Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph: In Review

Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph: We first told you about it here, and it seems like it’s hit the pinnacle of what all they can shove, complication-wise, into the base Q Timex platform (and general look). We recently spent some time with one, and have some thoughts for you.

For starters, the Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph looks very much like, well, a Q Timex. It’s got the same “lugless” case design that we saw when the line first started up (reviewed here), as well as the bulbous battery access hatch on the caseback. We’ve also seen a GMT version before (reviewed here), so, realistically, it’s the addition of the chronograph functionality that’s new here.

Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph: Dial

Does it make for a busy dial? Well, yes, yes it does. However, if you’re not actively using the chronograph, those subdials fade into the background (other than the running seconds at 6 o’clock). Over the top of those, the red GMT hand stands out sharply, as does the larger main handset. So, for the main, always-running time elements, you’ve got no issues with reading those. The date display, that’s a touch small for my tastes, but they had to fit it where they could.

As far as chronograph functions go, you have “just” a 60-minute counter with the subdial at 9 o’clock. The 12 o’clock register is for tracking 24-hour time, and is locked to the main handset. So, how, then, are you tracking three time zones? You’ve got the main handset, so there’s one. The second, then, is going to be the red GMT hand. Well, ok, it’s not a GMT hand, because the scale truly is a 12-hour scale. Which is a bit confusing, especially if you’re used to a 24-hour scale for that hand. Regardless, that’s a second time zone. The third, then, comes in via the 12-hour bezel, which you can offset.

As long as we’re talking about the time zones, we should talk about how you adjust things. At first, the movement seems like it is a “traveller” movement, as the main hour hand is what you set independently. However, you can only move it forward. In that adjustment position, if you rotate things the other direction, you’re changing the date. So, it’s a weird amalgamation of things that has the watch starting to feel like it maybe wasn’t thought out as much past the idea of “let’s shove as much as we can into the case”.

Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph: Price

If you’re really wanting a GMT watch with the look and style of the Q Timex, those exist, and would be a more capable watch. If you want just a chronograph and don’t care about the time zones, they’ve got you covered there as well. On the other hand, if you want all the things – which some reduced usability, in our opinion – that’s what you’ve got here, for $219 on the rubber strap as we reviewed, or $239 on the bracelet. Check out the collection over at timex.com

Tech Specs from Timex

40mm stainless steel case
Case Height: 11.5 mm

Strap and Lug Width: 18 mm
Stainless steel bracelet or synthetic rubber strap (quick-release spring bars)
50m WR rating

3 Time Zones
Chronograph function
Features
- Luminant Hands
- Case Back Features Battery Hatch
- Tracks Three Time Zones
- 2nd Time Zone Hour Hand
- Rotating Top Ring
- Date Window
- Chronograph
MSRP: $219 (rubber) / $239 (bracelet)