TIMEX RETRO DIGITALS - 70s 80s and 90 vintage digital watch overview with history of Timex #timex

I know you've heard of the Timex Ironman, perhaps the Atlantis - but what about the Humvee? Star Trek watches? Skiathlom? Alongside a more general introduction to the history of Timex and an overview of the key aspects of the business today - the focus of this video is vintage Timex digital watches from the 70s 80s and 90s as they compete with Casio for digital dominance. They had the indigo, but did you know they developed a pager integrated in a watch? That they have a significant heritage of digital watches in space? We also briefly consider the enigmatic Fred Olsen - the Norwegian Billionaire who is at the head of the company that owns the brand due to its relatives role in transitioning waterbury clocks and watches into United States Time Corporation and later Timex. We consider more briefly some of the mechanical contributions too like the Marlin, Spirte revisited recently by Todd Snyder and madmen style adverts for their conventional and electric watches. I hope you enjoy #digitalwatch #retro
Should you be enjoying the content and would like to support the channel - why not considering buying me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/Illuminating

[@jtmoore662]

For christmas in 1987, my parents bought me a Timex Atlantis 100 dive watch. I wore that thing up until 1994 when I hit the face on a door handle and cracked it and it stopped working. Dumb me tossed it and today kick myself for not getting it fixed. I found the same watch on Ebay 4 weeks ago in almost excellent condition for 120 bucks, I bought it and am so happy!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Aw very glad you managed to get a replacement! A great classic watch!

[@gashmog_1383]

As always, your research are fantastic, thanks a lot for sharing this knowledge with us ! Your channel is heavily underrated, i'm conviced that you will gain views (and subs) with time (i'm sharing your videos with my friends, doing my part!); and I love the old Skiathlon, it's so aesthetic

[@IlluminatingWatches]

That is so kind of you Thankyou. Hopefully subscribe dog convinces more people to do so!

[@artemisXsidecross]

Much if what is good has always been underrated, it is the champions that still carry on.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Been looking forward to this one ever since seeing you post some Timex catalog images on your Instagram stories. Absolutely outstanding work as always! Although I don’t have as strong memories of Timex from when I was a kid as I have of Casio I’ve got such a soft spot for Timex as it was buying a humble Expedition Scout a few years ago which got me back into watches.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou! Totally get what you mean. My first watch was an Ironman so I love them , but they do also make some trash. Hunting for gold ive decided is what’s fun about Timex.

[@flavioe.2770]

I remember that around the age of 13 (1983) my father gave me a analogic Timex watch with a white background and just the hour and minute markers. At the time, in Brazil the most used watches were Orient, Casio (everyone wanted the G-Shock), Citizen (those who had $$$) and some other brands. As I wasn't familiar with the Timex brand, I was a little disappointed. Today I see that he bought me something of quality that I, not knowing anything at the time, disregarded a little. I wish I still had the watch today. I don't know how it ended. It would be a great souvenir given by my father, who is now gone.

[@danieljones3683]

I am now more of a fan of Casio than Timex but when I was a kid and young adult I preferred Timex. I still have a soft spot for Timex. I have owned probably 20 or so over the years including several Ironman watches. I still have a couple of my older ones that still work but they look rough now. Nice video it was fun going down memory lane.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane - my first watch was a timex ironman triathlon so I also have a soft spot!

[@brianfromireland]

Wow, I can’t imagine how much work this takes, great content for a channel, thanks so much

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou! It’s just part of the fun of the hobby for me. KZbin proving to be a great outlet . Weirdly enough there is minimal audience for my digital watch anecdotes amongst my friends ha!

[@brianfromireland]

@@IlluminatingWatches well it’s really interesting to see the big picture in one vid, going to work through your Casio vids later after work, I’m only getting into watches so just have a load of casios and a few Vostok, considering doing a channel also, think I’d love the interaction…. No one in real life wants to talk about Casio 😜

[@IlluminatingWatches]

You are in the right place my friend !! Consider me a subscriber in advance!

