Is Timex a Good Brand?

Have you ever wondered whether the cheap price of a Timex watch reflects its quality? In this article, we’re going to explore the Timex brand.

Believe it or not, in the 1960s, one in every three watches sold in America was a Timex. 

There is good reason for this. The brand has always been synonymous with quality and affordability. The watchmaker also has an esteemed history and appeals to the mass market thanks to its broad range of designs. 

In this article, we’re going to answer the question, “Is Timex a good brand?”. To do that, we’ll take a look at the brand’s history and some of its most popular collections. We’ll also look at who these watches appeal to the most.  

What Do You Need To Know About Timex 

Timex has acquired a substantial following and has even enjoyed presidential status. President Bill Clinton wore the blue and black version of the Ironman. In fact, he even donated his earlier models to the Smithsonian.

Today, Timex is a privately owned company with over 2,600 employees all over the world. 

The Timex name may be familiar to you if you like wearing watches. It’s a pretty interesting brand. 

It first went by the name of the Waterbury Clock Company and specialized in pocket watches and clocks. The brand expanded into the production of wristwatches in 1950, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Speaking of history, let’s look at the milestones of the brand and its key successes.  

A Brief History of Timex 

Timex has been around since the 19th century. The brand acquired a reputation for creating durable watches by putting them through torture tests during TV ads. It did this through a memorable slogan: “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking”.

Since then, Timex has sold over a billion wristwatches to date and continues to be a household name.  

Timex first put itself on the horological map when it released the Marlin watch in 1960. Its slim and elegant profile became an icon. The brand became known for its exceptional affordability. In America, it was the cheapest brand on the market during the 1950s.  

The digitally-operated Triathlon watch is perhaps one of the brand’s most recognizable designs. In 1986, the brand underwent an extensive advertising program promoting its 100-meter water resistance. It was a vast jump from Timex’s previous 50-meter water-resistant watches. 

Then came the arrival of the Ironman watch — another collectible and well-recognized model. When it arrived in 1991, it superseded the popularity of the Triathlon. 

Maybe you’ve heard watch enthusiasts refer to the “Pre-Indiglo” period. The term defines the height of the Triathlon and Ironman golden years before a new technology arrived. 

In 1992, Timex reached a technological advancement. It produced the Indiglo electroluminescent technology, which replaced the white corner backlight of previous Ironman watches.

The innovative technology comprised a thin film that could pass through an electrical current. The process emitted light in response to this current. The technology arrived in 1993, with the ladies’ versions following in 1994.

Indigo watches were the order of the day by the mid-1990s. By that point, the brand had released an all-day version of the Indiglo in reflective blue and green colors. Up until 2005, when Timex felt the need for a change, the Ironman Indiglo had been in good supply.  

Popular Timex Watch Collections  

The Timex catalog is deep and wide. To learn more about the brand, it’s worth delving into its key collections. Since a watch isn’t a generic accessory, it’s important to choose a watch that best represents your personality. 

After all, a sartorial statement can make all the difference when creating a good first impression. 

Choosing the right Timex watch is, of course, down to personal preference. From sporty and adventurous to classic and elegant, there is a little something for everyone. 

Classic Leather Strap Options  

Watches with a classic leather strap from the Timex catalog are always great options. The Timex Marlin range, for example, demonstrates how well a leather band goes with a traditional dial design. 

The Timex Marlin Automatic California Dial is a great example of a classic timepiece from the watchmaker’s vast array of designs. The California dial is a style that is not all that widely available today, making this watch even more appealing.

The California dial has two different hour marker styles. The northern hemisphere is where the Roman numerals sit. The southern half is where the Arabic numerals reside.

This elegant dress watch from Timex features a brown leather strap. It even features the movement through an exhibition caseback. 

These timepieces compliment any outfit and are versatile, but is the Timex Marlin too classic for you? If so, consider a digital watch.

Timex’s Digital Watch Range  

Timex’s range of digital watches aims at those who prefer contemporary designs. Digital watches are sporty, with a whole host of different functions to enjoy.

The Timex T80 Steel watch has a date display that features a stopwatch, boasting the brand’s Indiglo backlight technology.

Its sleek look is resolutely modern, featuring a 38mm stainless steel case. This digital Timex watch also features a 30-meter water-resistant rating. Its affordable price is ideal for any beginner. 

