Timex Wrenches Its Heritage Waterbury Watch into a Historic Racing Chronograph

Especially over the last couple of years, Timex has been on a real tear with its vintage-inspired watches. Just recently, in fact, it has dropped revised versions of its iconic field watch, ’80s resin watch and even its classic Weekender.

It appears the brand has hit its stride and shows no signs of stopping. And perhaps that’s appropriate, as the brand’s latest launch, a pair of new Timex Waterbury Heritage Chronographs, ties into the speed and freedom of motorsport history.

Timex

Track timer

These watches come from Timex’s existing Waterbury Heritage lineup, which pays homage to the brand’s origins as the Waterbury Clock Company, back in the late 1800s. It also shares its name and functionality with numerous siblings already in the brand’s catalog.

Like those other watches, these new editions get a Meca-Quartz movement. Timex heralds this as a unique hybrid that combines a base quartz movement (which is reliable, dependable and, most significantly, affordable) with a mechanical chronograph complication.

Timex

That latter bit is especially pertinent to this watch, as it is inspired by and pays homage to racing history. Hence, it has a tachymeter bezel that, in conjunction with its chronograph sub-dials, allows users to track elapsed time, calculate speed and much more.

While much of the watch’s form and function already existed, there are some noteworthy alterations that help set this new pair apart. In fact, you could argue that these are more true to the style’s inspiration than virtually all the others currently available.

Timex

Time to hit the road

Overall, the base watch remains intact here. These new versions have the same 39-millimeter diameter, the same overall layout, a sturdy stainless steel case and more.

But they differ in at least two distinct ways. First, the styling is much more aggressive. Unlike their siblings, these watches get vibrant red highlights on their second hands, sub-dial hands and, most crucially, arcing around the top right quadrant of the dial. That latter bit is meant to signify the iconic redline of motor vehicle gauges.

Timex

Second, they receive a strap option unique to these two new models. Some of the Waterbury Heritage Chronographs get metal bracelets, while others have had fabric bands. These, however, have perforated leather straps.

You might notice that that in itself is not unique to these watches. And you’d be correct. But look a little closer and you’ll notice the perforation pattern is different for these ones. The central holes are larger, less subtle and do a better job of paying homage to the classics.

On or off the track, these watches are eye-catching conversation starters. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re highly affordable, too.

Timex

Availability and pricing

The two new Timex Waterbury Heritage Chronograph watches will be available starting August 14 on the brand’s official site for $319 apiece.

Timex

Timex Waterbury Heritage Chronograph (2026)

Specs

Case Size	39mm
Movement	Meca-Quartz
Water Resistance	50m

• $319 at Timex

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