Watchmaker Timex introduces two brand new timepieces to its popular Q Timex series…
There may be no quartz watch more loaded with cultural freight than the Q Timex. Introduced in the 1970s at the height of the quartz crisis, the Q Timex series were some of the first widely available quartz watches. Decades later, Timex enjoyed a very welcome revival among collectors in 2019 after the watchmaker began reissuing vintage Q models. The initiative began with the sell-out Q Timex diver with an irresistible Pepsi dial and kicked off a seemingly ever-expanding Q multiverse.
For 2025, instead of simply dusting something off from the shelf, the iconic American brand has opted to add two completely new designs to the Q line with all the hallmarks Q lovers have come to expect. Channeling the bold designs and decadent glamour of the 1970s, the Q Timex Continental Q80 and GMT are for the collectors. “The Q Timex Continental is a contemporary evolution of a watch that helped define Timex history – honouring its spirit while reimagining it for today,” says Chief Executive Creative Director Giorgio Galli.
It’s not surprising that Galli and his team are continuing to mine the 1970s for inspiration. After all, the ’70s were a distinct creative and commercial high point for Timex. It was an era when the company had all but cornered the market on affordable timepieces and Formula One world champion Emerson Fittipaldi was a brand ambassador. Aesthetically speaking, the new Continental designs hold their own with the big boys from Switzerland.
The Continental Q80 features a sleek round case design and rectangular digital display encircled with sunburst brushing. Crafted with a gold-tone or silver-tone 39mm brushed stainless-steel case with polished edges, this retro ticker comes with a coordinating brushed stainless-steel bracelet that combines vintage charm with modern functionality. The decision to release the Q80 comes hot on the heels of the recent 50th anniversary of the first ever digital watch last year. While Timex was not the first company to release a digital wristwatch (that title goes to rival Casio), it was the first maker to introduce a backlight on a digital timepiece thanks to their trademark INDIGLO technology.
Timelessly cool, the Q80 features the same reliable features as the brand’s existing T80 digital model. Meanwhile, the decadent Continental GMT boasts the same streamlined 39mm brushed stainless-steel case as the Q80 but subs out the digital display for a sleek GMT function featuring a discreet display at 6 o’clock.
The simple black or silver-tone dial features a radial texture and a clean presentation that’s effortlessly cool, highlighted by faceted hour markers, luminant hands for enhanced visibility in the dark, and a glanceable date window beside the 3rd hour marker. Fans can choose between a tapered and integrated brushed stainless-steel bracelet for a truly ’70s style or a textured black synthetic rubber strap that’s perforated for a more laid-back look as you let the hours tick away.
Shop Timex watches at authorised retailers and www.timex.com
By REILLY SULLIVAN
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