Timex Falcon Eye Review: Reissue With Blue Côtes de Genève Dial

The Timex Q Falcon Eye’s Case Size

At a glance, the Timex Falcon Eye is unique in its design, first and foremost due to the profile of the case which is:

• 38mm wide
• 44mm lug-to-lug
• 13mm thick
• 18mm strap size

The dimensions are relatively standard, with the exception of the case width, which is slightly smaller than the 40mm of most watches on the market today. Yet, the Timex Falcon Eye looks nothing like watches of this era.

Obviously, this was Timex’s intention, as they market the Falcon Eye as a 70s-era watch. Aside from the dial (more on this later), the absence of lugs is what I found to impart the retro characteristics here; where other watches would have a bracelet end-link, the Falcon Eye has integrated these into the case directly. These faux end-links are completely brushed and contrast nicely with the rest of the stainless steel case which is high-polish.

Contrasting with the steel case are the gold-toned bezel ring and crown. It’s possible I’m being too nitpicky here, but it does appear to me that the gold tone here is intentionally pale.

In the past, 14K gold was most common on watches whereas 18K is the standard in modern times. This is relevant since 14K is not as intense in color as 18K and this is absolutely noticeable to the naked eye. I’d argue that even with the lighter tone of the “gold” elements, Timex was trying to evoke vibes of decades past. Overall, the contrast of the gold with the all-steel case is attractive and makes the Timex Q Falcon Eye appear a bit more refined.

Electric Blue Côtes de Genève Dial

As with most wristwatches, the dial of the Timex Falcon Eye is the star of the show. It features not only a flashy electric blue color, but also a wavy Côtes de Genève (or “Geneva stripes”) texture. This effect is normally reserved for watch movements, but Timex has implemented it to great effect, making for a dynamic dial that lights up in the sunlight.

Also present on the dial are printed white minute markings, gold-toned hour indices with white accents, and similarly-accented center hands. Lastly, the Timex Q marquee is present at 12, with a proud Quartz one across the dial at 6 o’clock, both in a gold tone matching the other gold elements found throughout the watch.

Overall, all of the elements on the Falcon Eye’s dial come together quite well, though there is a shortcoming here worth mentioning: Protecting the face of the watch is an acrylic or plastic crystal that tends to scratch rather easily.

Note the SuperLuminova Dots at Hour Indices (And in Hands)

I’ve been largely unbothered by the scuffs and scratches on mine, but I have seen other Timex Q owners online complain about this aspect. I have to admit I’m not particularly surprised with the crystal’s material given the price point. Moreover, the fact that these crystals can often be polished makes it easier for me to allow these blemishes to accumulate in the short term.

Quartz Movement

“Movt Japan, Bracelet China”

Timex does not provide much information regarding the Quartz movement powering the Falcon Eye. This may be to the dismay of many watch collectors who want to know absolutely everything about their timepieces.

All I can report at this time is that the movement appears to be made in Japan, it works well, and I’ve only had to change the watch battery once. I was able to do this change myself as the “functional battery hatch” is easy to open with a coin.

Timex Woven Steel Bracelet

Another characteristic of the Falcon Eye watch that imparts serious retro vibes is a multi-link bracelet that Timex refers to as the “woven steel bracelet.” The links themselves appear to be rolled steel, and they’re designed to taper slightly from the lugs at the case to the Timex-branded clasp.

On the wrist, the Falcon Eye’s bracelet is quite flexible and light. It’s not incredibly sturdy, but once more this is expected with a retail price below $200. More than anything, the bracelet is here for aesthetics, yet it confidently secures the watch to the wrist. I’ve put this watch through the wringer with nearly a year of accumulated wear, and I’ve not had any issues with the bracelet clasp opening by accident or anything of the sort.

Timex Q Reissue Box Set

The box set that accompanies the Timex Falcon Eye surprised me when I first received the watch. I found it to be very detailed with a leather-clad exterior, fabric-lined interior, and some printed text that provided background on Timex’s Q Reissue collection. Admittedly, it doesn’t do a great job of holding the watch steadily when the lid is closed, but it makes for a great presentation.

Overall Review Of The Timex Q Falcon Eye Reissue

Over the past 10+ months, during which I traveled throughout Central & South America as well as Europe, the Falcon Eye served as my exclusive travel watch. There are a couple of reasons why I chose it and why it was ultimately the right choice.

First, and perhaps most importantly, I really enjoyed the look of the watch. It has the unique factor that I look for in most of my watches while also possessing a design that I could wear in multiple settings. Second, it was quartz-powered, which meant I’d not have to be concerned with winding or any mechanical components breaking down. And finally, it was cheap enough to where I’d not feel incredibly disappointed if I lost it.

To conclude, I will praise Timex for its efforts to reintroduce these vintage-inspired watches. It’s evident that they’ve put a lot of time and effort into these Q Reissue collections, yet they’ve managed to keep the price accessible to watch collectors. A second version of this Falcon Eye has now been released with a green dial along with other GMT models (of greater price), and I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading my review of the Timex Q Falcon Eye, check out some of our other watch content below:

• Timex Watch Brand History
• The Best American Watch Brands
• Read All Of Our Latest Watch Reviews
• Different Bezel Scales & How To Use Them
• Watches Homepage