Timex has an extensive back catalog that they’ve made a habit of drawing inspiration from in recent years, often to pretty great effect. One of those designs has remained in relative obscurity, and this week, in collaboration with the folks at Huckberry, it’s being brought back in all its former glory. That watch was known as Black Max in the 1970s, and even came with some rather, let’s call them dated, commercials. The underlying design holds up pretty well, though, and that’s exactly what Timex and Huckberry have preserved with a few modern alterations.
The modern Black Max is using a 41mm steel case and bracelet that have been given a black coating all around. While the original used a very ‘70s hooded lug design, this example uses a more traditional chamfered lug. There’s also a more substantial bezel width to create some space between the case and the dial, which had pushed things right to the perimeter. That signature sloped rehaut remains stark white, cutting a clean contrast between the dial and the case. Somewhat ironically, it houses a tachymeter, but there is no way to stop the seconds hand to make use of it for any practical purpose.
The dial itself retains the instrument style charm that was established with the original. At the end of each hour marker you’ll find five minute segments making for a rather unique experience. The pencil hands are no-nonsense, and the orange seconds hand gives the only real break from a pure monochromatic experience. In total, it’s a great looking design that works just as well today as it did back then. I’d prefer it packaged in a slightly smaller case, but the small dial keeps this a tidy visual package.
Likely the biggest change here is the move to a quartz movement. I’d say this is just as good if not better than using the cheapest mechanical movement you can find just for sake of calling it mechanical. This also keeps the price at a very welcome $249, which makes it hard to argue with the movement choice. This is also a very utilitarian design and watch, so the theme is still right on point overall.
Timex is great at bringing back some of the unsung heroes of their past, and this watch is exactly that. There’s a great story here, and not a hint of pretension. Timex