Timex began as the Waterbury Clock Company in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1854. By 1895 they launched the Yankee Pocket Watch that was available for one dollar. Their first brand ambassador was Mark Twain in 1901. In 1914 they moved the stem on the pocket watch from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock and welded loops on the top and bottom to hold straps to make the wristwatch. That’s a pretty legit 160 year pedigree that has solidified Timex’s place in the market of fashionable watches that don’t break the bank and pretty much last forever. There’s a reason that their motto used to be “Timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
Fast forward to 2016 and Timex is still innovating and staying true to affordable style. We’re seeing some pretty cool collaborations lately too. Earlier this year we saw a very successful partnership between Timex and New York fashion designer Todd Snyder with renowned boot maker Red Wing that resulted in the Timex X Red Wing collection. It included a trio of watches that utilized classic Red Wing leather for straps ($138-158).
Most recently we’ve seen another collaboration between Timex and Todd Snyder resulting in the release of the Mod Watch ($138). The Timex X Todd Snyder watch is based on a bullseye design discovered in the Timex archives. It blends British Mod style with a vintage-inspired bullseye dial and grey NATO military nylon strap. It features a 40mm face, and classic quartz movement. Exclusive to Todd Snyder and very limited in quantity. The original offering sold out in hours and is currently on backorder on ToddSnyder.com. Most recently, it was named as one of the best watches under $200 on our list.
The Timex Weekender is the quintessential Timex watch. At just $36 it’s simplistic design is anything but basic. True to form, the watch boasts a clean look, 38mm case, and interchangeable slip-through straps perfect for matching with your look of the day. Almost all Timex watches have their signature Indiglo night light and this one is no different.
Step up to the Weekender Chrono for only $48 and get a more detailed look and a larger 40mm case. Also available with a leather strap.
The new Weekender Fairfield ($62) is the ultimate in minimalist design with no numbers and it’s classic clean look. They’ve also just released a ton of new Weekender styles for fall that have an updated look and new font on the numbers.
After the Weekender, the Timex Originals Camper is next in line as one of the most iconic watches in the brand. At $29 it’s military-inspired look hasn’t changed much since it came out in 1918. it’s got that same washable slip-through strap and the Indiglo night light. This one is a bit more rugged than some of the other classic styles. It just looks like it could take a beating and keep going.
The Highland Street ($30) is part of the Elevated Classics collection. It embodies that classic Timex design. Leather band, black stainless case, full arabic dial with date. And it’s good up to 50 meters of water depth, which is nice if you’re diving with your watch on like James Bond. It’s got the Indiglo night-light, so you can see it while you’re down there trying to save the world
The Expedition Scout ($30) is an update to their classic field watch. At 43mm the scout design has rugged steel construction and has both twelve and twenty-four hour military time markings. It features their quick date and the signature arrow second hand.
For a slight upgrade, check out the Expedition Scout Chrono ($63) which upgrades the Scout design with a chronograph.
The Waterbury ($56+) models were made as an homage to celebrate 160 years in business. Like other watches in the Timex family, it’s literally timeless. The hand stitched leather bands and solid steel construction reek of the heritage of American watchmaking. The Waterbury Chronograph ($99) features the chrono dials and a bit bigger case size. Also check out the brand new Waterbury Classic ($100) for fall with new arabic dial, leather strap, and stainless steel case.
The bottom line here is that Timex makes seriously solid watches that are as affordable as they are functional. Each one has a rugged style about it while being super stylish. With a range between $25 and $140 you really can’t go wrong, and the models with interchangeable slip-through straps give you endless options to coordinate your wrist game with your style game. Isn’t that what it’s really all about?
Which one is your favorite?