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.

The Latest

Dawn dish soap, Dove soap, M&M candy, Tylenol
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGov

From tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.

Etiq Khol Ring
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ Ring

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

Arch Crown Tag & Label 2026 Catalog
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is Here

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s Day

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”

Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Step-cut Colombian emerald ring London Jewels Bonhams
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025

The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Red Rubies AGTA
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced Gemstones

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Anza Gems gemstones
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in January

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

Foundrae Aspen Store
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store Opening

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

Bulgari Gioco di Forme e Colori watch and brooch
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales Slip

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

GemFair x DBL Toi et Moi Ring
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

Clientbook
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking Tool

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837 Campaign
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love Stories

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy