Otis Singleton
The first electric Timex watches were produced for sale in 1962, although some sources suggest they were put on the market as early as 1960 or 1961. Timex acquired the German company Laco in 1959 to obtain their electric watch technology, and the first Timex electrics were powered by the Durowe Electric Caliber 870 movement. By 1962, Timex held the number one market share position in the United States, with one out of every three watches sold being a Timex. The company continued to innovate, and in 1981, the Timex electric watch featured calendar and day-date complications in addition to a number of other innovations such as the high-beat Dynabeat ranges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Timex started making electric watches | 1962 |
| Number of models launched initially | 3 |
| Features of the first model | Chrome plated with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 |
| Features of the second model | Gold plated with the same design as the first model |
| Features of the third model | Gold plated with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock |
| Powering the first Timex electric watches | M67 time only movement operating at 21,600bph |
| Mechanism management | Recessed crown on the back of the case (called a back-set movement) |
| Time period of Timex electric watches | 1962-1981 |
| Innovations in Timex electric watches | Calendar and day date complications, high-beat Dynabeat ranges |
| Timex electric movement origin | Laco, a West German watch brand acquired by Timex |
| Time of acquisition of Laco by Timex | February 1, 1959 |
| Reason for the acquisition | To acquire electric watch technology |
| Time of debut of the Timex brand | 1950 |
| Year of the first Timex Electrics in the market | 1960/61 |
| Company from which Timex bought the battery movements | Durowe company of Germany |
| Year Timex held the number one market share position in the United States | 1962 |
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What You'll Learn
Timex's first electric watches were released in 1962
Timex first released electric watches for sale in 1962. The company introduced three models: a chrome-plated watch with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; a gold-plated watch featuring the same design; and another gold-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. These vintage watches were unique in that they lacked a crown on the side of the case, opting instead for a recessed crown at the back, known as a back-set movement.
The Timex electric watches were powered by the M67 time-only movement, operating at 21,600 beats per hour (bph), and featured a hooded lug design. This marked the beginning of Timex's electric watch journey, which lasted until 1981. Over the years, the company introduced innovations and improvements to its electric watch line, including calendar and day-date complications and the introduction of the high-beat Dynabeat ranges.
It is worth noting that some sources indicate that Timex introduced electric watches to the market as early as 1960 or 1961. However, this was before the company began producing their own electric movements. During this initial phase, Timex utilised the Durowe Electric calibre 870 movement, which they acquired from the German company Durowe.
The debut of Timex electric watches in 1962 coincided with a significant period in the company's history. By then, Timex had established itself as a prominent watch brand in the United States, holding the number one market share position. The company's success was driven by its ability to combine automation, precision tooling techniques, and simple designs, resulting in affordable yet durable timepieces.
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The models included chrome and gold-plated designs
The first electric Timex watches were produced and launched for sale in 1962. Three models were initially launched, including chrome and gold-plated designs. The chrome-plated model featured Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, while the gold-plated model featured the same design. A second gold-plated model was also released, featuring Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. These early Timex Electric models were powered by the M67 time-only movement, operating at 21,600bph. They featured a unique hooded lug design and a recessed crown on the back of the case, known as a back-set movement.
The Timex Electric range continued to evolve and expand over the years. In 1963-1965, three new models were released, including one chrome-plated and two gold-plated designs. The chrome/gold dot-dash dial featured a combination of stick and Arabic markers, while the gold-plated model had Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. In 1966, Timex introduced two chrome and three gold-plated designs, with variations in case designs and dial markers. The standard full lug design was introduced, with one gold model featuring a cushion-shaped case.
The Timex Electric collection showcased the brand's innovation and durability, solidifying its position in the watch market. The models with chrome and gold-plated designs offered a range of aesthetic options for consumers, contributing to the success and longevity of the Timex Electric line. These vintage watches not only told time but also embodied the style and craftsmanship of their era, making them sought-after collectibles today.
Timex has a long history in the watch industry, dating back to 1854 when it was founded as the Waterbury Clock Company. The brand has gone through various iterations, including the introduction of the Timex name in 1941 and the launch of the Timex Corporation in 1944. Over the years, Timex has navigated challenges, adapted to technological advancements, and expanded its global presence. By 1962, Timex had established itself as the number one watch brand in the United States, with a market share of one in every three watches sold.
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The watches were powered by the M67 movement
The first electric Timex watches were launched in 1962, with three models: a chrome-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; 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 unique in that they were powered by the M67 movement, which was a 'time-only' movement operating at 21,600 beats per hour (bph).
