In recent years, the process of embellishing or "icing" watches with gemstones has transitioned from the secondary market to regular production for many brands. Despite growing popularity, gem-studded watches remain in the upper market segment. The reasons are clear: the value of precious stones combined with the intricate and labor-intensive process of setting each stone in the case, bracelet, or dial typically results in a high price.
This expectation of cost is what makes the latest pair of Timex limited editions so striking. Developed in collaboration with fashion brand Judith Lieber Couture, these two new models have brought the color and sparkle of gem-studded watches to the entry-level market. Bright, playful, and defiantly cheerful, the limited edition Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex and Timex x Judith Lieber T80 may not be to everyone's taste, but they offer some of the boldest and most vibrant designs ever presented by the brand.
The cases of the Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex and Timex x Judith Lieber T80 immediately stand out both against their standard counterparts and the broader contemporary gem-studded watch market. Of course, given Timex's position in the market, these models will never directly compete with the materials, techniques, and invisible settings of gem-studded watches from Hublot, but Timex's more down-to-earth approach brings its own playful charm to the theme.
Instead of combining invisible diamonds and precious stones typically found in ultra-luxury gem-studded models, both models use a mix of clear and colored Swarovski crystals with an open setting on the flat surfaces of the case. The 38mm stainless steel case of the Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex takes a cleaner and bolder visual approach, covering the familiar angular shape of the integrated bracelet with 182 clear Swarovski crystals.
The standard rotating coin-edge bezel of the Q Timex is gone, replaced by a fixed bezel with 57 baguette-cut Swarovski crystals in the full rainbow spectrum. These large multicolored stones heavily frame the dial in the initial images and firmly take center stage in the design of the entire case. The 35mm rose gold Timex x Judith Lieber T80, on the other hand, offers a more subdued and sophisticated look. Like the Q Timex, the flat areas on the lugs, around the inner bezel, and on the sides of the T80 case are adorned with 186 clear round-cut Swarovski crystals, but the octagonal polished outer bezel here attracts much less attention than in the images of its counterpart.
This is mainly due to the decision to use smaller round cuts for the 64 rainbow crystals, which blend more with the background than the large crystals on the Q Timex. Aside from cosmetic differences, the cases of both models are functionally identical to their regular production counterparts, with both the Q Timex and T80 offering a modest 50 meters of water resistance.
If the classic black-on-white LCD digital dial of the Timex x Judith Lieber T80 is identical to the standard model, the Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex uses the dial space to continue the fully crystal-embellished look of the case and bracelet. Initially, 193 clear Swarovski crystals are arranged in a ring radiating from the dial center, covering everything except the embossed logo plates at the "12 o'clock" and "6 o'clock" positions.
Timex then complements these with 12 large colored rectangular crystals for the hour markers, creating a rainbow spectrum that mimics the bezel pattern. However, in the initial images, this combination is not quite perfect, as, for example, the blue index at 6 o'clock matches the green crystal on the bezel.
Additionally, Timex's decision to use a polished candy tube against a polished steel and crystal background may lead to readability issues. However, aside from these potential problems, the new dial design should be a dazzling spectacle for wearers.
Both the Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex and the Timex x Judith Lieber T80 are equipped with in-house quartz movements. While the Q Timex movement is time-only, the T80 movement offers a full suite of complications, including a daily alarm, Indiglo push-button dial illumination, a 1/100 second chronograph, and a perpetual calendar. Timex equips both models with wide single-link bracelets featuring hidden butterfly clasps.
The bracelets of both models are fully encrusted with Swarovski crystals to complete the gem-studded look, with each subsequent bracelet link using differently colored crystals to create a full rainbow spectrum around the wearer's wrist. The rainbow-effect Q Timex bracelet requires an additional 586 crystals, while the T80's uses slightly more - 604. Overall, both models shine with more than 900 crystals each, with the T80 boasting 904 and the Q Timex even more - 1030.
While these are by no means the most luxurious or refined rainbow gem-studded watches on the modern market, Timex's efforts to bring this striking style to a more accessible part of the watch market with the limited edition Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex and Timex x Judith Lieber T80 have a sparkling and playfully loud charisma.
Only 200 pieces of each model will be produced. The Timex x Judith Lieber Q Timex and Timex x Judith Lieber T80 are available now from select authorized Timex dealers with an MSRP of $1,200 and $1,000 respectively. For more information, visit the brand's website.