[@timtimecollector9808]

Excellent video mind boggling and entertaining too👍

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou! You’ll see why’ve I’ve been banging on so much about Timex on IG. Funnily enough I did it without the main text on their history as it’s just taken too long to arrive in the post. Will need to find another excuse to make a Timex video to justify it!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I found a busted "gold" red LED for sale at the flea market for 5$ yrs ago I didn't think much of it since I couldn't find much information appart from old adverts. So they are rare? Tell me more?! 🤑😂 I found your channel a couple weeks ago I was really surprised by the quality of your research, as a wannabe collector since the mid 2000's I'm often trying to get more specifics about X brand or watches I know a lot about jewelry since I'm in the trade but watches is another dimension... It's not always easy to go back when internet was just a dream; especially the quartz crisis period when tons of files and history were discarded. This channel feels like a passion project, your enthusiasm and professionalism is quite inspiring. Learning in every video you make! 👍

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Depends upon the LED!! Many many different gold LEDs and there is a whole community of folks who are only interested in that area of watchdom. I’m more of a generalist person who is just curious rather than being a deep expert on anything. So glad to hear you are enjoying, and I like going the extra mile on the research as its what I found enjoyable about the hobby (as you say - a passion project - there ain’t much money in this!!!) . Watches are an excuse to learn about so many aspects of popular culture and social history. A great tool is using the wayback machine and older newspapers and catalogs - and indeed books! Thanks again for the kind feedback!

[@tempocrazed]

Found your video while looking for information on my "rare" Timex digital watch. I received it from a great friend in the early 90's because he knew that I really wanted it and my parents couldn't afford to buy it for me. It is the Marathon Ironman Triathlon Indiglo. It has a very squared off face with two blue buttons below. There is also two buttons on the left and one on the right. The model is a 741 D4 version not the D8. I was hoping you would talk about it, but I understand that you had a lot to get through and that rabbit hole would never stop. Also, I subbed too!👍

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thanks for subbing! Yes I only covered the Timex marathon digital very broadly. Something worth doing is going onto the Timex website via the wayback machine as it goes back to when some of the marathon digitals were still available and you may be able to find material on the model

[@artemisXsidecross]

Thank you again. I hope you are achieving the watch history you provide to other sources.

[@michaelk487]

Great video I always like Timex watches still do

[@ksggor]

Great videos! Thank you!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Welcome to the channel! I hope you enjoy the videos

[@vermazing888]

A beagle will always convince me to subscribe! Keep it up

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Yes! The beagle has been responsible for most of my subs, although I did have a subscribe snail on another video. Welcome to the channel!!

[@kevinmiller4629]

Great video. Informative and comprehensive. I didn’t see one digital Timex from the early 2000s. They were collab watches with Honeywell, ADT and a few others which were used as remote watches for home alarm systems, lights, garages, dispatching police/fire/medic, etc. When those alarm companies installed your alarm system with the necessary peripherals, you could get this specific Timex watch that will provide remote control functions. I have ones for both Honeywell and ADT.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Amazing! Sounds like I need to dig further. Amazing how many unexplored avenues there are once you get below the surface. Appreciate you watching!

[@Richspjones]

Great video and very interesting. I had the Marathon with 2 blue buttons featured at 11:34, but I lost it and have been trying to buy a replacement for sentimental reasons with no avail. Does anyone know where I could purchase one? Thanks in advance

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou! I’m glad you enjoyed. Sadly don’t know any good repair options :(

[@JulianM_Col]

Catching up with your recent videos. Superb research and edition, as usual! Thanks for sharing! Being a casio fan boy from the late 70s and from Colombia, timex was almost unknown to me until I got bit again by the watch bug a few years ago. Total respect for the brand, despite its multiple changes through the years. Their digital watches are tempting to me, but not enough (yet) to get one in the collection. However, I found their analog field watches extremely well designed and balanced, and I have a mk1 waiting in line... Hope that the dog brings many subscribers, your research and videos are delightful to watch Best regards from Colombia

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Welcome back. That’s so cool that someone from Columbia is watching my vids. Glad you are enjoying the new videos! I’m still totally a Casio guy, but there are some tempting Timex digitals in there. The latest green W Timex falcon eye does look nice!

