’clock side, the pump-style pushers operate with a satisfying click that’s uncharacteristic of quartz chronographs and a lovely surprise. The pull-out crown is emblazoned with the Q logo, providing a throughline between the dial to the case and facilitating 50m of water resistance. The watch uses a Japanese Epson YM12a quartz movement, which features 1/5 second chronograph timing and a five-year battery life. Completing the look is the option of black leather, brown leather, or a steel bracelet. All three options feature quick-release pins for easy swaps, and while the lugs are 18mm, all the options flare out to meet the case and seamlessly continue its silhouette. The strap options here are excellent, with pin buckles on the leather and a push-button folding clasp on the bracelet. The bracelet is really a treat though, with alternating brushed and polished links that call to mind vintage railroad bracelets; the smaller links allow the bracelet to contour comfortably around the wrist.
The Q Timex Chronograph is a complete package that proves once again that Timex is as unstoppable as even the most vaunted watchmakers. With its proud proclamation of being quartz, it insists that a watch needn’t have a handmade triple-axis tourbillon to be worthy of praise—and it doesn’t just insist, it serves as proof. The Q Timex Chronograph is replete with retro styling that digs deep into not just Timex’ catalog, but into the history of watches, hitting on the iconic styling of the 1970s. With a smart sporty dial and and a striking case, it’s sure to be a hit. The Timex Q Timex Chronograph is priced at $199 on leather and $219 on the bracelet. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
Sponsored Posts are a form of advertising that allows sponsors to share useful news, messages, and offers to aBlogtoWatch readers in a way traditional display advertising is often not best suited to. All Sponsored Posts are subject to editorial guidelines with the intent that they offer readers useful news, promotions, or stories. The viewpoints and opinions expressed in Sponsored Posts are those of the advertiser and not necessarily those of aBlogtoWatch or its writers.
