This article is long, sans narrative and if you do not love Timex then more-or-less futile and boring. Kudos and sympathy to anyone that reads the article to its end. The article is not a scholarly treatise so please do not wax pedantic. I like Timex because Timex makes watches for regular people like me. Admittedly the article does appear to be a stream of unconsciousness so-to-speak but it is what it is—may, 2018.

Timex Camper = Immortal Masterpiece + a Cheap Plastic Reverso

Another place in the universe, up under different stars
That would be where the ultimate destiny would come in
Equation wise, the first thing to do is to consider time as officially ended
We'll work on the other side of timemadvilian, shadows of tomorrow

☞ Watches in the article are denoted either as not my watch or my watch.
☞ Article design, graphics, collages etc. by the author with caveat the backgound imagery (see Addendum for attributions) is from the internet and Photoshopped as necessary (albeit quite amateurishly).

Part 1. The Campers: Immortal Masterpiece

Google translates the following from the Timex Japan website...

ベトナム戦争期に開発された、TIMEX不朽の名作ミリタリーウォッチ「キャンパー」を、実に35年振りに初めて復刻した日本企画の“オリジナルキャンパー”。

= Developed at the time of Vietnam War, TIMEX immortal masterpiece “Camper” was reprinted for the first time in 35 years, the original project "Original Camper"—it's true the Timex Camper is an immortal masterpiece but I'm not so certain of the Vietnam timeframe.

The origin of the term “Camper” I do not know but I believe the first Timex to be referred to as such was the Timex 29911 (mechanical #24 mvmt. Marlin family) in the 1980s—I am not sure if the Timex Mil-spec was referred to as “Camper” but the Timex Mil-W-46374B is more-or-less the father of the “Camper”. The Timex Archive Camper MK1 30^th Anniversary Edition released in 2016 supports 1986 as being the first year of the “civilian” Camper. The Timex Mil-spec (picture to the right) may have only been produced in February 1982. The 1980s Timex Mil-spec is similar to the Mil-W-46374A of the 1970s (pictured are a Benrus, Westclox and a Hamilton from the era)—not my watches (credit to alan n.).

definition: Camper (mechanical): ≈ 36mm in diameter, fixed-lugs, time-only, 12 and 24 hour dial, plastic/resin. Production maybe mid-1980s–mid-1990s (see addendum for Timex date codes which are on the casebacks of these Campers) There were also “mini” or “kid's” Campers ≈ 24mm (for a picture refer to the Timex Marine magazine advertisement in the Addendum).

definition: Camper (classic): ≈ 36mm in diameter, fixed-lugs, time-only, 12 and 24 hour dial, plastic/resin or stainless-steel (introduced c. 2015). A “super-sized” Camper (referred to as MK1 collection) was introduced in 2017 ≈ 40mm in diameter in aluminium or stain-less steel (see addendum) Note: Timex also refers to the classic Camper as MK1 so model nomenclature can be confusing.

definition: Timex Originals “Modern” Camper: ≈ 34mm–38mm in diameter, spring-bars, 12 and 24 hour dial, w/ and w/o date and larger/wider bezel (stubby), stainless-steel or plastic/resin, sometimes PVD brass, metal-caseback. Timex press-release September 2010: “Timex® Originals is a new collection of vintage-influenced timepieces, which honors and celebrates the 156-year time-keeping heritage of Timex”—pictured Timex T18581 (34mm) and Timex T2N364 (38mm)—not my watches.

A trio of Campers: Camper MK1 (Timex Archive, ref. TW2P88400LG); a re-issue of the first Camper (1980s); one of the most faithful re-issues in horology, Timex Japan Original Camper Ivory [“Camper Calatrava”] (Timex # TW2R78000) and bPr BEAMS Timex SSP Camper, fearless black [“Darth Camper”] (BEAMS # 13-48-0379-232 / Timex # TW2R77700)—my watches.

Timex Camper MK1 30^th anniversary limited edition (Ref. TW2P88400LG, 2016)—a faithful celebration of the Camper—my watch. Here is a note from a Japanese website:

当時の手巻き式ムーブメントが現在は製造できないことからクォーツムーブメントを採用しているものの、ドーム型のプラスチッ ク風防、文字盤のデザインやレイアウト、針の形状や蓄光 塗料の色に至るまで当時の時計を忠実に再現しています。樹 脂製のケースは図面が紛失していたことから3Dスキャンなどを 活用し、ミリ単位以下の調整を施しています。 現代の技術を 極限まで駆使し、可能な限りオリジナルに 近づけた完全復刻モデルです。

Google translation ≈ “Although the quartz movement is adopted from the fact that the hand winding movement of the time can not be manufactured at the moment, the watch of the time to the color of the dome type plastic windshield, dial design and layout, the shape of the needle and phosphorescent paint It is faithfully reproduced. Because plastic case has been lost in drawing, 3D scanning etc is utilized, and adjustment of less than millimeter unit is done. It is a perfect reprint model that made full use of modern technology to the utmost and made it as close to the original as possible.” A cute comment regarding the 30^th anniversary re-issue:

The original watch that “Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'” was never meant [sic] stick around…[now] This watch has clawed its way out of the garbage and back onto our wrists. This civilian reissue commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Mk-1, so now you too can break it and toss it and have it bide its time for revenge.heddels website (august 2016)

Unless you are steeped in Camper culture it seems difficult to know all the various Camper variations/editions either directly from Timex or in association with other brands—here is Korean clothing label thisisneverthat® Timex 𝘹 “thisisneverthat” Camper [circa 2017, black & olive] (Korean streetwear brand)—not my watches.

