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Post by ianmedium on Jul 1, 2014 21:30:28 GMT -6
Well, two more dial configurations ticked off the list this week, last one just now as I won it on eBay at the best price I have seen for the condition. Have wanted a linen dial watch for a long time and last week found a lovely 1970 Timex cushion case one that looks like all it needs is the crystal buffed to show its beauty off. The second is one of the most desirable ones for Timex collectors. One of the 70's Telephone dial watches. The most collectable of which are the deep blue ones. These, in the condition mine is in are normally around the $70-$160 mark, I just won it for $40! Here are a couple of pictures, one from the seller which really does not show off the dial well and the other from the net that really shows the beauty of the blue. And this is what it really looks like in real life. And this is the linen dial, really love the texture of this dial and having now cleaned a couple of vintage Timex dials I can tell you you would be surprised at the quality of them. The old story used to be that they made them out of cheap cardboard, I can tell you that they are really nice quality when you see them up close. Amazing actually when you consider what they cost new!
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CHIP
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Name: Chip
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Post by CHIP on Jul 1, 2014 22:06:23 GMT -6
The first one must be one of the most interesting dials I've ever seen.
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro
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Post by ianmedium on Jul 1, 2014 22:15:52 GMT -6
I am really looking forward to taking pictures of that one Chip two layers to the dial and then another layer for the day date window.
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Baco Noir
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Name: Roger
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Post by Baco Noir on Jul 1, 2014 22:29:56 GMT -6
The first one must be one of the most interesting dials I've ever seen. Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro Agreed. I've never seen anything like it. Very cool and looking to see some more pictures.
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Post by ianmedium on Jul 2, 2014 10:38:33 GMT -6
Cheers Roger. It's coming from Connecticut so will probably take ten days or so. I could have paid an extra $20 for express but in my experience the cheapest form takes the same time as the most expensive when coming to Canada!
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Post by tsirmans on Jul 2, 2014 12:25:22 GMT -6
ianmedium Love the script of the numbers....and that shade of blue is lovely!!!
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Post by ianmedium on Jul 2, 2014 13:57:03 GMT -6
Thank you! I am really looking forward to getting some better shots of this dial!
The other one arrived today and I am just about to post a picture and new thread on it. Wanted to show folks the steps I take to restore plastic crystals.
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Post by ianmedium on Jul 9, 2014 21:25:34 GMT -6
The same seller had a beautiful and mint 1977 Dynabeat up for auction which just ended... I won! Check this one out, its a minter! This one is the last of the Timex Electrics so now I have the first and the last. This one ticks at a much higher beat, 28,800 bph I got this one for $48 which is the top end of what I have been paying but heck, what can you get out there for that kind of money with advanced technology (of the time) and drop dead gorgeous looks I love the silky sunburst black dial and the orange second hand accent.
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Post by rw16610 on Jul 10, 2014 14:02:02 GMT -6
Amazing! Congratulations, Ian! I somehow missed this topic in the beginning but did see the posts with those watches (minus the most recent win). You're having a blast collecting Timex! They had some incredible designs back then. I wish they would keep some of these models in the current lineup the way companies like Omega have been doing. I guess it's a lot tougher to sell watches now vs back in the day. Most folks unless they're the WIS type don't seem to bother with wrist watches. It's nice to see more people keeping this part of history alive!
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Post by vincent65 on Jul 10, 2014 14:37:24 GMT -6
cool watches, congrats!
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Post by ianmedium on Jul 10, 2014 15:28:55 GMT -6
Thanks gentlemen. There is a method to my collecting Timex's. First is to have one of each period and technology, secondly to have rare ones and thirdly ones that appeal simply on aesthetics.
The linen dial was the latter. I already had the same movement and case style but I am a sucker for linen dials!
I must admit I just won another as well for $14, a 1959 Mercury, the first of that line. It does not look great on initial viewing but looking closely all it needs is a bit of a clean, the crystal polishing and a new strap and its going to look stunning. The dial looks to be in beautiful condition which is a hard thing to have with this age.
I have become addicted to Timex's. Perhaps its because it was my first watch but I think there is something else. There is an integrity to the brand that appeals.
Also it is easy to make a great watch if you throw lots of money at it and charge lots for it but its much harder to make something that works, has style for a budget and charge peanuts for it and also devise a way to mass manufacture it to achieve those targets.
You can really feel that thought and detail when wearing these and looking at how the ones I own all keep good time and look great after 40/60 years puts pay to the usual comment about cheap watches not being good value in the long run due to them not lasting!
In fact, though a mechanical movement in a Timex may not look much it has all the hallmarks of British horology from the golden age, solid construction for longevity.
Contrary to popular folk law they can be serviced as well and cheaply!
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Post by rw16610 on Jul 11, 2014 13:58:58 GMT -6
Totally get where you're coming from, Ian! Timex was also the first brand to really grab my attention back in the day. Sadly the digital sport watches from the 1990's (plastic) did not last like these other watches from the brand. It would be so nice to own one of those again, reminding me of my childhood but they can't be found in decent shape.
Mechanical watches for all is an era I would love to have back truly. The fact Timex was able to develop movements etc and still sell watches for the prices they did is incredible.
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Post by ianmedium on Jul 13, 2014 18:50:43 GMT -6
Thanks Rommel, the roller coaster continues! Spied something while not as rare as the 150th is still not often seen A 1958 Marlin Demonstrator watch. These or sample watches were used by Timex salesmen to demonstrate the fabled features of these watches. They would turn up at a store. Open the case containing the watches (all had a single leather or nylon strap attached to the 12'Oclock side and were hung on hooks in the case.) They would take one off the hook and throw it to the floor in front of the store keeper. Of course they would then pick it up and it was working fine! I am sure that sold many many Timex's. Also but with the Nylon strap they would have demonstrator or sample watches attached to a dunking machine that would all day long dunk the watch in water to show how waterproof it was! Well, as you can imagine not many of these lasted due to the nature of their daily life and also none were sold. Timex made sure of that by printing "Demonstrator Watch" or " Sample" on the dial. These as you can imagine unmolested have become quite the grail amongst Timex collectors. One came up on eBay today not a mark apart from a few tiny scratches on the crystal. It also came with the original leather single sided strap and the seller has put it on an expansion strap. I jumped! Here is a picture from the seller. I love the Demonstrator Watch writing on the dial! Its basically a brand new 1958 Timex!
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Post by rw16610 on Jul 13, 2014 19:40:08 GMT -6
Incredible, Ian! I remember seeing a salesman's case similar to the type you described on the antiques roadshow for a different brand. Such a nice part of watchmaking / selling history! Timex wasn't kidding when they said "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking"! A nice addition to your stunning collection, Ian
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Jul 13, 2014 20:35:14 GMT -6
Dude, your new nickname is BUTTER cause you are on a roll!!!!
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