How old is my timex

The value of most Timex watches is relatively low. Keep in mind that while a seller may ask for a particular price, it doesn't mean that it will eventually sell at this listing. Learn the true value by checking similar watches that have been recently sold. One of the few watches that command a high price in the market is an authentic Hopalong Cassidy Timex from their Character Line. Timex had a vast selection of character watches, but this particular vintage TV idol, seems to be the most popular in the line.

Buying through private sellers on eBay is common. If you purchase from eBay, be aware of a few things before you buy:. The number one most important thing you should do before buying is your homework; research the watch and check out the markings and numbers you find. Serial numbers appeared on Timex watches beginning in The last two numbers are the year in which it was made, the first two or three numbers, depending on the year, represent the catalog number, and the two or three numbers before the year represent the model number.

Vintage Timex watches have a good, solid history of being one of the most reliable and affordable timepieces, that still exists today. As a collector, you can't expect the value of these watches to fund your retirement, but the character and sentimental value they may hold for you, cannot be valued in dollars and cents.

As in any collection, before you buy, do your homework. Even though value of a vintage Timex does not tip the scale, you still may find people who misrepresent items they sell. Be prepared; know your stuff and as always, have fun! Timex Timeline A few noteable time periods that may prove helpful to you include: Timex became an official brand.

During this period, wristwatches were sent to nurses serving in World War II. It passed every time. Advertising The memorable marketing slogan "Timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking" was unleashed in the s and is still recognized today. Value of Vintage Timex Watches In order for a watch to be considered "antique," it must be at least years old. Is Your Timex Real? Before you shop, arm yourself with information to help you determine whether the watch is real.

Only purchase from reputable auction houses, stores, dealers or estate sales. Online fraud is abundant. Before you begin, have a watch or brand in mind; find photographs and markings that will help you identify the watch. I am going to discuss the joy and frustration of vintage timepieces, specifically vintage Timex.

I am not a watch expert, nor am I a watchmaker. I am a regular guy with a passion for horology in every form. The reason I choose to dive into the vintage market is simple: I can afford to buy brand name mechanical movement watches at a fraction of their new counterparts.

The interesting thing about vintage watches of any brand is their innate ability to not keep great time. Honestly, my old Casio G-Shock keeps much better time than a fully serviced vintage Omega. I first owned Timex like almost everyone my age 60 as a young boy and man. I received my first Timex when I was about years old. It was a hand-winding model with a simple numeric dial. These are the pieces I search for everyday.

They sure do, and many of those movements are still available today on the vintage market. There are two movement numbers that I prefer and seek out, 31 and These movements are workhorses in the vintage Timex market. There are other automatic movements, but I prefer these two because of my experience. Be warned: these movements are not real pretty, they were mass produced, and have no jewels… but they are serviceable. Many watchmakers snub you when you ask if they service Timex, but you can find talented craftsmen and women that will provide a Timex cleaning and oiling.

The pictures below are the 31 movement from one of my Viscount models. It is clearly the most aesthetically pleasing movement. There are thousands of people that are working on and collecting vintage Timex that are way more informed on this topic.

This is merely my perspective as a collector and occasional watch flipper. I do shy away from unserviced Timex most of them with the date or day date. Problem is when you go to set these, if you set wind, wind, wind for any length of time the dry movement and wheels start slipping and ultimately make that complication fail.

I actually mark the date on my personal calendar and start the watch back-up from sitting to get the date right. The hand-wound mechanical movements are the heart of the Marlin line from Timex. Only three parts need to be removed once out of the case to do the recommended service.

These are also workhorse movements that have stood the test of time admirably. It is highly desirable and the manually wound two plate movements are rock solid. This watch is also waterproof. The best place to find them? Again, this is my personal favorite because of the automatic movement and the simple good looks.

This watch has some attractive dial designs and is often called a Marlin by unscrupulous sellers. This watch was produced from to Truth be told, I do not know a great deal about the Mercury, but I have one on the way to my home as we speak. They sport a very simple two and three hand dials with the only variation being the numbering sequence on the dial. It frustrates me to see these watches being misrepresented and sold on the higher end of the scale.

This happened to me in the first week I was buying vintage in large amounts. Tough lesson learned, and one I ask you not to make. Pay attention to the model numbers. So buyer beware when looking at a Timex Marlin. In some cases this number is hidden under the bezel and cannot be viewed without removing the movement from the case. Some earlier Timexes have an ink-stamped date code on the inside caseback consisting of one letter and one number.

The numeral denotes the year of manufacture as follows: , , , Watches from and later generally have a 2 digit code on the caseback indicating year and month of manufacture:. Below is a general breakdown of Men's model names per model number.