If you’ve already made your summer travel plans, but haven’t yet decided on your travel watch, be sure to check out the Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph. While the name is a mouthful, you get exactly what’s advertised—a vintage-inspired chrono with a peculiar complication that isn’t quite a GMT, but functions like one.

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Available in three references (black, white, or forest green), this latest evolution of the Q comes in a 40mm stainless steel case that is 11.5mm thick and a very wearable 46.3mm lug to lug. Aesthetically, it leans heavily on previous iterations of the popular Q Timex line with its retro-styled hooded lugs and dive-inspired aluminum bezel. However, the domed crystal has been replaced with flattened mineral glass and, of course, we have pump pushers which actuate and reset the central chronograph hand. The crown, too, has also gained a rubber accent.

The model featured here comes standard on a comfortable, tapered metal bracelet with a butterfly clasp. However, there is a rubber strap option available, as well. With its 18mm lugs, the watch would also look good on an aftermarket leather rally. The case back is closed with a quick-change battery hatch and is rated to 50m of water resistance.

The centre of the dial is archetypal chronograph with three registers at six, nine, and twelve, balanced out by the brand logo in the three position. There is also a small date window at 4:30. However, surrounding this familiar layout is much more diver-driven hour index—steel rimmed circular plots with bars at three, six, and nine, and an inverted triangle on the twelve.

There’s a lot going on, to be sure, but it seems to work itself out. In addition to the chronograph and minute hands, the timepiece is equipped with what are essentially two hour hands. These provide the wearer with two of the three promised time zones. The standard Timex “Mercedes” hand is a jumping hour (operated independently by moving only forward, or clockwise) and would most likely be set to local time wherever you are. It operates independent of the date wheel. The red arrow-tipped hand, which mimics a GMT hand would then be set to “home time”—or any other time zone you might like to track.

However, if you are familiar with GMTs, you will know that they commonly function on a 24-hour scale. The Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph only has 12-hour indices, except in a nifty little work-around located in the subdial at 12 o’clock, which has a 24-hour display tied to the red arrow-tipped hand. You might ask, then why employ the red arrow-tipped hand at all? Well, outside of increased legibility, you would use it in conjunction with the 12-hour scale on the bidirectional friction bezel to track your third, and final, time zone. In addition to the GMT-like functionality, the new Q also has a 60-minute register and a small seconds to round things out.

Unlike a lot of chronographs, the dive-inspired elements of the Q provide ample real estate for luminescent material, and Timex took advantage with a solid application of ghostly green on the hands and markers.

The Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph is, of course, powered by quartz—but the brand has not been specific in its literature.

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SPECS

Case	Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 46.3mm Lug to Lug 11.5mm Thick 18mm Lug Width Bidirectional, 12-Hour Friction Bezel 50m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Flat Mineral Crystal 3 Subdials Applied Markers Date Window @ 4:30 Green Lume
Movement	Quartz Chronograph GMT
Strap	Stainless Steel /w Butterfly Clasp or Rubber Strap

Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph

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Of Interest

Timex know when they’re onto a good thing. The Q Timex line is full of dingers. The Three Time Zone Chronograph is no exception. While the dial can be a little busy, it is still easily legible. And the level of functionality, though confusing in the initial setup, is pretty incredible for a watch that retails for only $249USD. In addition, the quartz movement is accurate and easy maintenance, making the Q a no-brainer as a grab-and-go.

Quibbles

There is no quick-set date function here, so if you need to jump ahead when travelling, you’ll have to cycle through 24-hours. Also, while the bevelled mineral glass looks good, it would also be nice to see a sapphire crystal.

Final Thoughts

For globetrotters and individuals who frequently communicate across time zones, the Timex Three Time Zone watch offers the perfect balance of functionality, reliability, and style. With its ability to display three different time zones simultaneously, precise quartz movement, durable construction, and accessible price point, this timepiece is a testament to Timex’s commitment to meeting the needs of modern watch enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone with international connections, the Timex Three Time Zone watch will keep you punctual and stylish without breaking the bank.

The Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph retails for $249USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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Have you seen the Brew Metric?

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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