In Review: Timex Q style, two ways

Ok, to be fair, the Timex M79 isn’t actually part of the Timex Q lineup, but we had it in at the same time as a Q, and they look so similar, we thought it made sense to review them together. And, as an interesting side note, Victor has a very clever find (in regards to bracelet fitment) on the Timex Q, so check out the latest podcast episode for that. And, while you listen to that, you can read this here review!

So, as I mentioned, we’ve actually got two different models in this review. The first is the Q Timex Reissue, and it’s probably the watch you think of when someone talks about the Timex Q line. It comes in at a very comfortable 38mm width, which has the tapered (and integrated) lugs that goes down to the bracelet. That bracelet is serviceable, but I had to admit I’m not entirely enamored of the expansion-link look that it has. That said, it’s easy enough to adjust and get a good fit on your wrist.

The Q Timex Reissue presents a very timeless look (well, integrated case design perhaps not as timeless) with the bi-color bezel surrounding the domed acrylic crystal. Worth noting here that it’s not the dive time bezel you might expect with this particular dial layout. Rather, it’s a 12-hour scale. Which means you can loosely time long-running stuff, or you can offset it from your local time to track a second timezone pretty easily. Add in the day and date displays, and you’ve got a very capable everyday watch here.

The great thing about the sub-style dial is that it really brings the legibility there – day or night, I never had a problem picking out the time. Given it’s relative timelessness, it also means that it’s a watch that could work in a variety of settings. Water resistance is just 50m, so you’ll be ok for a casual swim (or dipping your hand in the stream) but it’s not going to be your deep-sea diver. Then again, that’s not the right bezel for it. The quartz movement keeps things at a relatively thin 11.5mm, and with pricing coming in at $179, you’ve got a solid summertime watch in the offering here.

On the other hand, if you like the look but prefer your watches to have automatic movements, then the Timex M79 Automatic is where you want to look. In many, many ways, this is the same watch as the quartz, just hit with a mild embiggening ray. The 38mm case grows to 40mm, and you also pick up 3mm in thickness (need room for that automatic rotor). Dial markings look to be slightly larger, as would be the handset; the hour hand has the Timex ‘T’ on it, rather than the blank circle of the Q.

We’re also seeing the bezel change over from a 12-hour scale to the 60-minute “Diver” bezel (complete with a luminous pip at the zero mark), so you might think that this is one to head for deep waters with. On the contrary, we’ve still got the 50m WR rating, so this is one more for those casual swims. Even so, dive watches (or the dive watch look) is acceptable just about anywher, right? So, go on with what you want to wear.

Much like the Q, the Timex M79 Automatic is available in a few different colors (though not as many as the Q). As should be obvious by the name, this watch features an automatic movement, visible through the exhibition caseback around back. Well and the fact that it says ‘Automatic’ right on the dial. This change of movement also is why we’re seeing a change to the price, with this one coming in at $279. Stylistically, they are quire similar, so really, the choice comes down to what size of watch (and how thick of a watch) you want to have on your wrist. If compact is your thing, then the Q is your partner; on the other hand, if you want something a bit visually bolder, then M79 is where you’ll want to land. Either way, it’s a solid, classic look, and are all available over at timex.com.