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Timex Resurrects Yet Another Affordable Hidden Gem from Its ’70s Heyday

One of Timex’s earliest forays into digital timekeeping, the 1975 SSQ returns for the first time ever in all its retro glory.

Close-up of a silver digital wristwatch with a blue bezel and a single round button on the side against a rust-colored background.Timex

By Jack Seemer

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“Timex does it again.”

Thus read an old advertisement for the cult brand’s Solid State Quartz watch, or SSQ for short, back in 1975.

“It is designed to be practically maintenance free, since it has no mainspring, no balance wheel, no gears,” the ad went on. “And as you can see, it has no hour, minute or sweep second hand.”

Four Timex SSQ digital watches with black leather and metal bands displayed on a dark surface, showing 12:35 on their screens.
The SSQ came out in 1975 as quartz and digital timekeeping took hold of the industry.
Timex

What it did have was a cutting-edge case design paired with an always-on display, something we tend to take for granted but was rather novel in its day.

Now, half a century later, Timex does it again …

As revealed on the brand’s official Instagram pages, the SSQ will return this month for its first reissue ever, headlining an already-robust year that saw the rerelease of many Timex gems, including the Intrepid and Time Machine.

Silver Timex digital wristwatch with a blue oval face and metal link band on a brown surface.
This marks the first time that Timex has reissued the SSQ.
Timex

Always on

As with the original, the modern SSQ features an always-on display and 60-second counter. However, a crown makes way for two pusher buttons on either side of the bezel.

Digital Timex watch with a brushed silver metal case and navy blue bezel showing time 12:49.
The SSQ is as simple and streamlined as it was 50 years ago.
Timex

Over its initial run, the SSQ came in many finishes, and it’s easy to see Timex milking its vast catalog over the next few years, as it’s done with watches like the Marlin.

Close-up of a stainless steel watch case corner with brushed and polished finishes and part of a blue dial showing "SSQ" text.
The SSQ Digital Reissue features a stainless steel case and blue acrylic mask.
Timex

For now, though, the SSQ Digital Reissue comes in a single configuration: stainless steel with a matching bracelet and blue acrylic mask.

There’s also only one size. According to the product page in Japan, the new case measure 38mm across and carries a thickness of 13mm.

Close-up of a silver digital Timex wristwatch with a blue bezel and a side button.
The case is 13mm thick, according to the product page.
Timex

Availability and pricing

The SSQ Digital Reissue goes on sale in Japan on October 17 with a price of 28,600 Japanese yen (about $190).

Fortunately, it doesn’t appear to be a Japan exclusive. Timex has also teased its arrival on the Coming Soon page of its US-based website. That said, there’s always a chance it could arrive later in the fall.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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