Overflowing with the excitement of the 1970s: A hands-on review of the Timex "Reissue Q-Timex Degrade"

This is a wear review of the "Reissue Q-Timex Degrade," released by Timex on April 11, 2025. Timex's "reissue watches," which began in Japan, have produced many hits and are now one of the company's standard series. This work showcases Timex's skill. The theme is the "excitement" of the 1970s.

Hello 70s. Timex "Reissue Q-Timex Degrade"

　Timex released the "Reissue Q Timex Degrade" on April 11, 2025. This new watch is part of the "Reissue" series of Q Timex watches, which are reproductions of classic timepieces selected from the vast archives stored at Timex headquarters. It is based on a model produced in the late 1970s.

　The most distinctive feature of this model is its cut glass. In the 1970s, when glass began to replace plastic as the crystal material, models featuring faceted glass began to appear. This classic design is recreated with a domed acrylic crystal, while the dial features a gradient color that deepens from a pale olive green in the center toward the periphery. While not particularly flashy, it is an original design. Incidentally, according to the press release, the model name "Déglade" comes from the French word gradien, which means "gradient." Unlike the typical gradient, which refers to a change in shade, this refers to a smooth change in color on a sloping surface.

　Furthermore, while the stainless steel case is a basic round shape, the lugs on both sides are one piece and the top has a hairline finish, creating a unique shape just like the dial. This kind of fun and excitement, which can sometimes be eccentric but gives a glimpse of free-spirited thinking, is exactly what you'd expect from a 1970s watch. I think it also recreates the atmosphere of an era when various wristwatch designs were launched that went beyond previous theories. And, as someone who is knowledgeable about 1970s watches but is from a generation that didn't experience them in real time (I won't say how old I am), this design feels very fresh to me.

　We will review the new Timex reissue, the Q-Timex Degrade, which is retro yet novel in modern times.

Anyway, it looks good

　Recently, I reviewed the "Reissue 1983 Automatic" from Timex, a reproduction of the 1983 model (article:http://www.webchronos.net/features/131431/(Please read the article for details, but the gist is that Timex understands the needs of older men who love watches.) While the TV dial, thin bar indexes and baton-style hands, hairline-finished silver dial, and accordion bracelet are the highlights, this is a reissue watch that meticulously pursues a design that, while unassuming at first glance, evokes the image of a watch worn by an older man. There's no hint of sophistication or a slightly modern touch; it's a faithful reproduction of the "old-fashioned older man's watch." While I was familiar with classics like the "Camper" and "Merlin," this was my first time holding a real one, and the review made me realize that Timex is a "maker of extraordinary reissue watches."

　As this is the latest Timex "reissue" model, expectations are high. In fact, I fell in love with the atmosphere created by the cut glass and the gradation texture of the dial at first sight, although this is just my personal opinion.

　The crystal is multifaceted, with several facets that sparkle when exposed to light. Each facet is hit by light in a different direction, so it sparkles in different directions depending on the angle of the watch. The crystal surface is smooth, and the inside is cut, so the corners of the facets are not exposed and do not touch the skin. Although it sparkles quite a bit, visibility was not impaired in strong light sources such as sunlight. Some may say that the hands are not thick, and the second hand does not reach the outer edge of the minute circle, making it difficult to accurately read the seconds, but personally I didn't find this to be a problem.

　The small calendar window displays both the day of the week and the date. The day of the week is bilingual, in English and Spanish (!). The red Sunday inscription is a retro touch. However, operating the calendar disc took some getting used to. Until now, switching between day and date discs involved pulling the crown one position and turning it in either direction to fast-forward the day or date. However, with this model, pulling the crown one position only fast-forwards the date; to switch between day and date discs, you must pull the crown two positions to advance the hour and minute hands, then advance the disc after midnight. Also, to change the language for the day of the week, you must pull the crown two positions, set the hour hand to 11:00 PM, and then advance it to 4:00 AM, repeating this process until the desired display appears. This feature is also "old-fashioned," but while it's a bit inconvenient and I'd like a fast-forward function, it's probably acceptable given the watch's ¥36,300 retail price.

　What I particularly liked was the case. The lugs at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock on the case are connected, giving it a very unique shape, and this case shape is what gives the watch its impact, more so than the cut glass or the gradient dial. It is this "impact" that evokes the 1970s awareness of "creating designs that have never been seen before." The lugs have a hairline finish, while the bezel and case sides are polished. These polished parts sparkle along with the cut glass, making for a striking presence on the wrist.

　The Reissue 1983 Automatic, with its slimmer case, felt more comfortable to wear. Perhaps it's because the case diameter of this model is larger than my wrist, even though I'm a woman. That said, the 38mm diameter is on the small side for a men's watch, and it's not uncomfortable to wear. My wrist is 14.7cm, and by adjusting the bracelet size perfectly and increasing the contact area between the case back and my wrist, I was able to wear it comfortably.

Reasonable price. That's what's good about it.

　As mentioned above, the retail price of this model is 36,300 yen (tax included). In these days of accelerating inflation in the world of watches, a watch with this look, cut glass, and a stainless steel bracelet for under 50,000 yen is a welcome find.

　Of course, there are some things that come with the price. For example, some users may be concerned about the gaps between the links of the bracelet, or the fact that the tip of the second hand does not reach the edge of the dial. However, by spending where it is needed and keeping costs down where it is needed, such as the elegant gradation dial that expresses nuanced colors and the cut glass crystal made possible through a process called multi-faceting, this is a reproduction watch that exudes the atmosphere of the 1970s, while also being reasonably priced.

　Luxury watches have their own merits, and basic-priced watches have their own merits. When "cheap" is emphasized, only the value of the price can stand out. In this respect, this watch is highly satisfying in both its quality as a "reproduction watch" and its reasonable price, and it can be said to demonstrate Timex's excellence as a maker of reproduction watches.

We want to give Japanese watch users the satisfaction and approval they deserve.

　We reviewed the Reissue Q-Timex Degrade, released by Timex on April 11, 2025.

　This watch is based on a model manufactured by the company in the late 1970s, featuring unique design elements, including cut glass, seen in the era, all at a reasonable price. As mentioned at the beginning, Timex first tried reproducing models from its archives in a series in Japan, where it achieved success. Japan has a large market for vintage watches, and classic timepieces are highly sought after. This suggests a strong demand for "reproductions" that recreate these classics using modern technology. A large market indicates a mature market, and there are many "obsessive watch nerds" (a compliment) who are critical of product quality. Yet Timex's latest hit, a masterpiece that evokes the 1970s design and thrilling atmosphere, is sure to please even these nerds. On the other hand, the "Reissue 1983 Automatic" that I reviewed the other day sold out quickly and will not be restocked until mid-June this year. This model is scheduled to be released on Friday, April 25th, so it's worth keeping an eye on its sales situation.