The first vintage watch I ever purchased was a small 1976 Timex Viscount Sportster Skin Diver with an M32 automatic movement. I just love the case shape with its squared off lugs and funky friction bezel–not to mention the lovely acrylic dome. So it was with a wave of nostalgia that I looked upon the recent release of the World Time 1972.

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Sporting that same groovy case and warm acrylic dome, the Timex World Time 1972 is yet another retro hit for the brand, who have been knocking out tasty reissues since the release of the Q Timex in 2019. Largely faithful to an electric watch Timex produced in the late 60s and early 70s, the World Time 1972 offers a 39mm stainless steel case that is only 41.5mm lug to lug. Taking into consideration the aluminum bezel and dome, it is still relatively thin as well, at 12mm. While the watch comes on a leather strap, with a lug width of 20mm, after market options will abound. The case is circularly brushed across the top with a polished midcase.

Like most world time watches, this new Timex has a bidirectional bezel indicating major cities. However, rather than reduce the font size to squeeze in 24, spaced equitably around the dial, the designers have opted to place the cities in pairs with a “+” or “-” sign next to them. This was also done on the original watch, increasing legibility. You might notice that the cities have been inscribed in French, also hearkening back to its progenitor which had been aimed at a European market. To operate the world time function, one need only rotate the bezel so that the city matching the wearer’s time zone is aligned with the hour hand. The bezel will then temporarily indicate all other time zones accurately. You would need to repeat the operation if you wanted the same information later in the day. A world time bezel does not track continuously.

The colour palette here is simple and straightforward with a printed, sector-style dial. Elongated markers and a starkly delineated minute track make the watch highly readable. The only touch of colour is the bright red seconds hand; however, the pencil hour and minute hands (along with the hour markers) are lumed. I am particularly fond of the date window at three which uses a bold trapezoidal aperture that really fits the 70s vibe.

The acrylic dome sits high above the bezel and has a gentle warmth that reigns in the otherwise austere elements. It generates soft distortions at angles that give the watch a playful side. It also highlights the vintage quality of the timepiece.

Timex list the movement as quartz, but do not provide the precise type. Nonetheless, you can be reasonably assured that the watch will be an accurate and easy grab and go. The case back has been attached by four screws and equipped with an easy change battery hatch. The World Time is rated to 50m of water resistance.

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SPECS

Case	Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 41.5mm Lug to Lug 12mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Bidirectional, World Time Friction Bezel 50m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Acrylic Domed Crystal Printed Dial Date Window @ 3 Pencil Hands
Movement	Quartz
Strap	Quick Release Leather Strap

Timex World Time 1972

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Of Interest

Over the years, Timex has introduced numerous innovations and features to its watches. Some notable ones include Indiglo backlight technology, which provides a uniform and easy-to-read illumination in low-light conditions, and Ironman sports watches, which are popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for their robustness and fitness tracking capabilities. The brand’s back catalogue reveals a diverse collection of watches catering to all manner of styles and needs. It produces both analog and digital watches, with a variety of dial designs, case materials, and strap options. From classic dress watches to rugged outdoor timepieces, Timex appears to have an affordable option for every occasion.

Digging through this back catalogue has proven hugely successful for Timex over the last five years. I suspect the World Time 1972 with its quirky barrel case and funky retro styling will be yet another boon

Quibbles

The time zones do not appear to adhere to current the tenets of Coordinated Universal Time and, instead, reflect the offsets as they were in 1972. While this is quaint, it is not overly functional for some cities.

Final Thoughts

The Timex World Time 1972 pays homage to the brand’s vintage designs from the 1970s in the same way that the Q does. It combines retro styling with a modern quartz movement, making it a solid choice for watch enthusiasts and vintage-inspired timepiece lovers. It features a sharp-looking barrel case with a clean dial design and a distinctive rotating bezel. And as an authentic reissue, the design elements do well to capture the essence of that era. While quartz is not every enthusiast’s cup of tea, it is undeniably reliable, providing accurate timekeeping for a reasonable price–not to mention that the watch will prove low maintenance in the long run. The domed acrylic crystal adds charm and provides a lovely distorted view of the dial. Perhaps the only drawback is the design decision behind the bezel, but I suspect enthusiasts will gravitate to the watch’s retro allure over its function.

In the end, the World Time 1972 combines nostalgia with modern reliability and astonishing affordability, making it an easy choice.

The Timex World Time 1972 retails for $179USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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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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