No one makes watches quite like Timex. This American institution has carved out a special place in the horological history books with a uniquely pioneering approach to watchmaking that has resulted in over a billion watches sold. Now, as part of its mammoth 170th-anniversary celebration, Timex is giving you the chance to secure your very own piece of its storied history for the modest sum of just one single dollar.
You read that right. Over a century ago, Timex redefined affordable style with its famous $1 watch—a nod to the original pocket watch that made timekeeping accessible to millions—deploying its legacy of refined craftsmanship to make high-quality timepieces that extended that accessibility even further. Since then, the brand has continued to evolve and innovate while staying true to its roots in affordable, reliable timekeeping, and as part of its 170th anniversary celebrations, Timex is doing it all over again.
To mark this momentous occasion, on Saturday, November 16th, at 10 am local time, the legendary watchmaker will issue 1,000 limited-edition watches worldwide that will set you back just $1 each! That means watch lovers in Australia and New Zealand will be the first in the world to have the chance to get their hands on one. To find a Timex retailer near you, follow this link, and be sure to show up early on the day, as this really is the stuff watch lovers’ dreams are made of. Alternatively, read on to discover how you can jump the queue.
From the retro cool of the Marlin to the adventure-readiness of the Deepwater, Timex has continued to blend heritage and innovation, crafting durable and classic timepieces that are made to be worn and loved for a lifetime. So, before we dive into how you can take advantage of this impossibly tempting anniversary offer, let’s take a look at some of the watches that have made Timex such a formidable brand for the last 170 years.
Marlin Collection: Timelessly Chic, Effortlessly Cool
As already mentioned, the Marlin collection delivers retro cool in spades. This design has been around since the 1950s, but it was during the ‘60s that it really came to the fore. Combining substance and style, it’s a sophisticated line of timepieces that acts as both a tribute to the brand’s incredible past and a vehicle for Timex’s ongoing legacy of style, disruption, and outstanding quality. No watch collection is truly complete without a Timex Marlin somewhere in the mix.
Q Collection: Dedicated to Innovation
First appearing in the ‘70s as Timex began experimenting with the immense potential of quartz technology, the Q collection has always showcased Timex’s formidable appetite for bold, confident, and irreverent design. From iconic chronographs to immaculate GMTs, the Q collection is a vivid representation of Timex’s technical know-how and experimental savvy. The contemporary editions of this iconic line carry many of the stylistic references of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, providing a fitting nod to a period of immense technological upheaval.
Deepwater Collection: Engineering Meets Style
Perfect for those prone to adventure, as well as anyone who lives for the water, Timex’s Deepwater collection delivers heightened engineering in a supremely stylish package. Across the range, you’ll find a minimum of 200 metres of water resistance, luminescent markers and hands for enhanced visibility, and a uni-directional ratcheting top ring. Offering robust construction using premium materials, these invaluable underwater companions act as a superb showcase for Timex’s commitment to watchmaking excellence.
Easy Reader Collection: Master of Minimalism
The embodiment of so much of what makes Timex such an iconic brand, the Easy Reader collection is a direct descendant of the watches used in Timex’s famed torture test survivor TV commercials that aired back in the ‘60s (’It takes a licking and keeps on ticking’). With a classic design, easy-to-read dial, and timeless style that have maintained the line’s appeal across generations, it’s not hard to see why Timex has sold more than 10 million Easy Reader watches globally.
Reissues: Giving Classic Designs New Life
Everyone loves a classic and one of the key benefits of Timex’s long history combined with a relentless pursuit of innovation is that the brand has an enormous catalogue of classic styles ready and waiting to be reimagined with modern watchmaking techniques.
Here are a few of our favourites that Timex has brought back from the archives with a little modern magic…
World Time 1972 Reissue
This stunning homage to an early-’70s icon remains just as perfect a timepiece for stylish jet-setters as it was when the original launched 52 years ago. With a rotating bezel that marks Greenwich Mean Time followed by 23 cities from around the globe, it makes checking any time zone at a glance wonderfully simple. Plus, for a little added class, it uses French spelling for the noted locations, making it an ideal choice for modern travellers who enjoy a touch of European chic.
Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue
A classic from 1975, this striking watch was originally designed to create an illusion of floating hands—a navy dot painted on the underside of the crystal cleverly conceals where the hands meet the dial. With a bezel and adjustable band both crafted from stainless steel, a rich blue dial, and a strikingly contrasted red dot on the seconds hand, this is an iconic timepiece more than worthy of resurrection.
Timex Automatic 1983 E-Line Reissue
This classic dress watch hasn’t aged a day since it was first released in 1983. With its eye-catching rounded square case shape (dubbed the TV dial), it remains one of Timex’s most recognisable watches. The modern incarnation has received upgraded construction via stainless steel, while it’s powered by a Miyota calibre 8215 Japanese automatic movement. With its combination of brushed and polished finishes and a vintage-style acrylic crystal, it remains an out-and-out head turner.
Skip the Queue
As we said at the opening, no one makes watches like Timex, and if you want to secure one of the brand’s limited-edition $1 timepieces on November 16, there are two ways you can skip the queue.
First, buy any Timex watch between now and November 10th and register your purchase for a chance to gain priority access to the $1 watches at your local retailer. Second, register on the day from the queue at participating stores to enter a draw that will see winners jump to the front.
Whatever you do, the best approach is to get to your local Timex retail partner as early as possible on November 16th. With Timex marking 170 years of watchmaking brilliance, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
