Timex Camper T41711
Last week I bought this Timex Camper 34mm quartz model. Timex Camper was first released as a hand winding model in the 80’s, and this quartz model was sold through 90’s to 2017 in Japan. Now Timex Camper 36mm quartz model, which is reissue of the 80’s model is sold and could be found in many watch shops in Japan. FYI here is Timex Japan website, which shows this 34mm model and the reiisued current 36mm model. https://www.timexwatch.jp/c/topics/topics20181107
Although this 34mm model looks cheap, I quite like it for the design and legibility. It is not an authentic mil-spec watch, but the dial design reminds me of a disposable watch during the Vietnam War era.
For your reference, I found the article which shows US military watches in Vietnam War era. The article is in Japanese, but there are lots of picture so I think you can enjoy it.
https://www.monomagazine.com/56/
After having this watch, I begin to have interest in 60’s to 70’s US military watch, and I have bought Benrus DTU-2A/P reissue model today. I will post the picture in the next post.
Japanese. Most of the time, I wear G-Shocks. I prefer watches without date window.
I like it but just so damn small looks like a toddlers watch on me
I wore one of these for years. The fantastic plastic was tough. The lume was a joke, of course. The stock band was less than perfectly comfortable, but it looked right. I loved the little innocuous thing. The movement eventually died and was deemed irreparable and irreplaceable.
Why are these things so expensive in Japan? Up until maybe a decade ago, these were under $30 anywhere, and somehow they are now always listed at $100 to $200 from Japan. There seems to be some cult appeal over there.
Surely you saw this a few days ago.
I wore one of these for years. The fantastic plastic was tough. The lume was a joke, of course. The stock band was less than perfectly comfortable, but it looked right. I loved the little innocuous thing. The movement eventually died and was deemed irreparable and irreplaceable.
Why are these things so expensive in Japan? Up until maybe a decade ago, these were under $30 anywhere, and somehow they are now always listed at $100 to $200 from Japan. There seems to be some cult appeal over there.
Surely you saw this a few days ago.
I did not know this watch was used as movie prop, thanks for letting me know. Timex is advertised as an American casual watch brand in Japan, and maybe import fee makes it expensive.
Untill 80’s or 90’s, American culture, movies, music, fashion, and goods were considered cool in Japan. For example, Haagen Dazs icecream used to be and still advertised as preium ice cream in Japan. I think Japanese in late 40’s (like myself) and over have some special feeling about American culture and goods. I think Timex is just an affordable brand in US, but in Japan, (maybe limited to watch nerds like me) it is considered as American Icon.
I am on the look out for the exact model in the UK, bit the ones I've seen are SO expensive for what it is 😔
I am on the look out for the exact model in the UK, bit the ones I've seen are SO expensive for what it is 😔
I understand your concern. Buying discontinued watch could cost higher than when there was plenty of supply. I bought this watch at 9,800yen (54.34GBP). I hope you can find one in a good bargain.
I understand your concern. Buying discontinued watch could cost higher than when there was plenty of supply. I bought this watch at 9,800yen (54.34GBP). I hope you can find one in a good bargain.
Yes, ive seen them at £150GBP!!
This watch only looks cool if you have a smaller wrist. I ended getting one and love it.