Established in 1854, Timex is one of the oldest watch companies in the world. For 170 years, this company has stood the test of time. From World War I and the Holocaust to the Covid-19 pandemic, it remains strong, continuously producing quality yet affordable watches for everyone.
In the Philippines, the company held a grand event titled “A Journey in Time” to mark this significant milestone. This event honored Timex’s rich heritage, celebrated its success, and set the stage for a promising future. Part of the program included the “Oldest Timex Watch” competition, where watch collectors across the Philippines showcased the oldest Timex watches in their collections.
Out of 54 entries nationwide, eight winners were selected, with first place awarded to Nico Vinuya for his Ingersoll Waterbury Pocket Watch. His vintage pocket watch, manufactured in 1920, is now 104 years old.
According to Nico, the watch was originally owned by a war veteran and served as a family heirloom. “I got it from a seller in America. He told me he inherited it from his parents, who had received it from his great-grandfather, a war veteran,” Nico shared. “In the 1920s, his father obtained this watch and passed it down through generations until he decided to sell it.”
When asked why he chose to collect Timex pieces, Nico attributed it to their enduring quality. “I majored in history. History fascinates me. I chose Timex not just because of the name, but the history behind it,” he said. “That’s why I selected some Waterbury pieces, knowing they’re part of Timex’s legacy.”
The other winners included Antonio Abenir’s 1959 Marlin Watch, Joaquin Toledo’s 1965 Marlin Watch, Miguel Gregorio's 1969 Electric Watch, Stephanie Goze’s 1970 Sprite Watch, Jay Tauyan’s 1973 Mercury Watch, Chelo Trapaga’s 1977 Snoopy Watch, and Matt Gahol’s 1978 Marlin Watch. Each winner received a certificate and a Timex watch of their choice.
The return of the $1 watch
In addition to the competition, Timex is continuing its 170th-anniversary celebration by unveiling a special limited-edition, iconic $1 watch. Reviving a legacy of accessible timekeeping, this release honors the brand’s heritage dating back to its origins as the Waterbury Clock Company. This watch commemorates Timex's iconic Yankee pocket watch, its first $1 timepiece, famously known as “the watch that made the dollar famous.”
In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Joelin Ngai, Timex’s regional marketing manager, mentioned that only 1,000 pieces of this watch will be released worldwide, with 100 allocated to the Philippine market. Available for just $1 (or ₱50), this limited-edition timepiece will be sold exclusively at Level 2 of the Main Mall in SM Mall of Asia, Metro Manila, on Nov. 16, 2024.
The fall-winter 2024 collection
Timex also launched its Fall/Winter 2024 collection, which includes the Timex x Jacquie Aiche—a reimagined Timex Legacy created through the ethereal lens of fine jewelry designer Jacquie Aiche. The collection also features the Weekender, which brings a fresh burst of energy with a sleek new case, crown design, and a variety of fabric and leather straps that exude comfort, casual style, and coolness. The Deepwater, with its Deepwater Reef 200 model, combines resilience and elegance, offering essential features for underwater pursuits.
“For 170 years, as a watch company, we’ve maintained our craftsmanship, passion, and DNA, while continuously innovating,” Joelin says. “We stay tuned to what the new generation wants. We have Stranger Things collaboration, the Fortnite, and next year we will have Wednesday Adams collaboration. We keep on listening. Our pieces are fashionable, accessible, and of course durable.”