One of my favorite Campers is the POPEYE 𝘹 Timex (Timex # TWLA86100)—my watch.

POPEYE magazine is the "Magazine for City Boys". The founders printed this on the cover of the magazine when it debuted in 1976. What's a "city boy"? The term doesn't appear in the dictionary and no expert panel could define it. So we felt we should explore every aspect of what this "city boy" might be. After decades of debate, it still makes for a topic of lively discussion. It can be a style or a way of thinking. To get an idea of what makes a city boy, read POPEYE magazine.popeye website

Here is my old Timex Camper (circa 1980s, same #24 mvmt. as the Timex Mil-Spec)—“The Timex that ruled the world”—my watch.

Simple manual-wind Timex watch purchased at the PX in 1980 for $5.00 and worn seven-days-a-week for 10 years. The watch survived the sands, humidity and cold of Mojave desert, Panama jungles and Korean winters. With no stated water resistance the watch survived oceans, rivers, swamps and a dunk in a Pig Piss boilermaker at the Alpine Bar and still tick-tocked through countless LSD-fueled parachute jumps and…This watch made a mockery of my AP Royal Choke and my Subparmariner. The watch has never been serviced if it can be serviced at all and never faulted; it still works to this day 36 years later. To me any watch that costs a thousand times more than my Timex and does not perform as well as my Timex is just a vanity jewelry watch. the timex that ruled the world: timezone public forum may 2016

Timex 𝘹 BEAMS All Black & White Campers (Originals Camper); no further information available, a mystery—not my watches.

Timex 𝘹 Chinatown Market MK1 collarobation (Timex # TW2T49300JR, 36mm, 30 meters WR) From Timex “We brought a smile to our watch (faces) in our latest collaboration with Chinatown Market. We maintained the spirit of American watchmaking while Chinatown Market captures the character of the Smiley Face, coming together to create a modern timepiece that puts the classic smiley icon on your wrist.” The Chinatown Market is an homage to the spirit of Canal Street.—my watch.

Life is Short, Smile Morewatch caseback

Carhartt Work in Progress Timex 𝘹 Carhartt WIP Camper MK1 collarobation (Carhartt # I026053 / Timex # TW2R84900, 36mm, 30 meters WR, grey case w/ grey nylon strap). A good example of a Timex collaboration sans any noticiable press; the watch was released in fall 2018 and available on the Carhartt website but that is the extent of my knowledge of the collaboration.—not my watch.

I believe that when a man wears an article that I manufacture, his self-respect is increased because he knows that it is made by an honest manufacturer, who is honest with his employees.Hamilton Carhartt

Two Stainless-steel Campers: BEAMS Boy Timex SST Camper (BEAMS # 13-48-0109-232 / Timex # TW2R78300QY, 36mm, Acrylic windshield) and Timex MK1 Military with Grossgrain Strap (Timex Ref. TW2R73000LG, SS 36mm, 30 meters WR). The American version is the most formal of all the Campers, a true gentleman's timepiece, wonderful for black-tie events. From the BEAMS website: [ベルトにはハリのあるリジッドなナイロンを採用、ビジネスシーンでも対応できる汎用性を確保] ≈ “Adopting a rigid nylon on the belt to ensure versatility that can be handled even in the business scene”—my watches.

Tokyo Converse 𝘹 TIMEX 3^rd Anniversary Special Collaboration Camper (Release: August 2018, Ref. # unknown, black resin, 36mm) Google translation from the Converse-Tokyo website: CONVERSE TOKYO In commemoration of the 3rd anniversary, collaboration watch which applied bespoke design based on Timex's masterpiece' Camper. On the belt part is a special item that arranged the logo of CONVERSE TOKYO and designed the star motif which is also the symbol of Converse in the center of the dial—not my watch.

CONVERSE TOKYO 3 周年を記念して、TIMEX の代表作とも言える「Camper」をベースに別注デザインを施したコラボレーションウォッチ。 ベルト部分にはCONVERSE TOKYO のロゴを配し、文字盤の中心にコンバースの象徴でもあるスターモチーフをデザインした特別なアイテムです。

It's Nice That 𝘹 TIMEX: “Nice Time Guaranteed” Camper (Timex # TW2R78300QY): a collaboration between Timex, It's Nice That (London-based design company) and Camelot Typefaces GbR (Leipzig)—my watch.

