When the first quartz watch technology from Japan made its appearance in 1969, it posed an existential threat to the mechanical timekeeping industry – and for many of its biggest names it was a case of adapt or die. This new arrival had a shiny, high-tech appeal and, of course, offered more accuracy than its traditional counterparts. And while the dial may have swung since, with a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship of centuries-old skills, today we benefit from a wide and varied range of timepieces to suit all budgets and styles. 

Timex was among the early adopters of quartz, using the occasion to not only lean into the high-precision nature of the new timepieces it could create, but to explore bold aesthetics. Now it is celebrating 50 years since its first model of this kind, the Q Timex. 

This reissue is unashamedly seventies in style, with its bold gold tonneau-shaped case, and featuring a lugless silhouette typical of the era. Adding to the vintage appeal are the angular hour markers that appear to float above the eye-catching red dial. In a retro finishing touch, this time-capsule design comes protected with a period-perfect domed acrylic crystal on top.

£155, timex.co.uk