Otis Singleton
Electric watches were an important innovation in the history of timekeeping, popular from 1957 until the quartz watch took over in the mid-1970s. The first electric watches were publicly displayed in 1952, and the first commercially produced electric watch, the Hamilton 500, was released in 1957. Electric watches were significantly cheaper than their mechanical counterparts, and their accuracy was superior. Timex electric watches were first produced in 1962, with three models launched: two gold-plated designs, and a chrome-plated model. Timex electric watches were successful, and the company continued to innovate, introducing calendar and day-date complications, and expanding their range to include ladies' models.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Electric Timex Watches | Produced for sale in 1962 |
| Number of models launched in 1962 | 3 |
| Features of the models | Chrome plated model with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9; A gold plated model of the same design; and a second gold plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock |
| Powering the models | M67 time only movement which operated at 21,600bph |
| Mechanism | Managed by a recessed crown on the back of the case, called a back-set movement |
| Timex Electric Watch History | Ran from 1962 to 1981 and evolved to feature calendar and day date complications |
| Other innovations | High-beat Dynabeat ranges |
| Timex Model 67 | Fully jewelled and with polished screws with plated base-metal cases |
| Timex Model 84 | Used the M84 movement for time-only models, and the M85 calibre for calendar versions |
| Dorado Electric | Launched in 1968 with a solid 14-Karat gold case |
| Timex Electric price | $29.95 |
| Timex Electric movement | 2 minutes fast per day |
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What You'll Learn
- The first Timex Electric watches were launched in 1962
- Timex Electric watches were produced from 1962 to 1981
- Timex's early models were of moderate quality
- Timex's success in the electric watch market contributed to Hamilton's financial problems
- Timex used Durowe's Electric calibre 870 movement in their first electric watches
The first Timex Electric watches were launched in 1962
The success of these initial models set the stage for Timex's expansion in the electric watch market. From 1963 to 1965, Timex built on this success by releasing three new models: one chrome-plated and two gold-plated. These models continued to utilise the M67 movement and featured innovative dial designs. The chrome/gold dot-dash dial combined both dot and dash markings, while the gold-plated model showcased Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. This period also saw the introduction of a ladies' model, marking Timex's recognition of the female market for electric watches.
Timex continued to innovate and evolve its electric watch offerings over the years. By 1966, the company introduced two chrome and three gold-plated designs, transitioning to a standard full lug design. One of the gold models stood out with its distinctive cushion-shaped case. The dial designs also evolved, with the chrome/gold models featuring a combination of stick and Arabic markers, while the gold models with cushion cases showcased stick markers exclusively. Timex refined its timepiece movements during this period, employing the M84 movement for time-only models and the M85 movement for calendar versions.
The Timex electric watch line thrived from its inception in 1962 until 1981, a remarkable span of nearly two decades. During this time, Timex continuously introduced complications and innovations to its electric watches. Calendar and day-date complications were added, enhancing the functionality of the watches. Additionally, Timex introduced the high-beat Dynabeat ranges, showcasing their commitment to both style and precision. The success of Timex's electric watches was not without impact on the market; their affordable pricing and high volume production likely contributed to financial troubles for competing watchmakers, such as Hamilton, in the late 1960s.
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Timex Electric watches were produced from 1962 to 1981
The Timex Electric watch line evolved over the years, introducing calendar and day-date complications and innovations like the high-beat Dynabeat ranges. In 1963-1965, three new models were released: one chrome-plated and two gold-plated cases. From 1966 onwards, case designs shifted to a standard full lug design, with some models featuring cushion-shaped cases. The dial designs also evolved, with chrome and gold models showcasing a combination of stick and Arabic markers.
Timex continued to expand its electric watch offerings, releasing multiple men's and ladies' models with various features and designs. In 1968, they launched the Dorado Electric, a solid 14-karat gold case model with stick markers and a gold crown on the dial. By 1969, the men's Timex electric watch line included 13 models, with an increasing number of watches featuring side-mounted crowns.
The early 1970s saw the introduction of electric skin diver watches, with both no-date and calendar models available. Timex also launched several dive watches for men and ladies, with the number of models released increasing year after year. However, the arrival of cheap mechanical watches from the Far East and the development of digital quartz watches in the 1970s and early 1980s significantly impacted the American watch and clock industry, including Timex.
Despite the challenges posed by new technologies and competition, Timex persevered and refocused their efforts on timepieces in the mid-1980s, emphasising product quality and fashionable design. They introduced improvements such as longer battery life, more durable gold plating, greater accuracy, and more water-resistant styles.
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Timex's early models were of moderate quality
Timex's early electric watch models, such as the M67, were considered to be of moderate quality. These watches were first launched in 1962, with three models available for sale: a chrome-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, a gold-plated model with the same design, and another gold-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. These early Timex electric watches were unique in that they did not have a traditional crown on the side of the case. Instead, they featured a recessed crown on the back of the case, known as a back-set movement.
