Even though today’s watch market is perpetuated by a love for mechanical function hidden behind a small clock on one’s wrist, there’s no shame in owning and wanting a cheap timepiece. There’s a lot of room for the luxurious and the affordable to coexist — even within the same person’s collection. However, Timex now pushes those tenets to the extreme with its upcoming release: a watch that costs just $1.
The Dollar Watch
Celebrating its impressive 170th anniversary this year, Timex began in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Co. (named after its hometown in Connecticut) and essentially just made clocks and pocket watches for around 90 years. It wasn’t until 1950 that Timex — which had changed its name just 9 years prior — even made its first-ever wristwatch.
However, this current watch release today heads back to the tail end of the 19th century when Waterbury put out Ingersoll’s Yankee pocket watch. This was the first watch that cost $1 (about $37.54 today), which was a big deal for the industry as it offered extreme affordability without compromising quality. These watches were very popular –– even Mark Twain put in a direct request for one.
Timex $1 Waterbury Watch Basics
Typically hoisting a still-affordable price tag of $119, the Waterbury model is a wristwatch version of the Ingersoll Yankee. This means plenty of vintage design cues, such as 3D-lacquered Roman numerals for hour markers, a glossy “ice white” dial, and a railway minute track around the outside. There’s also a day-date display on the right side of the dial.
The dial has the Timex and Waterbury script, plus there’s a denotation for its 170th anniversary. On the caseback, an engraving will read, “This watch celebrates simply great watchmaking since 1854,” sandwiched in between “TIMEX 170” and “A TRUE AMERICAN ICON.”
Timex hasn’t yet released specs but the regular Waterbury currently on the company’s site is a 40mm stainless steel model, which is likely to be the case here too. And since the regular Waterbury is powered by a quartz movement, it’s safe to assume this Dollar Watch will be also. From the pictures, it looks to be paired with a black leather strap.
How to Get One?
If you’re excited to get a quality, vintage-inspired Timex watch for less than a Costco hot dog, just wait a second: there’s a catch. Only 1,000 of these Waterbury timepieces will get released for this price point on November 16th and you’ll have to be one of the first in line with a good internet connection to have a chance. You’ll have to go to Timex.com at 10am EST for your best shot. Remember, you’ll be competing with buyer hopefuls from all over the world.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: TBA
Case Material: TBA
Water Resistance: TBA
Movement: TBA
Band: Black leather strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 1,000
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $1, the Timex Waterbury 170th Anniversary model will be limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide. Head over to Timex’s website at 10am EST on November 16 for your chance to get one for yourself.
Recap
Timex $1 Waterbury 170th Anniversary Watch
Timex revives an 1896 pocket watch that costs just $1, released in a 1,000-piece run for the brand’s 170th anniversary.