[@L3GN5RW9]

The only watches I can remember wearing in my childhood were several Timex 1440s. Several because they would usually disintegrate within a year. The cases would break apart, crystals come right off, etc. However, despite their poor quality, I enjoyed them.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Hopefully like this video ha ha!! Yes - but at least they are somewhat consistent with their heritage on that front!

[@hansspiegl8684]

Thank you for the vintage digital watch series! So informativ and so much work and time invested. I wonder where this spirit of innovation from watchmakers has gone?

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I really appreciate that thankyou . Sadly, in the digital realm much of that innovation has gone into more advanced electronics. The calculator and the watch were the vanguard. There is still the occasional bit of significant innovation on the mechanical side. The omega chrono chime was impressive!

[@rosenfeld8]

Your work here is incredible! Never seen anyone dive so deep into the history the more accessible watch brands. I would really like to know more about the history of Nike digital watches, do you know who made them? Cheers mate!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou so much! No idea but that can be remedied!

[@philiphodge1099]

Never bought Timex In my life until last week. Bought the Timex Expedition Shock 100 metre... TW4B02500. I'm hooked. Thanks. 👀👍🇬🇧

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Ha ha I’m sorry but also not sorry!

[@kjell1448]

At 8:13 i finally found my Timex model, been searching for it for a long time. The one in your video is dark red, mine is grey. I thinks makes it extra rare :) Iam just a happy amateur collector of vintage digital watches.

[@zillsburyy1]

20:10 a tortoise shell digital. now thats a museum timex

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Ha ha yes you wouldn’t see that anymore

[@gshockbabe6144]

My mummy worked at the Dundee factory!Hello from Devon,England!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Oh how awesome! I bought a made in Great Britain one that was made in Dundee. Not expensive at all, but a bit of history!

[@jayn8392]

Something I always loved about timex vs casio (and I am a big casio fanboy), is that timex often offered different bracelets and even decent leather straps on many models. Withbcasiobyoubare always stuck with that awfuk resin band, that while adequate and usually plenty comfy. I just find to be flay out ugly. And every casio I get ends up with either a self modified leather strap, or a pair of jaysandkays lug size converters to out whatever I want on. Also, that indiglo just cannot be beaten. Casio is trash in the backlight dept.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Surprisingly I’ve not done too much modification. Casio my preferred brand overall , but Timex does have some awesome individual watches - but amongst some less inspiring options!

[@TickSweep]

Fantastic video as ever really interesting video on Timex! So many watches’s

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thanks Phil! Glad you liked it and hope there were some ones that piqued your interest.

[@tcwhite0104]

Great video and research. I am a big Timex watch collector. The cute dog did it.. lol Man I had a lot of those watches back in the day, wish I still had them, even had the data link watch. Don't forget the Todd Snyder collaborations. Some of the complicated complications in my collection are one of each of the Time, Compass, Tide and just Compass vintage models as well as the Linear choronographs, as well the analog alarm dial setting watches.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Yes the dog always works! This is primarily the digital side of things. I’m due to revisit the broader catalog!

[@tcwhite0104]

@@IlluminatingWatches 😂 seriously it was the content that hit me but the Beagle did add a bit 😂 that would be great I would love to see some of the dates to when some of these timex’s were produced. I have one of their first compass watches that Timex made still in the box. 😂 anyway I would love to see a video about those watches. Great job much appreciate your videos. I’m binge watching now

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I tried a snail in another video that didn’t seem to work as well! Appreciate you taking a look around the channel. Hope you enjoy!

[@RohitGupta-fh4og]

Excellent research work done. I am big fan of mechanical Timex watches. But after seeing this, I would love to explore digital as well. Where I can find complete catalog of Timex? If I get catalog, I can look what I don't have. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Looking forward to know more.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thanks so much! Since I did the video I’ve found that there was a few I missed like the magnum and stealth ranges. Hopefully this gave you a good feel for the back catalog regardless . Unlike casio , I’ve not been able to find Timex catalogs widely available (beyond the one that had the SSQ 70s digitals in the video) with Argos catalogs in the UK being one of the few sources. The Timex.com website has records going back to 1996 if you use the Wayback machine. If you want modern Timex - your best bet is the website and their Instagram. I’d love more Timex material if you do come across any good sources!!

