Q Timex Dégradé Review | Is This Retro Watch Worth It?!
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Timex, a century-old brand renowned for durable and budget-friendly watches, faced a critical juncture with the advent of smartphones and smartwatches. In response, Timex has shifted gears, venturing into the realm of more expensive timepieces. The Timex Dégradé Reissue is a prime example of this new direction, showcasing a blend of retro design and modern appeal.
History
The Dégradé Reissue joins the ranks of Timex’s ‘reissue’ series, a line that revives and reimagines classic designs from the brand’s extensive history. This model draws inspiration from the 1970s, evident in its wave-like dial and bold color scheme.
The gradient dial, transitioning from a light champagne hue to a dark rim, is a nod to the name Dégradé, meaning ‘gradient’ in French. This design choice reflects a daring departure from Timex’s traditional aesthetics, moving towards more experimental and expressive styles.
Design
The watch’s unique appearance is amplified by its three-dimensional crystal, an innovative design that breaks away from conventional flat or domed crystals. This faceted crystal creates an illusion of depth and complexity, enhancing the watch’s visual appeal. I’ve seen this on vintage watches from the 70s, and this is perhaps the first time it’s made a comeback on a modern timepiece; it’s interesting. Thankfully, the design is implemented on the underside of the crystal, meaning the upper Plexiglass can still be buffed to remove scratches with Polywatch or an alternative abrasive substance.
The Art Deco influence is subtly present in the color scheme and geometric lines, adding a vintage yet timeless charm. It looks awesome when rotated in any lighting conditions.
Dimensions
With a diameter of 38mm and a lug-to-lug length of 45mm, the Dégradé is modest in size, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The 12mm thickness, including the experimental crystal, adds presence without being overly bulky.
The curved hooded lugs and radial brushing on the case contribute to a sleek and comfortable fit on the wrist.
Movement
The use of a quartz movement in the Dégradé is a pragmatic and economical choice, offering reliability and accuracy at a low price. However, the loud ticking sound of the movement may be a concern for those sensitive to noise.
The PC33A caliber, sourced from TMI (a subsidiary of Seiko Group), provides a consistent hand movement but falls short in terms of auditory discretion, akin to the infamous Timex Weekender tick. The battery powering this movement can be easily changed via the hatch mounted to the rear.
Build Quality & Bracelet
Timex has paid some attention to the build quality of the Dégradé, with a case that combines radial brushing and polished sides, though it’s not as hefty as some Chinese ‘homage’ brand watches, who often pack in improved specifications and finishing for the same cost.
The jubilee-style bracelet is a pleasant surprise, offering solidity and comfort beyond its price point. It lacks micro-adjustment holes, but the small link size somewhat alleviates this. My unit has one stiff link, which I may have to lubricate. It’s still a welcome surprise compared to other major brands, who use rolled links at this price.
Water Resistance
The watch’s water resistance of 5 bar (50 meters) is adequate for everyday wear, though not suitable for diving. This is fairly decent, considering the quick-access rear hatch, a feature that usually inhibits this drastically.
Final Thoughts
Priced at £180, the Timex Dégradé Reissue offers a unique and glamorous look that belies its cost. While it does have shortcomings, particularly in the loudness of the quartz movement, its distinctive design and comfortable wear make it a compelling choice for those seeking a watch with character and history.