by Tyler Frederick
Reflections of the ’70s
One brand that I constantly think about when it comes to being budget-friendly and creating watches that are turn-key, fun, and just awesome to wear is Timex. To be more specific, the Q Timex collection. Since the ’70s, Timex has been the go-to brand for those looking for a watch that will take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’, and it was bought not from a collector’s perspective, but for reliability and its rugged nature to take on anything you threw at, or around it.
Fast forward to 2019, Timex re-releases the 1979 Q, which would be a pivotal move by the brand, captivating the hearts of collectors, enthusiasts, and general watch wearers alike. The Q line has expanded greatly, from the traditional diver-esque design of the original to tonneau cases, more callbacks to vintage designs, and of course, chronographs. I’ve had the new Q Timex Continental Chronograph on my wrist for the last couple of weeks, and it’s been such a treat, so let’s check it out.
Check out the Q Timex Chronograph
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Always a treat
I’ve had the pleasure of owning quite a few from the Q, with my first being the Q Timex Reissue 38mm “Blueberry,” and that followed with the white dial rainbow Q Timex Reissue, both dial variations of the 40mm Racing Chronograph, Falcon Eye Blue, and now the new Q Timex Continental Chronograph.
I will say, this is my favourite from Timex since the initial re-release of the 1979 Q collection. It carries that same vintage feel but in a more modern-contemporary package and feels much more refined than the previous Timex Q, or any Timex model apart from their Atelier collection. There’s more symmetry with the design this time around, and I don’t mean that with just dial placement; everything feels more cohesive and planned, and it’s the most “complete” watch I’ve handled from the Q Timex line.
Key Features of the Q Timex Continental Chronograph
Integrated goodness
I know brands often say “this model is more refined” and there are a couple of changes, but I do feel there is plenty to talk about with the Continental Chronograph, and I’ll start with specs. With a 40mm case, 46mm lug-to-lug and a thickness of 10mm, it’s a fairly compact watch that fits perfectly on my 6.5-inch wrist, and feels like your typical, comfortable sports watch.
The use of a quartz movement (Seiko-Epson YM12a) makes the watch relatively light, which is remedied with the full stainless steel case and bracelet design. The construction of the watch is reminiscent of an integrated sports watch where the bracelet melds perfectly into the case. This adds elegance and luxury to the Continental Chronograph and is actually new to the Q Timex line, first featured in the Continental Chronograph and Continental GMT.
There are integrated-adjacent designs throughout the catalogue, but this is the first that looks fully integrated, thanks to the 12mm “lug width,” in quotes because actual width across is 22mm. Due to the bracelet construction, it’s fitted directly to the last mid-link to give it that fully integrated look, but that’s not always a good thing for those who like to change their straps.
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Blueberry? Good vintage.
The dial screams vintage. The blueberry bezel insert with the clean and bold white numerals is quite similar to those found on the vintage and mythical Rolex ref.1675 GMT Master “Blueberry” – a watch I’ve been obsessed with since my time getting into watches. No one knows that it actually exists, but that rich blue contrasting with the legibility and crispness of the numerals scratches a part of my brain in the best way. It’s an iconic look that’s well implemented both aesthetically and functionally on the Continental Chronograph. There are differences, of course, but the bones are there and it’s so good.
The previous release of the Blackhole had a very unique, spaceship-like case. While I did appreciate this step towards something with such a different take on case architecture, I understand the move towards a more traditional case shape for the Wormhole. It’s more ergonomic, fits with other case designs that people feel more comfortable embracing and wearing on the wrist, yet stays in its own unique lane. From my time with the Wormhole, I can say with confidence that this is a great watch for everyday wear. The Blackhole was very sci-fi, and the Wormhole lives in that same universe, but with a more subtle and understated version, and I love it.
I also want to say the bezel action on this thing is pretty decent. I love a good bezel and I was expecting much worse, but I was pleasantly surprised by a nice and sharp tactility with some back play. For what it is, it’s pretty good.
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Straight off the track
The deep blue ridges create so much depth and texture, and the applied numerals and white subdials are a beautiful contrast, allowing all parties involved to have their own spotlight. Usually, it’s difficult to incorporate so many colours and textures in one dial, but the Continental Chronograph is a great example of how to do so cleanly and minimally without any break in the design. It also carries this motorsport energy that I can’t get over, and it makes me want to go fast, as chronographs tend to do.
I think the reason this watch hit so hard is that it reminds me so much of vintage motorsport. At this point, I talk about vintage racing like I’ve lived it, but it’s true, I love it and watch countless hours of footage on YouTube: from SCCA, NASCAR, CART, F1, Group B Rally, Group C, and the sweet, sweet Mercedes C11 or the Toyota TS010.
All the series and cars mentioned are motorsport to me, and the aesthetic of the Continental Chronograph has just the right amount of that vintage motorsport vibe; from Suzuka to Monaco, Indianapolis to Daytona, this feels like a driver’s watch that was revived and put on my wrist, and if that makes me a bit biased towards it and fall even harder, that’s fine by me.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 46mm Lug to Lug 10mm Thick 12mm Lug Width 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Mineral Crystal Textured Blue Dial |
| Movement | Seiko-Epson YM12a Quartz 5-year Battery Life |
| Strap | Steel Bracelet |
Q Timex Continental Chronograph
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Quibbles
As a whole, I love the Q series, and the Continental Chronograph has been an awesome watch to experience. The only things I want to say are: can we please get this design in an automatic or manual wind, and can different bracelets or strap options be available?
I have nothing against quartz; I believe it’s great for those looking for convenience and a watch to just grab and go, but there are so many designs in the Q catalogue, and I know it stands for quartz, that would be amazing with a mechanical counterpart.
I love the look of an integrated bracelet, but for a watch like this, I think having additional strap options available, or sticking with the original case design that allows an aftermarket strap to be used, is a great call. Either create more straps and give the option to pick them at checkout, or switch to a similar bracelet style as the Q Reissue with its stretch bracelet; that watch looks very integrated and doesn’t limit strap options.
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Final Thoughts
You want my final thought? For the price, the Q Timex Continental Chronograph is a pretty sweet watch. With a clean and traditional take on a chronograph, it features some colour and styling cues as a nod to vintage watches of the ’70s that could be found on the wrist of a driver, adventurer, or even someone who just wants a great watch.
Tyler, you haven’t told us the price yet! Well, let me hit you with a cool $250 ($339 CAD), and I’ll be on my way. For the money, you’re getting a pretty reliable little unit of a watch, and while my aforementioned quibbles talk about the bracelet for the most part, it wears great, and many will overlook the strap choice thing, I think. For more information, feel free to check out Timex.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts and opinions on another watch! Have a fantastic morning, afternoon, or evening, wherever you’re reading from, and I’ll see you in the next one!
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About the author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
Check out these other articles from Tyler:
Tone & Time – The Misha Mansoor Interview
Pulsar P2 2900 vs Hamilton PRS
30th Anniversary Casio G-SHOCK DW-6900TR
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.