The History of Timex
Timex was originally founded in 1854. Their name back then was the Waterbury Clock Company and they were located in Waterbury, Connecticut.
At the beginning, they manufactured clocks using brass wheels and gears. The Waterbury Clock Company was a major manufacturer for both local and international markets, mainly in Europe.
The large Jumbo pocket watch, developed by Archibald Bannatyne and named after the renowned P. T. Barnum elephant, was debuted in 1887. The Jumbo was put on trial in New York City, where it caught the notice of Robert H. Ingersoll, a salesperson and future marketing pioneer. These timepieces became so well-known that they were dubbed “the watch that made the dollar famous.”
With the outbreak of World War I, the Waterbury Clock Company capitalized on a new opportunity:
Because troops needed a convenient timekeeping option in time-critical situations, the Waterbury Clock Company took up the cause and manufactured men’s wristwatches in 1914. The straps were given watch lugs, the crown was shifted to 3 o’clock, and the hands and numerals were made luminous.
After the war, the company needed to find a new avenue of income.
A licensing arrangement with Walt Disney was signed in 1930 to make the world-famous Mickey Mouse watches and clocks under the Ingersoll brand name. This arrangement ultimately salvaged the brand, as the line became the company’s first million-dollar line.
The first Timex brand timepieces were introduced in 1950. Their timepieces, which included the V-Conic, the first high-quality mass-produced watch mechanism, became so popular that every third wristwatch sold was a Timex. Here, live televised marketing activities were extremely beneficial. Several trials proving the wristwear’s endurance proudly supported the brand’s slogan: “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
The Quality of Timex Watches
When it comes to Timex watches, we know what most people think: cheap watches. Timex is proud of decreasing the cost of their watches – something we can all appreciate. But does this have an impact on their timepieces’ quality?
Timex timepieces are largely produced in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines, where the company maintains a huge plant. China and India are two more outsourcing hotspots. The technologies, on the other hand, are being developed in the United States and Germany, ensuring that Timex watches are reliable.
The American Documents series is nearly exclusively created in the United States, with American materials and Swiss quartz movements.
Timex held themselves to higher standards for decades by using inclusive and fair labor methods, sustainable materials and procedures, and manufacturing watches that can be worn and loved for years due to their timeless design and renowned quality.
Timex has published a film showing their watch manufacturing process in the Philippines:
Materials Used in Timex Watches
Resin, a composite blend of high-impact plastic, is used in a large variety of timepieces. The resin, while not as long-lasting as stainless steel, is nevertheless a material that, with appropriate care, may endure a long time. The material’s weight is perhaps its most important asset, making it ideal for sports-related activities.
Another prominent material used by Timex watches is brass. It’s not as durable and carefree as stainless steel, but it’s good enough to last for years.
Stainless steel casings are used in higher-end models like Marlin and American Documents. In the industry, the alloy is the most commonly used material in high-quality components.
Timex Watch Movements
China and Southeast Asia are the primary sources of watch movements. Despite the usual quality concerns with movements from that region of the globe, Timex has been able to use precise and dependable quartz movements. The majority of owners are pleased with the clocks’ battery life and quartz accuracy.
The quartz movement in the watch comes from Switzerland, thanks to the recent launch of the American Documents line, which is built in the United States.
Some of the higher-end timepieces use Chinese Seagull automatic and hand-wound movements in addition to quartz.
Takeaway: Are Timex watches Good Quality Timepieces?
In terms of dependability, cheap does not always imply inferior quality. Timex has been able to produce long-lasting wristwatches using typically inferior materials and mechanisms at such a low cost.
Most brands with similar costs have failed to persuade the market that they are producing high-quality watches, but not Timex.
Without a doubt, the company is one of the greatest producers of low-cost watches.
To summarize, Timex watches are excellent and well worth the investment. They may not satisfy die-hard watch lovers or watch collectors due to their low price, but they are ideal for anybody looking for a long-lasting and durable timepiece at a reasonable price.
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Timex Collections:
Timex American Documents Watch Collection
With this collection, the brand returned to watchmaking in the United States after several decades overseas. Each clock is handcrafted in the United States using American materials and a high-quality Swiss quartz movement.
The watches are inspired by the American people, culture, and geography.
The back of the watches are stamped in US-sourced brass and plated with “Aged Waterbury Brass” to mimic the hue of Timex’s first brass watches. The 1854 beginnings in Waterbury, Connecticut – the “Brass City” — are commemorated in the crown design element.
Timex Marlin
The Marlin series combines elegant 1960s style with stainless steel, domed crystal, and mechanical movements. Along with automated movements, you’ll discover some vintage hand-winding systems.
The series is appealing to individuals who want a nice dress watch with analog displays and leather and mesh stainless steel bands.
The 40mm Marlin Automatic watch with leather band and stainless steel case is a classic. The movement’s power storage capacity is up to 40 hours, and it may be wound by hand if it runs out. The watch has a dazzling see-through case back that allows the mechanism to be seen plainly.
Timex Waterbury Collection
The Waterbury series pays homage to the company’s heritage by promoting watches with a wide range of designs and appealing appearances. Automatic self-winding mechanism watches with a 40-hour battery reserve are available alongside quartz movement.
The models are suitable for casual wear as well as important events. This range also includes stainless steel cases and stopwatch functionalities.
Timex Expedition Collection
Outdoor activities are the primary focus of the Timex watches from the Expedition collection. They’re tough and shockproof, and they come in a variety of designs and colors to suit a wide range of tastes and desired looks.
Many of them have a chronograph feature, giving the tickers a variety of looks. A great collection to explore if you’re looking for a timepiece to accompany you in your adventures.
Timex Weekender Collection
The Timex Weekender collection is ideal for everyday casual wear since it is stylish in a simplistic way. The line is adaptable thanks to replaceable and slip-through straps that may be adjusted according to the different looks you want complement.
The case sizes range from medium 38mm to above-average 42mm, so all wrist sizes can find a great timepiece.