The M67 movement was distinct in that it featured a hooded lug design and lacked a traditional side-mounted crown. Instead, the M67 utilised a back-set movement, with the mechanism managed by a recessed crown on the back of the watch case. This design choice set the Timex electric watches apart from other timepieces of that era.
The M67 movement was an important milestone in the evolution of Timex electric watches. Introduced in 1962, it served as the foundation for subsequent innovations and improvements over the years. The M67 movement was succeeded by the M84 and M85 movements, which were introduced in 1966 for time-only and calendar models, respectively.
Timex continued to build on the success of their electric watches, introducing new models and features. By the 1970s, however, the watch industry underwent significant changes with the emergence of cheap mechanical watches from the Far East and the development of digital quartz watches by Japanese companies. Despite these challenges, Timex adapted and evolved their designs, with the electric watch line running until 1981.
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Timex acquired Laco, a West German watch brand
The first Electric Timex watches were produced and put on the market in 1962. Three models were launched, including a chrome-plated design with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, and two gold-plated designs, one of which had Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. These vintage Timex Electric watches were powered by the M67 time-only movement, which operated at 21,600 beats per hour (bph) and featured a hooded lug design.
Interestingly, these early Timex Electric watches did not have a crown on the side of the case. Instead, they were managed by a recessed crown on the back of the case, known as a back-set movement. The Timex Electric watch evolved over time, eventually featuring calendar and day-date complications, as well as innovations such as the high-beat Dynabeat ranges.
Timex's first electric movements originated from Laco, a West German watch brand that Timex acquired in 1961. Timex was particularly interested in Laco's advancements in electric and electronic watches. The Laco-electric, the first reliable German electric watch, entered the market in 1961 or 1962 with US funding.
Laco had a higher status in Germany than the US make, and its versions of the watch sold for a higher price in Germany. The Laco Sport, produced since 1952, included the first automatic movement of Durowe, the Duromat – 11 ½ lines (cal. 552). In 1957, the Laco chronometer with manual wind 630 (13 lines) was developed in an attempt to repeat the success of the original pilot watches.
On September 1, 1965, Timex sold Laco-Durowe to the Swiss company Ebauches S.A. after 6 and a half years of ownership. Despite this, Timex continued to develop its own electric watch movements, with the Timex Electric watch line running from 1962 to 1981.
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The electric watches were produced until 1981
The first electric Timex watches were launched in 1962, with three models: a chrome-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; a gold-plated model with the same design; and a second gold-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. These vintage watches were unique in that they had no crown on the side of the case; instead, the mechanism was adjusted using a recessed crown on the back, known as a back-set movement.
Over the next two decades, Timex continued to innovate and expand its electric watch offerings. Between 1963 and 1965, three new models were released, including one chrome-plated and two gold-plated designs. In 1966, Timex introduced two chrome and three gold-plated models, featuring a full lug design. The dial designs also evolved, with chrome and gold models showcasing a combination of stick and Arabic markers.
In 1967, Timex expanded its ladies' electric watch range with a tank-style cased piece in gold plate. The following year, the company launched the Dorado Electric, featuring a solid 14-karat gold case, stick markers, and a gold crown on the dial. The standard men's range also continued to evolve, with the introduction of a chrome-plated model with Roman numerals and eight additional electric models.
Timex's electric watch journey began even before the launch of their first electric watches in 1962. In 1959, the company acquired Laco, a West German watch brand, to obtain electric watch technology. Initially, they relied on Durowe, a German company, for battery movements, using the Durowe Electric calibre 870 in their early electric watches.
The production of Timex electric watches continued until 1981. During this period, the watches evolved to include calendar and day-date complications, as well as innovations like the high-beat Dynabeat ranges. However, by the 1970s and early 1980s, the American watch industry faced significant challenges due to the influx of cheap mechanical watches from the Far East and the development of digital quartz watches by Japanese companies. This rapid technological advancement rendered Timex's mechanical watchmaking production facilities obsolete, leading to a decline in their operations and workforce.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electric Timex watches were produced for sale in 1962.
Three models were launched in 1962: a chrome-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; a gold-plated model of the same design; and a second gold-plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock.
These watches were powered by the M67 time-only movement, which operated at 21,600 bph. They featured a hooded lug design and a unique back-set movement, with the mechanism managed by a recessed crown on the back of the case rather than on the side.
Timex entered the electric watch market by acquiring Laco, a West German watch brand, in 1959. They also purchased the Durowe company of Germany to obtain their battery movements, using the Durowe Electric caliber 870 in their early electric watches.
