When Did Timex Start Making Electric Watches?

The first Electric Timex Watches were produced for sale in 1962. 3 models were launched. This included a chrome plated model with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9; A gold plated model of the same design; and a second gold plated model with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o-clock. These watches were powered by the M67 time only movement which operated at 21,600bph and featured a hooded lug design. Curiously these vintage Timex Electric watches had no crown on the side of the case. Instead the mechanism was managed by a recessed crown on the back of the case. This is called a back-set movement.

Timex Electric Watch History

The following information documenting the history of the Timex electric watch has been collated from all known watch catalogs. The Timex electric watch ran from 1962 to 1981 and evolved over time to feature calendar and day date complications in addition to a number of other innovations such as the high-beat Dynabeat ranges.

Timex electric movements originate from Laco, a West German watch brand that was acquired by Timex.

1962 – First Men’s Timex electric watches powered by a M67, back set, electric movement launched

1963 – 1965 – 3 new models released again with 1 chrome plated and 2 gold plated cases. A chrome / gold dot-dash dial and a gold plated design with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o-clock. These models used the caliber M67 movement.

1966 – 2 chrome and 3 gold plated designs. The case designs changed to a standard full lug design, with one gold model having a cushion shaped case. The dial design has changed with the chrome / gold models having combined stick and Arabic markers. 2 Gold models including the cushion case have stick markers only. Time only models used the M84 movement, Calendar versions using the M85.
Timex launch a ladies model electric watch in a gold plated case.

1967 – The ladies Timex electric watch range expands to include a second, tank style cased piece in gold plate.

1968 – Timex launch the Dorado Electric with a solid 14-Karat gold case. This model has stick markers and a gold crown on the dial above the Timex logo.
The standard Men’s range continues to include a cushion cased design, this time chrome plated with roman numerals.
This is accompanied by 8 more Men’s electric models. This includes a gold model with stick markers accompanied by a calendar version, a chrome plated case with stick markers accompanied by a calendar version, and a gold plated cushion case accompanied by a chrome and a chrome plated calendar version. finally there is a gold plated model with embossed Arabic numerals on block markers. Time only watches using the M84 movement, Calendar models using the caliber M85.
The ladies electric watch range is expanded to include a silver tank style design. These used the caliber M82 movement.

1969 – The men’s Timex electric watch line up includes 13 models. This includes 4 back-set calendar models with rolled white and yellow gold cases. 9 pieces feature side mounted crowns for the first time.

1970 – The first Timex electric skin diver was launched featuring a friction fit black, elapsed time bezel and a black dial. This was launched as both a no-date and calendar model. 6 additional men’s watches were launched this year with none featuring a back-set movement.

1971 – 12 men’s electric watches were launched this year including 2 dive watches.

1972 – 18 electric watches were launched this year including the first day-date complications.

1973 – Timex launch 26 ladies electric watches including 8 calendar versions and a dive watch. 10 electric models are launched to the Japan market with all but one featuring a calendar complication

1974 – 21 ladies electric models were launched this year including 6 calendar models and a dive watch.

1975 – Men’s electric watches replaced with Electric Dynabeat models. 17 ladies electric watches launched including 4 calendar models.

1976 – 11 ladies electric watches launched including 1 dive watch model.

1977 – 13 ladies electric watches launched including 2 calendar models and a dive watch.

1978 – The men’s electric watch range returns with 8 new models. This includes 4 day date models. 10 ladies electric watches launched including 3 calendar models.

1979 – 5 men’s electric watches launched including 3 day date models.

1980 – 10 ladies electric watches launched and 5 men’s electric watches launched

1981 – 4 ladies and 4mens electric watches launched

Timex Electric Watch Value

As with all things vintage the value of an item is more of a personal choice that being decided by market factors. At the time of publication good examples of working vintage Timex electric watches can be bought on eBay for between $8 and $300 depending on condition.

Timex Electric Watch Battery

Vintage Timex electric watches take a 354 / LR44 / SR44 / AG13 battery. The 354 is a 1.55v battery being more faithful to the original and providing smoother running. Batteries like the LR44 are 1.5v and a little under powered. This potentially causes performance issues.

How Does a Timex Electric Watch Work?

With a conventional mechanical watch, the mechanism is wound and power stored in a main spring. This stored energy is released through the balance which powers the watch mechanism. Electric watches replace the main spring with a battery. The rest of the watch mechanism remains largely the same.