If you blundered out of the woods recently after living the last four years isolated and off grid, you could be forgiven for not having heard of the Q Timex. Assuming this is not the case, I’ll be brief. Timex, by hook or by crook, has discovered a formula for success in the reissue of their 1979 Q Timex–a diver-inspired quartz watch. It is not a surprising development, given the vintage watch craze of the last decade that has lead numerous brands down the retro-inspired path in an effort to feed the frenzied hordes. But surely, the story of the Q Timex must be considered among the most successful.
Certainly, it’s a catchy design. And it’s also affordable. But more than that, it has proven to be a platform upon which the brand can iterate–and, like Lay’s potato chips, people can’t seem to have just one. As such, Timex have struck again with the new Q Timex Rainbow.
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Last year, the brand dipped its toe in rainbow waters for the first time in a collaboration with couturier Judith Lieber. The result was a bedazzled and bejewelled Q Timex that retailed for $1200USD. This new Q Timex Rainbow returns to the watchmaker’s habitual wheelhouse with a more wallet-friendly palette. However, both watches remind us that watch wearing and collecting is supposed to be fun.
What we see in the Rainbow is a pared down version of 2019’s original reissue. The familiar case is a modest 36mm in diameter and 42.4mm lug to lug. The watch is largely brushed with a matching bi-directional bezel. The 12-hour index would allow you, in theory, to track a second time zone, and it is here that the rainbow theme begins. The gradient starts in red at the inverted triangle pip and works its way through the baton markers and numerals, ending in pink at eleven.
The colour scheme repeats itself in the white dial through the hour dot and baton indicators–interrupted only by the day/date window at three. Interestingly, despite the use of white hands, legibility remains high. There is even an application of lume on the hour and minute hands; however, it seems to me that the brand may have missed an opportunity here to turn it up a notch with corresponding coloured lume in the hour markers. Maybe in a future iteration??
The case back is attached with four screws and provides an easy access hatch for swapping out the battery. While brand literature mentions only “analog quartz” for the movement, previous Q Timex have been powered by the PC33 from Hattori Seiko. The calibre promises accuracy within +/-30 a month. The push/pull crown has a quick set date position, but not one for the day. The watch offers 50m of water resistance.
One of the real differences between this and other time-only Q Timex is the bracelet. I get a real sense of nostalgia from the stainless steel expansion band, which wears and adjusts much like the Speidel Twist-O-Flex. I have a vintage version that I trade up among a few of my watches and have always loved the ergonomic fit. With an 18mm lug width, the watch will also be easily paired with a variety of aftermarket straps. I could easily see this one fitted on a rainbow-coloured NATO.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 36mm Diameter 12mm Thick 42.4mm Lug to Lug 18mm Lug Width Bidirectional Friction Bezel 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Domed Acrylic Crystal Printed Markers Matte Dial Lollipop/Pencil Handset Lumed Hands |
| Movement | PC33 Quartz 0 Jewels 32,768 Hz 3-Year Battery Life |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Expansion Band |
Q Timex Rainbow
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Of Interest
The Q Timex Rainbow is not gaudy or ostentatious. But it is playful. Its discrete sizing does not call out to passersby. But it will certainly be noticed. And non-watch people like it. I posted it to my Instagram account a week ago and several friends outside the enthusiast sphere asked me about pricing. The colourway is appealing, and frankly, the watch wears above its price tag. What I mean is, aesthetically the tapered expansion band gives you the impression that you have an integrated sports watch on your wrist. Ergonomically, it’s so comfortable you will almost forget about it. Yet, it will likely prove a strap monster and you can hardly find better value for your dollar.
Its unique colourway may not make it the watch you would wear every day; however, it isn’t likely to be your only watch, either.
Quibbles
A quick-set day would be great, and, as mentioned earlier, how cool would it be to have rainbow-coloured lume on the hour markers?
Final Thoughts
Timex know when they have a good thing going. And the Q is a good thing. I doubt very much that the Rainbow is the last iteration we will see in the Q Timex Collection. Has every Q Timex been a hit? Of course not. But Timex can afford to spitball a bit and see what sticks. I think the Rainbow is a fun addition. The unisex sizing is brilliant. The colourway will certainly have universal appeal. The acrylic crystal has a warmth that really suits the 70s styling and I have to say one more time how perfect I think this bracelet is here. Most importantly, however, like a box of Crayola crayons or a tube of Smarties, the Q Timex Rainbow will make you smile. That alone might be worth the price of admission.
The Q Timex Rainbow retails for $189USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.
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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Another great Q Timex
It’s a winning formula