Introducing the Q Timex 1978 Reissue

The Timex Q line continues to expand with the introduction of the Q Timex 1978 Reissue, announced today. The Q has become a signature product for Timex since the release of the first Q reissue in the summer of 2019. The winning formula seems to be retro charm plus affordability, and with Timex’s extensive back catalog, the possibilities for future Qs are nearly endless. The new 1978 edition is a somewhat more refined take on the old-school quartz sports watch than the original Q, which featured sharp angles and a pseudo-integrated bracelet. 

Readers and Q fans will recall that Timex released the Q “Marmont” back in December, and it would appear that this version essentially borrows a case shape from that edition, and loses the gold plating for a more casual, everyday vibe. This is a stainless steel cushion case measuring 37mm in diameter with polished surfaces and a domed acrylic crystal. The standout feature on this watch might be the dial, which is silver in color and appears to have a very subtle linen pattern running vertically across its surface. Even more than the case shape and the simple quartz movement, it’s this detail that really screams late 70s. This was a popular texture on Rolex Datejusts and other watches, and dials with these types of patterns are highly collectible and not often reproduced for modern consumers. 

The trademark feature of the Q is quite possibly the battery hatch on the caseback, and that’s been reproduced here on this version as well (we hope that Timex never makes a Q without the battery hatch – it’s an instant jolt of nostalgia). The solid caseback protects a quartz movement with a day-date complication located at 3:00, and provides 50 meters of water resistance, which should be plenty for everyday wear for almost everyone. The watches that the Q line is based on were simple, and the modern incarnations are no different. If you liked the look of the previously mentioned Marmont edition but aren’t interested in rocking gold, this looks like it might be a fun easy wearing quartz throwback that’s definitely summer ready. 

The other distinguishing characteristic of all Qs to this point is the price. This one is priced at $179, which is a pretty good value for a watch with this much charm. When you consider what else is out there that’s this inexpensive, to get a watch from a brand with the longevity of Timex that’s had some real thought put into the design feels like a steal. And these watches, for the price, are well made and surprisingly durable. While it’s not a watch we’d suggest as an “only watch” for someone who is extremely active, as part of a summer rotation the Q watches are a ton of fun, and easily worth the modest asking price. Timex