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Timex's Success with Retro Designs

Timex has been on a winning run this past couple of years, releasing some rather lovely and very affordable watches that have been incredibly popular with both watch lovers and general mainstream consumers. They seem to have hit upon a general formula, or maybe a trend is a better word for bringing back older, more retro designs from earlier decades. Their Q line of watches is hugely retro and pulls from some very cool looking 70s design language and really does strike a chord with people.

High Demand for the Timex Q Line

Their first Q, which I reviewed here, was sold out almost immediately, and people were waiting weeks to get the chance to order one or paying frankly absurd money on the used market to get one! Fast forward a couple of years and Timex have continued to expand the line-up, and this time with an equally retro 70s-inspired chronograph!

First Impressions of the Q Chronograph

I remember seeing an image of the Q Chronograph from Timex and didn't immediately realise it was a Timex watch. I thought it was a stunning-looking piece and assumed it was from a far more expensive brand. It wasn’t until I looked a little closer and saw the now quite well-known Q logo at the noon position that I realised this was a new release from Timex. It wasn’t many weeks after that one arrived on my doorstep, and boy, was I excited to see if it lived up to those images.

Exploring the Design of the Q Chronograph

The Q line follows a very similar formula in terms of design, and the Q chronograph is no different. That sharp, slim case with integrated lugs. A high polish finish to the top side of the case and side but a very nice satin brushed finish where the case turns down to meet the bracelet. This is a very similar case to the original Q release, except for the additional two pushers on either side of the crown to operate the chronograph function that this model has. The crystal is also acrylic like the other Q models for the most part and adds to that retro feel as it stands up from the case over that dial. At 40mm, they sized this one very well as it sits on the wrist nicely, and the integrated lugs give it a compact look that I’m very fond of.

The Dial and Bracelet of the Q Chronograph

The dial on the chronograph is a much more fancy affair with its highly polished applied baton markers and handset. The big, bold Q is also highly polished, along with Timex printed neatly underneath. This is all in stark contrast to the black dial and makes the whole dial come alive with a depth and a feeling of quality I dare say a watch at this price point shouldn’t have! The chronograph subdials sit in a familiar position and are almost champagne in colour, which adds to the more vintage feel of this dial. Sitting at the four o’clock position is a nice colour-matched date wheel giving you a healthy and helpful set of complications in a very nice-looking package. 

The bezel and bracelet are the finishing touches to the Q Chronograph. The slim black bezel insert features the fixed tachymeter scale as seen on watches like the Omega Speedmaster and 70s-era Rolex Daytona. It’s clear where Timex got their inspiration for the Q Chronograph, and that’s just fine by me. 

The bracelet features polished centre links and brushed outer in a very interesting design. I guess you could describe the links as E-shaped or M, maybe? Timex gives no description, but it wears very nicely and is secured with a simple clasp with two button release to keep it secure. It’s functional and comfortable, and with simple push pins, it’s easy to adjust. The bracelets across the Q line of watches are all retro-styled but also in feel. These aren’t big thick chunky links, they have a delicacy almost like jewellery and a far lower profile on the wrist. The slim cases of these watches lead to a very comfortable light watch on the wrist.

Value for Money

The Timex Q Chronograph is a simple watch that looks like it should cost much more than its £200 price tag. Yes, there are better watches out there in terms of out-and-out specifications. And yes, if you're looking for a mechanical chronograph, this is quartz. But, and it’s a big but, to get a watch with this sort of character and with those kinds of specifications, you will need to be adding potentially thousands to your budget.

I love my Omega Speedmaster for example, and yes, in watchmaking terms, it’s leagues ahead of the little Timex Q chronograph in every way, but I still, very much enjoy wearing the Q. The Speedmaster will set your wallet back many thousands. Whereas the Q Chronograph is a couple of hundred. At 40mm the Q chronograph sits very well on the wrist, and with that Quartz movement, it’s always ready and accurate.

Final Thoughts on the Timex Q Chronograph

Sometimes a watch feels right on your wrist and makes you smile, and that’s exactly what the Q Chronograph does. It’s not here to compete or replace those expensive luxury mechanical chronographs, it's just here to be enjoyed and at a price, most people can afford. 

The Q line of watches, for me, represents fun, and fun gets another generation interested and excited about watches. People ask me about this one quite frequently because it stands out. Fun watches like the Q Chronograph should be accessible and enjoyable, and this one will definitely be sitting in my watch box alongside the Speedmaster for a long time to come. 

If you're interested in the Q Chronograph, they are available here. at Timex.

Specifications:

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Band Colour: Stainless Steel

• Buckle/Clasp: Clasp (Deployment)

• Case Colour: Stainless Steel

• Case Finish: Brushed/Polished

• Case Shape: Round 40mm

• Crystal/Lens: Mineral Glass

• Dial Colour: Black

• Dial Markings: Markers (Full)

• Top Ring Color: Stainless Steel

• Top Ring Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Height: 13.5 mm

• Strap and Lug Width: 18 mm

• Attachment Hardware Color: Stainless Steel

• Water Resistance: 50 meters