[@Dynamics_Watch_Reviews]

Great video, you must do so much research, I love your uploads and your content Subscribed

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

No cute dog needed, subscribed for a long time lol. Great video, watching it in parts

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Very much appreciated! Hope you enjoy the full video !

[@WR3ND]

I had one of the Ironman Data Link watches, and one of the pager ones as well, but I don't think it was called Beepwear. It was a more sleek model that could receive e-mails as well. It was pretty cool, at least for a tech geek like me.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Nice! Well I’m working on a seiko digital watch history and there is some cool tech there too. Check out the seiko “receptor” digital watch with paging capability

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

Watched the whole thing, and amazing and informative as well. Big takeaway from the video, Timex has been largely playing catch up. No hate on the brand, would love me more than a few Q Timex and a Milano. Plus I do "need" an Ironman. My first watch might have been a Timex even, a Mickey Mouse analog in 1977 or 78. I was about 7 or 8. As far as I can remember, that broke pretty quick, then I was given a Casio digital :). Newer G Shocks and Casios are letting go of the electroluminescence. Better leds eat up less battery and light up the watch just as much. From what I've seen, seems like EL Casio watches are giving up the ghost at the twenty year mark. Timex Indiglo maybe a bit earlier. Seems like Casio is betting LED lights will last longer, and Illuminator watches might be a sweet memory in a few years time. From what I understand, the Marlins from the fifties and sixties did take a licking, but kept on ticking. At the expense of accuracy though. Their prevalence in the US market would also seem to have been bolstered by some Timex inspired trade blocks. Wonder if that sort of movement could have been perfected without trade protections. Seems like they were used by Times and by East German manufacturers. Taking backlog models and making them new seems to be working for them. That is a limited exercise that will run its course, though. They do need new ideas. Even this raiding of their back catalog seems a bit Casio inspired. The auto watches are a good move, but going all out stainless steel and building an identity for their digital and quartz modules would help a lot (like Casio using basically Myota movements for their cheap analog line, though no one seems to know that). Sorry for long ramble. Just some largely uncoordinated thoughts your video provoked.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Great post. Pretty much agree with all of it! I think Timex is somewhat of a rare gems brand for me where they have a few here and there that I love. The history is special too. It does feel like they could do a lot more with it though, but there are glimmers of the right direction with some of the reissues. They could do with a new model though that could stand on its on two feet but I suppose it’s hard to think what that would be!

[@DougZbikowski]

I got a Ironman Triathalon in 1984 and it was the COOLEST. Knight Rider was all the rage back then and that watch looked like something you could talk to KITT on :D I think that watch lasted a good 5 years before the buttons on it broke. Was thinking of getting another one, but I don't think I could live without a smartwatch now. Would be cool if Timex turned their classic watches into smartwatches. Maybe something to think about.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I lovvvve the Ironman. The datalink models were pretty impressive. I believe they do have some smart watches in India (the helix range) but a retro one would be cool

[@stevenbollinger9776]

Cute baby animal pictures are Internet gold.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Ha ha it’s my new strategy to get in those subs.

[@imveryharsh]

Thanks for mentioning the Marlin digital, brave wave and ZULU time. i have never seen any video related to these watches before. I have few (Indian made) of these models.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Oh cool! Sounds like I need to look into the made in India models. Appreciate the tip!

[@imveryharsh]

@@IlluminatingWatches Definitely! :)

[@_Grensgeval_]

Thanks for the history lesson! 👊🏼

[@dhoerst]

Cool video. What's the name of the song playing in the back around the 1:00 mark?

[@ErlingGrey]

great video lad; subbed

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Awesome! Welcome to the channel!

[@SuvayanGhosh-zm7wf]

what was that first watch in the 13:30 commercials? (timex or casio)

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I think they used a prop watch but it was obviously intended to mock a casio light

[@danilohenrique4473]

12:16 the Timex is a very interesting watch , just out of curiosity the victory bezel is of the type Flip like victorinox 24534 sc 1000 for example ?

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Sorry I’m not sure actually! My knowledge has faded since making the video a while back. That’s the problem of deep diving into so many areas, my brain can only hold a little of the knowledge!

[@TheGeberel]

this channel is fantastic

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou that’s so kind!

