Last Updated on September 3, 2022 by swisswatchreview
A good watch should be timeless. Styles come and go, but reliable horology will endure. Such is the case for the Timex Easy Reader collection.
A Closer Look at Classic Watchmaking
When most people think of quality horology, Timex is not the first brand that comes to mind. However, when most people think of their first watch, Timex is probably the brand they owned. Timex is not an especially elite brand. However, it has enjoyed widespread popularity thanks to affordable, reliable watches.
As a brand, Timex has been around since the 1850s. It was originally known as the Waterbury Clock Company, but it took the name Timex in the 1970s. Even from its inception, the company defined itself in juxtaposition to more expensive brands. Timex wanted to make watches that the common person could afford. The brand became quite successful.
Over the years, Timex has released a wide variety of watches. Few are more iconic than the Easy Reader.
The Power of Simplicity
Timex released its first generation of the Easy Reader in 1977. The watch was designed with simple flourishes, genuine leather and classic styling. It was most commonly sold in department stores for an affordable price. This made it accessible as an entry-level watch.
The Easy Reader was introduced 40 years ago. However, it is still in production, and it is still a popular watch. The face is simple, but its most distinctive feature is the large numbering. This makes the watch exceptionally easy to read, which is perfect for a child learning to tell time or an older individual with poor eyesight. In fact, many people liken the look of the Easy Reader to a classic classroom clock.
To true horology fanatics, this could make this Timex watch seem boring. It is true that the Easy Reader lacks a certain refinement. However, the power is in its simplicity. This is not a watch that is pretending to be something that it is not. There is no posturing with this watch. The watch is simple, easy to use and wonderfully reliable.
This means that the Easy Reader will never be out of style. In a sense, it is never truly in style. It has become a functional addition to its owner. Four decades after its introduction, it is still a quintessential option on the watch market.
The Nitty Gritty Details
The Timex Easy Reader has everything you need for a solid watch. The watch relies on more modern quartz movement. The face is crafted with mineral glass crystal, and it is entirely flat without doming. This gives the watch an incredibly low profile for people. The battery can last an impressive 10 years.
The case is made with brass. Brass is durable, but it does show signs of wear and tear over the years. The hands and dial are made without much fuss for a generic look that fits many styles. The dial is easy enough to use, and it can be used to set the date and time. Some versions of the Easy Reader have Indiglo features, and there are also different bands available.
Ultimately, there is nothing fancy about the Timex Easy Reader. A closer look at the watchmaking will leave experts unimpressed. However, there is something charming about the simplicity. Timex never pretends that the Easy Reader is something else. It is a simple, reliable watch. That was what made it popular 40 years ago, and that is what makes it popular today.
If you are in the market for an entry-level watch, then the Easy Reader is an excellent choice. There is currently a range of models on the market in this line, and each one offers the same classic styling with a few special perks.
The 40th Anniversary Edition
In honor of its long history, Timex released the 40th Anniversary Edition of the Easy Reader in 2017. Although this is a special edition watch, it still features a lot of the classic look and feel you would expect from this brand. The face is clean and white with bold, black numbers that allow you to tell time at a glance. The case is slim and crafted with a silver finish to make the watch sleek. This is complemented by the genuine leather strap, which is made in black with red accents. Although the watch could be a unisex piece, it is generally marketed to men.
On the inside, the 40th Anniversary Edition has Timex’s standard analog quartz movement. The watch is made to be moderately water-resistant. While the watch can handle brief water exposure, it is not intended for swimming or diving. Overall, this watch has the same vibe as the original series released by Timex. However, with a few modern finishes, it is fit for 2021.
Men’s Date Edition with Leather Strap
This edition of the Easy Reader showcases timeless features. The white face and clean numbering are quintessential to this line. However, this particular edition of the Easy Reader offers a bit of refinement and functionality. The look is offset with a silver-toned brass case. The case is slim, but it is slightly rounded for a softer finish. The adjustable strap is made with black leather.
The most distinctive part of this watch is that it features a date function. The small date window is on the right side of the face, and it can be manually set with the dial. The display uses full Arabic numerals for easy reading. Moreover, this watch utilizes Indiglo technology. This means that the watch face will light up for easier access in the dark.
