CHEAP BASTARD: The Timex Q 1975 Reissue is a retro bargain for $305
David SmiedtWhen your back catalogue runs as deep and storied as Timex, dipping your horological toe into the re-issues pool should be a no brainer. Having already exhibited some serious nous by reimaging the mid-century Marlin in both hand-wound and automatic varities – plus one for the ladies – the American manufacturer has again dipped into the archives. This time around we’re talking the Q 1975 Reissue which has an asking price of $305.
Tapping into the current pop culture fascination with all things 1970s – see Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak in an LA garden – this piece is both of its era and one for the ages.
The 37.5mm stainless steel case has a subtly parabolic silhouette, is water resistant to 50 metres and bound by a black leather strap. It’s the face, however, where the most joy lies. There is quiet branding just below the 12 o’clock marker and a day/date window at 3. The dial itself has a sunray gold effect with contrasting black markers. Look a bit closer and you’ll notice that the markers at 12, 6 and 9 also have discreet gold touches. This motif is flipped on the hour and minute hands – black on gold, rather than the other way around – while the slim gold second hand is a mere sliver of a thing.
The case height sits at 13mm with the strap and lug width coming in a 20mm. At three o clock, you’ll also find a fluted dial on a three-way spring for setting the day and time. Certain aficionados may quibble about the acrylic lens but for us that equates to a daily wear hardiness that will survive innumerable encounters with scuffs and knocks.
Under the hood is a battery driven, quartz movement and an easy mechanism for swapping out said battery when needed. And besides, you’re getting all this for the price of one of those stuffy degustation meals that you have to stop by Mickey D’s on the way home to fill up. Imagine your dad at his coolest, when he turned heads in the disco – this is what was on his wrist.