Timex Resurrects an Iconic Watch from ‘Pulp Fiction’ — No, Not That One

If you remember any watch from Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece, Pulp Fiction, it’s probably the Lancet Trench Watch that Christopher Walken’s Captain Koons monologues about. After all, his description of how it was kept safe during Vietnam is … visceral.

What you might not know is that another watch makes an appearance in the film, worn by John Travolta’s Vincent Vega. And it’s a shame it didn’t get more screen time, as it’s a pretty stunning timepiece.

Lucky for everyone, we’re all getting a second chance, as everyone’s favorite budget-friendly brand, Timex, has just revived that very same watch in all its glory (and affordability) with the Q Timex Red Vega 1978 Reissue.

Timex

Royale with cheese

One of the more interesting tidbits about this watch is that, by the time it appeared in Pulp Fiction, it was already approaching vintage status. The original take on this particular watch, the Q Timex Red Nebula, launched in 1978.

Stylistically, this new edition is a pretty faithful recreation. It boasts the same eye-catching red marble dial under its domed acrylic crystal, a multifaceted element beloved for its ability to catch and refract light.

Timex

It’s worth noting that there was actually a previous release of this same watch the year before, in 1977, but it differed slightly from the following year’s release (the 1978 one this reissue is based upon). For instance, it had a mineral crystal rather than acrylic. The stainless steel case also had an inner ring that slightly restricted the dial, and there were a few other nuanced differences.

Other noteworthy stylistic elements that return include the watch’s day-date windows at the 3 o’clock position, minimalist indices and hands (both lumed), and a natural crocodile-texture leather strap that’s oiled, waxed and coated to “resist water and soften with wear.”

Timex

Old reliable

It probably goes without saying that the unique looks are what really sell this iconic movie watch. However, the quartz movement inside is also of significance to the brand, as it is the historical foundation of the Q Timex lineup.

While not deadstock — meaning the looks are vintage, but the movement is brand-new — it’s no less a classic, steadfast element of the whole sub-brand. That also means it’s exceptionally accurate and reliable, capable of keeping time to within milliseconds per day.

Timex

Interestingly, there’s also a returning element of this watch that is back in style: its size. This watch, just like the original, measures 38 millimeters in diameter, making it a smaller and more in line with current trends (which could be why Timex chose this moment to revive it).

Whatever the reasoning, there’s no doubt that this watch is poised to be a big hit and could be one of Timex’s biggest launches of the year. At the very least, movie buffs are going to eat this up, and I expect it will go much in the same way as Quentin Tarantino films’ ticket sales, which is to say quickly.

Timex

Available now

The Q Timex Red Vega 1978 Reissue is live on the brand’s site now for a shockingly low $209, but you can expect it to sell out very quickly, especially because of its silver screen pedigree.

Timex

Q Timex Red Vega 1978 Reissue

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Analog quartz
Water Resistance	50m

• $209 at Timex

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