Timex’s Hardy Sports Watches  

Timex’s sports watches are impressive for their price. Don’t get me wrong, their aesthetics and practical features aren’t on par with a Casio G-Shock digital, but they’re still pretty neat. The Command Encounter digital watch, for example, is incredibly durable. 

A layered sand-colored dial gives this watch an almost military-inspired feel. It features an octagonal-shaped case, a three-piece resin composite case, and embossed indices.

If you’re looking for a rugged tool, the Timex Command Encounter is a great option. 

Luminescent hands and markers, a 100-meter water-resistant rating, and a utilitarian design all work great together. 

Feature-wise, you get lots for your money. These include a world time zone, alarm, stopwatch functions, and tactile pushers for measuring stopwatch timings under heavy gear. 

Timex’s Stainless Steel Watches  

Lucky for those of you who love the classic steel sports watch, Timex does a great version. The original 1970s Q Timex watch inspires this M79 Automatic model. It features an improved automatic movement. 

A black dial surrounded by a two-tone green and black unidirectional bezel makes this model a great explorer watch.

As well as a very useful day-date feature, it also boasts an exhibition caseback. This window through to the rear of the watch shows the movement performing effortlessly.

Completing its steel-luxe look, it features a stainless steel bracelet, capturing the era that changed the history of watchmaking forever.  

Timex’s Dive Watch Options  

Despite being a mid-to-low-range brand, Timex does experiment with innovative materials. Take the Standard Diver 1854 watch, for example. It belongs to Timex’s broad diver’s watch range but boasts a strap crafted from bio-based resin made from wheat fiber.

As an alternative to a resin strap, this option is more sustainable. It also looks really good against the watch’s vibrant red and blue unidirectional rotating bezel.

These colors help to mark out the first 15 minutes of dive time on the bezel. The rest of the dial is equally legible. It features luminescent hands and hour markers that will equip you with everything you need for your underwater adventures. 

Vintage-inspired Timex Watches

If modern digital watches are too futuristic, you may like the brand’s vintage-inspired watches. They certainly add a touch of charm to the wrist. The Timex Marlin Automatic Sub-dial is a great example to use. 

Aside from an Arabic numeral hour track, the watch also features a 24-hour sub-scale. Red hues accent the same 9 o’clock location. To seal in a true vintage style, it bears an etching of the iconic Marlin fish upon the surface of its case back.

Here, you also get to observe a Japanese movement through an exhibition caseback. The decorative nod also matches the Marlin name emblazoned on the dial surface. Pretty quirky. 

Military-Inspired Timex watches  

Tool watches have never been more popular. Utilitarian-military styles of the past inspire these models. A rugged case design and luminous dial are must-haves. The Timex Expedition North Field mechanical watch infuses a strong military vibe.

It comes equipped with some pretty crucial design elements, too. These include a sturdy screw-down crown to uphold a water-resistant rating of 100 meters.

Also, ample luminous materials across the hour markers and hands help to keep track of time in the dark. 

One of the watch’s key attributes is its 38mm steel case size. It makes for a great option if you have a slender wrist. There are, however, larger sizes in this collection if you want to delve a little deeper into the range. 

FAQs

If you’re wanting to learn a bit more about Timex as a brand, these FAQs should help:

Where Does Timex Make Its Watches?  

Cebu in the Philippines is the main production facility for Timex. Here, Timex assembles and produces over 80% of its watches.

Is Timex a Chinese Company?    

Timex Group is an American-Dutch company with headquarters based in the Netherlands. It has several watchmaking companies, including TMX Philippines and Timex Group USA.     

Are Timex Watches Good Quality?     

Timex is most popular for its affordability and quality, but it is not a luxury brand. That said, the company offers a vast array of options spanning from dress watches to digital watches to chronographs.     

Are Timex Watches Good Value for Money?    

Timex watches are not high-end, but they do offer a lot for your money. A quartz Timex may last over a decade and can keep better accuracy than a mechanical watch. As Timex is an affordable brand, the quality of its wristwatches is as good as its price bracket reflects.

Conclusion — Is Timex a Good Brand? 

As far as affordable watch brands go, you certainly can’t grumble at the quality offered by Timex. Although it’s not a luxury watch brand, you’re still getting a watch that looks and feels good for its price.  

Take a little time to delve into Timex’s history and learn more about its key collections. It might surprise you to learn how each one is so different. In doing so, you can certainly begin to appreciate this mid-bracket brand for what it is. 

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