Men’s Day-Date Watch with Stainless Steel Expansion Band
This watch offers a deeper technological flair. The sleek silver-toned brass casing is now accented by a striking stainless steel band. The bold display of silver is a keen fashion choice, and the stainless steel band is made with expansion styling. This means that the band is designed to expand and contract to allow for easy removal and firm placement.
This Easy Reader edition also has a day and date window. The day of the week and the date can be set when you adjust the dial. This gives the watch added versatility. Better still, this edition is also equipped with Indiglo technology. In addition to these perks, the watch still features reliable quartz movement, scratch-resistant facing, water-resistance and a battery with an extended lifespan.
Men’s Brown Leather Easy Reader
There is something about this particular iteration of the Easy Reader that looks positively professorial. While the design is still classic and simple, there are a few design nuances that are worth noting. Namely, the casing is made from two-toned brass. The face is circled with gold-toned brass, but the dial and crown are made with silver. This is a subtle design choice with a big impact. It is perfectly complemented by the richness of the brown leather band. Overall, this is one of the more distinctive Easy Reader editions currently on the market.
The inner workings of the watch are exactly what you would expect from this Timex line. The interior is made with quartz movement, and the crystal face is made to withstand daily wear and tear. The large numbering is standard for the Easy Reader line, but this edition also features the date and day function. When coupled with Indiglo technology, this watch performs quite well.
Women’s Easy Reader with Leather Strap and Date
This Easy Reader is made for a more feminine wrist. While the face still features bold numbering that is easy to read, it has been trimmed in size. This gives the watch a slim profile. The look has been streamlined by eliminating the minute markers on the face. This Easy Reader also has a date function, which has been cleverly added to the face in place of the numeral three.
The real power is in the details. The face is not stark white like so many other Easy Reader models. Instead, it is a faded yellow. This gives the watch a slightly more fashionable twist. The off-white coloring is perfectly accented by the gold-toned brass casing. The casing is rounded and smooth, and it is nicely complemented by the sleek black leather strap. This elegant profile is the ideal finishing touch for this stylish version of the Easy Reader.
Brown Leather Easy Reader with Day-Date Function
This Easy Reader model has all the expected trappings. There are big numbers and classic finishes. Even so, the combination of the silver-toned brass case and the brown leather band create an idyllic balance. It is proof that simple styling does not have to be boring. Indeed, this classic style is perfect for everyday wear. It would even look good in a business setting.
Plus, this model has a few perks. The watch has Indiglo features. Moreover, the quartz movement is accentuated by water-resistant casing. This Easy Reader also has a convenient date and day function to help you orient your life. The hour and minute hands are in black, and a smaller second hand stands out with red. This look works well for men and women.
Women’s Silver Watch with Stainless Steel Expansion Band
Although the Easy Reader is known for its classic look, there is something decidedly futuristic about this model. Stainless steel bands are more commonly associated with menswear, but the narrow design of this band is wonderfully feminine. The sleek stainless steel band is brought to new heights thanks to the streamlined face. The large numbers are not hindered by additional markings, and there is a date feature added for your convenience.
The monochromatic color scheme is completed by two black hands and a silver second hand. The casing is made with silver-toned brass, and the mineral glass face resists daily wear and tear. Like other Easy Reader models, this watch offers some water protection, but it is not intended for swimming or diving.
Two-Tone Watch with Expansion Band
If you are looking for more flair, then this two-tone Easy Reader might be perfect. This watch has a lot of the essential Easy Reader features with large numbers and a clean face. However, the brass case is gold around the face and silver around the crown. This dual metal look is continued on the band. The metal links are silver stainless steel. However, there are gold accents all the way around for a cohesive look.
The look is pretty daring for an Easy Reader, and it may not be for everyone. However, if you want a classic watch that stands out from the crowd, then this model will get the job done. The watch also has Indiglo technology and a battery with an extended lifespan.
The Easy Conclusion for the Easy Reader
There is a reason that Timex’s Easy Reader collection has endured for more than four decades. With the most recent releases from the collection, there are plenty of fresh takes on this iconic brand. It is true that there are more stylish watches, and there are certainly more horologically advanced pieces. However, for timeless reliability, the Timex Easy Reader is an easy choice.
