The rise of reissues and re-releases in the watch industry is obvious to see within the last decade or so. Almost all brands have tapped into past catalogues and released similar styled watches with updated technology.  While I can’t speak for everyone, these appeal to me for reasons beyond nostalgia, as I wasn’t collecting in the time of their original releases (and wasn’t alive for most of them).  To me, vintage reissues are always tempting because they take the sought after vintage specifications that I naturally incline towards, and they provide updated tech.  I tend to stay away from most vintage watches because of one reason only: I don’t know their service history with certainty.   I hesitate to buy a watch that comes with the very real possibility of breaking on me days after purchasing.  I am not comfortable not knowing if seals are functioning properly, and frankly, that isn’t something I want to test.

Reissues take the best of both worlds: The aesthetics of the past are equipped with modern technology.  It’s easy to understand why both consumers and companies are steering in this direction. Everyone wins, except maybe those collectors that seek new designs.

Timex has been no stranger to this trend. I’d wager to say their Timex Q reissue has been one of the most popular ones among big name brands, though it hasn’t been free of criticism.  I have to say, I get the hype.

The Watch:

Specifications:

• Case Size: 38mm

• Case Thickness: 11.5mm

• Water Resistance: 50m

• Lug Width: 18mm

• Complications: Day/Date

The specifications scream out vintage watch.  The tonneau case, high acrylic dome, and bracelet contribute to this image.  Timex’s Q line holds historical significance in and of itself, though this model (Pepsi) was one of the most popular ones. 

To me, one of the highlights of this watch is the bezel.  It seems similar to that of the Tudor Black Bay GMT, in terms of colors.  This watch has made me realize how many tones of red and blue exist in watches.  You can pick up a Rolex GMT Master ii, Seiko 009, Steinhart, Tudor Black Bay GMT, or most other popular Pepsi bezeled watches, and I’d wager they would all be a different tone of red and blue.  The Timex Q has managed to capture the perfect tone of blue and red that gives an “aged” look, contributing to the vintage appeal.  The faux patina and bezel font follow suit.

This watch has received a surprisingly amount of criticism because of its $179 price tag.  Critics argue this watch is overpriced, though I would think they are confusing the price with that of the market price; this watch is often sold out and is sold at higher prices.  I simply disagree with this criticism.  Sure, I’ve seen more affordable quartz watches.  I’ve also seen multi thousand dollar quartz watches.  But to me, paying a small premium of less than $100 for a design I truly enjoy and is unique is a caveat I have no objection towards. Specifications don’t dictate price.  And I am one willing to pay for good designs.

Like mentioned above, availability to purchase this watch has not been consistent via Timex. I encourage everyone looking to buy one to simply wait for Timex to restock, as they have been doing often, instead of buying for inflated price.  This watch has received mixed opinions, but mine are nothing but positive. This timepiece is simply a great nod at classic past designs, and it does this in an affordable and attractive way.

Below is an unboxing video that shows what you get when you buy this piece, including wrist shots, lumeshots, specifications, and packaging.