Timex Q Timex 1982 Ana-Digi Delivers An Accessible Retro Throwback

Analog-digital ("ana-digi") watches continue to make inroads in the modern zeitgeist, and this time it’s in the form of a pair of new Q references from Timex. These designs from Timex date back to the year 1982, a sweet spot if you’re into cassette-futurism, and they’ve been brought back with a great deal of respect paid to the design, the functionality, and the proportions. It’s a small package that packs a huge amount of personality into a square 33mm case, with both a full analog dial sitting below a digital display, and a neatly integrated bracelet to complete the look. 

Ana-digi watches aren’t just for throwbacks these days, with the unique pairing making its way into sport watches of all stripes. However, it just feels at home in a design that originates in the ‘80s, and that is exactly what Timex has managed here within its hugely popular Q family. The new watches are being offered in either plain steel with a black dial plate, or gold-toned steel with a champagne-colored dial plate for a tone-on-tone look. Each captures something special about the original era and design style. 

A big part of that style comes from the proportions, which have been preserved at 33mm across and a mere 9mm in thickness. This is a rectangular case, however, so it should wear with a bit more presence than you might expect. Still, this is a watch with a very particular vibe that will wear in a very particular way, so it won’t be for everyone as a result. If you ask me, we need more watches like this that aren’t afraid to lean into a niche look and feel. That’s what makes it interesting and special. 

It’s not all just for looks, either. There’s a lot of functionality built in here, including a calendar, timer, and alarm settings, all labeled on either side of the digital screen. Since it’s paired with a full analog readout of the time, this area can be used as a calendar or timer in waiting without compromising the practicality of the watch. This is old-school fun wrapped up in a design that nails a high point in Timex’s history. 

Fans of the Timex Q collection will no doubt be familiar with the brand’s rich history, as the brand has been using this line to resurrect some of its all-time greats in recent years. Getting a crack at these watches as they would have been when they were released is a special experience that the brand seems to take very seriously. These latest ana-digi watches do exactly that, placing the wearer squarely in 1982 in the process. 

The new Timex Q 1982 Ana-Digi Reissue watches are available now, and are priced from $179 in steel, and $189 in gold-toned steel. You can see more here at timex.com.