Watches

How to Get a Timex Watch for $1

WatchesOct 23, 2024

How to Get a Timex Watch for $1

The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.

Timex Waterbury 170th anniversary edition watch
In honor of its 170th anniversary, Timex is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches, each for $1 on Nov. 16.
Middlebury, Conn.—Timex is celebrating its 170th anniversary with a special giveaway.

On Nov. 16, the watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each.

The watches would usually retail for $119, said Timex. They will be available at 10 a.m. local time at participating retailers worldwide as well as online to shoppers in the U.S., U.K., Canada, India, and the European Union.

The watch’s name is a nod to the company’s heritage, getting its start in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company in Waterbury, Connecticut. 

The special release is part of the “Waterbury” collection, featuring a leather strap, a glossy ice-white dial with the official 170th Anniversary Edition logo, and 3D-lacquered roman numeral markers.

The caseback showcases vertical brushing and is engraved to commemorate the milestone anniversary.

The limited-edition timepiece honors Timex's “Yankee” pocket watch. Known as "the watch that made the dollar famous,” it was Timex’s first watch to be sold for $1.

 Related stories will be right here … 

“170 years ago, timekeeping was exclusive to the elite, with pocket watches expensively priced to the public,” said Timex.

“It was then that the Waterbury Clock Company stepped in and democratized timekeeping for all. Five pounds of candy cost 35 cents, and one dollar got you the Yankee dollar pocket watch.”


 Timex had sold more than six million of these watches by the turn of the century, the company said.

“Farmers checked it during harvests, train conductors relied on it for punctuality, and factory workers synchronized their breaks by its hands,” said Timex.

Notably, Mark Twain was said to have sent Timex one dollar for his own Yankee pocket watch.

Mark Twain Timex letter
A letter said to be from author Mark Twain, requesting a “Yankee” pocket watch from Timex


“Our 170th anniversary isn't merely a celebration of our storied past; it's a heartfelt reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to making quality timepieces accessible to everyone,” said Shari Fabiani, chief marketing officer of Timex Group.

“The $1 anniversary watch pays homage to the original Waterbury campaign, which promised 'correct time for little money.' In crafting this watch, we wanted to honor the loyal consumers who have trusted and cherished our brand over the years."

For a list of retailers selling the $1 watch, visit the Timex website.

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