The Timex “Yankee Dollar” Watch Returns

In the aftermath of World War II, Timex—known initially as The Waterbury Clock Company—sought to leverage the United States manufacturing experience gained during the war. The company aimed to produce affordable timing devices as an alternative to more expensive European models. In 1954, they aimed to make timekeeping accessible to everyone, resulting in the creation of the Yankee Dollar watch, which was priced at exactly one dollar. These watches found their way into the hands and pockets of everyday Americans; even Samuel Clemens paid a dollar for one. It is said that this was “the watch that made the dollar famous.”

In recent years, Timex has introduced several editions of its Waterbury watches, each unique in its own way. However, nothing compares to what they have planned for November 16th. To celebrate its 170th anniversary, Timex will launch a Limited Edition Waterbury timepiece priced at just one dollar, reminiscent of the original Yankee Dollar watch. Yes, you read that correctly—it will be only one dollar! These Waterbury timepieces are typically priced at $119.

A letter to Timex from Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

The Timex Waterbury 170th Anniversary Limited Edition will be built on their 40mm Waterbury platform, which is 10mm thick and has a lug width of 20mm, thus providing countless strap options. Instead of a flat white dial with a printed minute track and Roman numerals, it is replaced by an elegant 3D lacquered white dial with Roman numeral markers. The typical baton hands have also been replaced with beautiful cathedral hands filled with luminous material. It features a day/date complication and has “170 Anniversary Edition” printed at 6 o’clock.

Flip the watch over, and you will discover a vertically brushed case back inscribed with the words, “This watch celebrates simply great watchmaking since 1854 – A TRUE AMERICAN CLASSIC.” You will also notice that the supplied dark brown leather strap is equipped with quick-release spring bars, making strap changes a breeze. At just one dollar, they are truly honoring their legacy by making quality timepieces accessible to everyone.

The series will be limited to 1,000 watches in total, and they will be available for purchase on November 16th at Timex.com and Timex.ca (10 am EST / 7 am PST), Timex.co.uk (10 am GMT), Timex.eu (10 am CET), and shop.timexindia.com (10 am IST). As the Rolling Stones would say, time waits for no one, and these watches won’t wait either. Timex

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Based in Montreal, Quebec, Marc has been an enthusiastic watch collector for well over three decades. Having witnessed and participated in the birth of the internet watch community, he has played a role on multiple watch forums and his articles have appeared on-line and in print since the late 1990s. Today his passion for all things horological is as pronounced as it has ever been, while he continues his never-ending search for watch next.
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