Despite being fully jewelled and having polished screws, the early models had plated base-metal cases, which contributed to their moderate quality perception. The M67 movement, which operated at 21,600 beats per hour, was also used in the chrome and gold-plated models released in 1963-1965 and the gold-plated ladies' model launched in 1964.
Timex's electric watches were successful due to their affordable price point and large-volume production. The brand's success in the electric watch market likely impacted Hamilton's financial situation in the late 1960s. Over time, Timex continued to innovate and expand its electric watch offerings. By 1966, they introduced models with standard full lug designs, and in 1967, they expanded their ladies' electric watch range with a tank-style cased piece in gold plate.
In 1968, Timex launched the Dorado Electric, a premium model featuring a solid 14-karat gold case and stick markers, accompanied by a gold crown on the dial above the logo. That same year, they introduced eight additional men's electric models, including various gold and chrome-plated designs with different markers and calendar versions. The ladies' electric watch range also expanded with a silver tank-style design.
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Timex's success in the electric watch market contributed to Hamilton's financial problems
Timex's success in the electric watch market was a significant contributor to Hamilton's financial troubles in the late 1960s. The first electric Timex watches were introduced in 1962, with three models available: a chrome-plated model with Arabic numerals, a gold-plated model with the same design, and a second gold-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. These watches were affordable and featured the M67 movement, operating at 21,600bph. They also had a unique back-set movement, with the mechanism controlled by a recessed crown on the back of the case, rather than a traditional crown on the side.
Timex continued to innovate and expand its electric watch offerings over the next few years. Between 1963 and 1965, they released three new models with chrome or gold plating and Arabic numerals. In 1966, they introduced two chrome and three gold-plated designs, some featuring a full lug design and cushion-shaped cases. By 1967, Timex had expanded its ladies' electric watch range, offering a tank-style cased piece in gold plate.
Timex's electric watches were produced in large volumes and sold at inexpensive price points. Their success can be attributed to a combination of automation, precision tooling techniques, and simpler designs compared to higher-priced Swiss watches. Additionally, Timex utilized a new hard alloy called Armalloy, which provided durability and replaced the expensive jewels typically used in watch movements. This further reduced costs and increased the accessibility of their watches to a wider market.
In 1968, Timex launched the Dorado Electric, a solid 14-karat gold case model, along with eight additional men's electric models. They continued to innovate, introducing calendar and day-date complications, as well as the high-beat Dynabeat ranges. By the mid-1980s, Timex refocused its efforts specifically on timepieces, prioritizing product quality and fashionable design to maintain their success in the mass market.
Meanwhile, Hamilton struggled to compete with the affordable and innovative Timex electric watches. Their Hamilton Electric watches were considered very expensive in comparison, and their financial problems in the late 1960s can be attributed, at least in part, to Timex's success and dominance in the electric watch market during that era.
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Timex used Durowe's Electric calibre 870 movement in their first electric watches
The first Timex electric watches were launched in 1962, with three models released. However, the company did not produce their own electric movements at that time. Instead, they relied on the German company Durowe's battery movements. Specifically, Timex's first electric watches utilised the Durowe Electric calibre 870 movement. This movement was marked by its robust implementation of the electric watch technology of the era.
The Durowe Electric calibre 870 featured a coil on the balance wheel, which received a pulse of current during one arm swing of the arc. This pulse generated a repulsive magnetic field that interacted with the permanent magnets affixed to the mainplate. As a result, the balance wheel received a burst of energy, which was then channelled by the escapement into the drive train. Notably, the wheel rotated backwards to a position where the next pulse could be applied, resulting in an energy pulse with each arc of the balance wheel.
The Durowe Electric calibre 870 movement proved to be a successful choice for Timex's inaugural electric watches. Its performance surpassed that of the contemporary Hamilton Electric, which was significantly more expensive. The initial Timex Electrics, featuring the Durowe movement, were offered with a chrome case and a faux leather strap at an affordable price of $29.95.
Timex's adoption of the Durowe Electric calibre 870 movement marked a significant step in the evolution of their electric watch offerings. Over time, the Timex electric watch range progressed to incorporate additional features such as calendar and day-date complications. The early success of the Durowe movement in Timex's first electric watches laid the foundation for the company's continued exploration and innovation in the electric watch market.
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Frequently asked questions
The first Electric Timex Watches were produced for sale in 1962. Three models were launched, including a chrome-plated model and two gold-plated models.
The first models used the M67 movement. Interestingly, the model number does not seem to be linked to the release date, as Model 67 was released before Model 40.
The vintage Timex Electric watches had no crown on the side of the case. Instead, the mechanism was managed by a recessed crown on the back of the case, known as a back-set movement.
Timex sells water-resistant watches with ratings of 30m, 50m, 100m, or 200m. To maintain water resistance, avoid pressing any buttons underwater unless your watch is indicated as 200m water-resistant.