[@pyzmark]

Great video. I will say that, regarding the Zulu watches, if they were released in 1993, then it is a HUGE shame that they shipped without Indiglo. My Zulu would be my favorite watch if it wasn't for the completely useless side light.

[@pyzmark]

I see the second Zulu does have Indiglo... I'm referring to the first two, that only have "light" 😞

[@mason4354]

That black expedition estas tre bela 👌

[@IlluminatingWatches]

You have good taste!

[@richardb22]

I am going to subscribe. With RESERVATIONS. 6 minutes 54 and you say you are going to get into the meat of the video digital Casios. Well thats 6min and 54 Secs of my life I wont see again. Other than that Top video loved it .

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thanks so much for subscribing! I am indeed guilty of the occasional indulgence. I have tried to get to the point quicker in more recent videos so hopefully can keep your interest!

[@richardb22]

@@IlluminatingWatches Happy days LOL

[@zillsburyy1]

back when it was worth having a timex

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I loved my Ironman triathlon

[@michaelmelling9333]

I'm a Timex fan.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Me too! Ironman triathlon was my first ever watch

[@michaelmelling9333]

@IlluminatingWatches Just the other day I took possession of a Timex Ironman that I got off Amazon that was on sale for $27, and it's amazing how clean and simple it is as well as being very light and comfortable. Viva Timex!🙂👍 July 13, 2023

[@incargeek]

13:07 there no “LED” backlights then. They were incandescent bulbs. Good video, however :)

[@smokyFPV]

Don't hate me, but I bought the Casio PAC man collab

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Ha ha zero hatred here. You’ll unlikely find many bigger Casio fans than me. I only got the Timex pacman as it came out first. I definitely want an original f-100!

[@dealman3312]

my buddy had the skiathlom in the early 90s, was so jealous. I have the DB-380, a much more handsome watch.

[@Watch4Jay]

Rewatching a few older videos, and leaving comments for the algorithm Gods. 😀

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou Thankyou!

[@casioholik]

👍

[@mangeshgaikwad345]

what type of display is used in expedition watches ? which glows all day indiglow. what technology is behind it ?

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I’ve seen it described as “Holographic diffraction membrane”. Essentially a reflective green layer

[@mangeshgaikwad345]

@@IlluminatingWatches Thank You Sir Any link for details ?

[@IlluminatingWatches]

@@mangeshgaikwad345 www.watchuseek.com/threads/is-there-a-name-for-these-shiny-green-lcd-panels.4957373/

[@mangeshgaikwad345]

@@IlluminatingWatches it sounds like dichroic film but I am talking about the lcd used in Timex T80 and MF13 models

[@mangeshgaikwad345]

such display is also used in Casio W94H but I don't what kind of display technology it this

[@shivamkind3162]

How to find them sir?

[@IlluminatingWatches]

EBay is where I normally get things although being known as an enthusiast on Instagram helps :)

[@zillsburyy1]

12:27 this thing probably performs better than my seiko riders chronograph. im disgusted with it. got it new a week ago. cant wait to sell it. also got a new skagen fisk SKW6666 on the way

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Oh no! Sad to hear the riders chronograph was a flop! Interested to hear how the skagen goes

[@andriy7836]

Отличный канал.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Большое тебе спасибо (thank you very much!)

[@stephenmoore3035]

Video would’ve been great if not for the music being so loud . It was a distraction and really made the narration hard to hear. Don’t make the music so loud the narration has to compete to be heard.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Hi Stephen - Yes I got that feedback quite a bit and have reduced the volume in recent videos. Getting the audio right taken me a while!

[@TechTokOffical]

Why is it almost ALL vintage timex digital are dead and just bland. Pretty much the an ironman triathlon is the main one worth getting

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I think I have so much nostalgia tied up in those design styles (Ironman, Atlantis etc) that I struggle to see them objectively. I love them! It’s why I don’t do reviews!

[@TechTokOffical]

I'm more referring to the quality. I've popped batteries into MANY old timex and just nothing happens. To the extent I don't really buy them. Where as with my casio's as long as the battery tray hasn't been leaked in they just work. What's crazy is I'm an 80's baby so growing up timex was king due to indiglo, so I started my collection with a timex bias