It's Nice That's collaboration with Timex brings the typographic heritage of both brand's together, with the customization of a military classic: the Timex MK1. Leipzig-based type collective Camelot has designed a typeface inspired by the letterforms of both It's Nice That and Timex. The resulting character set has the look of a bold sans-serif, with a hand-rendered quality. A message in a sun-like roundel seals the watch with a positive pledge to each person who wears it: Nice Time Guaranteed.timex

Timex + Todd Snyder: the Military Watch (c. 2017, 38-40mm, 50mm WR, military nylon strap, quartz, Timex # TW4B05800) and Timex 𝘹 Nigel Cabourn SST Watch (c. 2018, 36mm, 30mm WR, L34 Ventile® strap, quartz, Timex # TW2R73100)—Camper-inspired (Todd Snyder is Viscount-inspired), military-esque watches each with the Broad Arrow—not my watch (todd snyder) / my watch (nigel cabourn).

Beauty & Youth United Arrows 𝘹 Timex Originals Camper (circa November 2012, royal blue and light grey, Beauty & Youth logo at 6 o'clock)—not my watches.

From wear.jp website (Google translation): TIMEX military watch. In 1857, "TIMEX (Timex)" who grew up in the world in Waterbury, Connecticut, and grew up in the world. Please realize the dignity that can only be produced by the real thing, cultivated in the history exceeding 140 years. Here is a standard popular model, the same color up to the belt, case, dial, bespoke with two colors of POP bespoke. Beauty and Youth UNITED ARROWS: Mental beauty, persistent youth ~ Free ideas and traditional minds are sources of mental beauty, permanent youth.

TIMEXミリタリーウォッチ。1857年、アメリカ・コネチカット州ウォーターベリーで産声を上げ、世界で育った「 TIMEX（タイメックス）」。140年を超える歴史に培われた、本物だ けが醸しだすことのできる品格を実感して下さい。こちらは 定番人気モデルを、ベルト、ケース、文字盤まで同色、POPな2色 のカラーで別注しました。

Timex MK1 𝘹 The Good Company (Timex # TWG019800JR, December 2018, 36mm, black resin). From Timex: “The Good Company for Timex is a unique collaboration that brings a fresh twist to our classic MK1 style. The Good Company takes a fun, postmodern approach to the dial-using minimal markings on the dial and applying their wave logo as the second hand. Inspiration for this design can be found in our military-inspired MK1 roots and the Memphis art movement.” The Good Company is a New York-based streetwear brand with a flagship store on the Lower east Side—not my watch.

Japan Disney Store 𝘹 Timex Mickey Mouse Anniversary Steamboat Willie Camper (November 2018, ref. # TW2T34400, 36mm, grey and black nylon straps )—my watch. (see Addendum for the 12/2018 release of the Timex 𝘹 Beams 𝘹 Disney 90^th Anniversary Mickey Mouse collaboration).

The long-established watch brand TIMEX comes with a special model of "Steamboat Willie". In the design of the watch body, Mickey Mouse of "Steamboat Willy" was treated, and the color was finished in monotone. The arm of Mickey Mouse becomes the needle of the clock and shows the time on the dial. The band of the watch is black and gray reversible, it has become the specification that it can pull out and change the front and back even without tools. On the black side, the logo of "Steamboat Willie" is printed on the gray side, and the Mickey Mouse holding the steering wheel is printed on the back side of the watch body, respectively. It is size feeling you can use with unisex. Entering a special box made just for this memorial model.japan disney store

老舗ウォッチブランドTIMEX(タイメックス)から『蒸気船ウィリー』の特別モデルが登場。 アメリカの老舗ウォッチブランドTIMEX(タイメックス)が、1980年代に製造していた米軍規格のミリタリーウォッチ「キャンパー」。これを忠実に復刻した「オリジナルキャンパー」は、視認性はもとより、軽くて耐久性に優れることから、同ブランドの定番ロングセラーとして人気があります。この「オリジナルキャンパー」をベースに、ミッキーマウスのスクリーンデビュー90周年を記念してディズニーストアのために特別に作られたのが、この『蒸気船ウィリー』モデルです。 時計本体のデザインには『蒸気船ウィリー』のミッキーマウスをあしらい、色味をモノトーンで仕上げました。ミッキーマウスの腕が時計の針となり、文字盤上で時刻を示してくれます。時計のバンドは黒とグレーのリバーシブルになっていて、工具が無くても引き抜いて表裏が変えられる仕様になっています。黒の面には『蒸気船ウィリー』のロゴが、グレーの面には舵輪を握るミッキーマウスが、それぞれ時計本体の裏側にくる位置にプリントされています。 ユニセックスでお使いいただけるサイズ感です。 この記念モデルのためだけに作られたスペシャルボックス入り。 ＊この商品は各種クーポン対象外です。japan disney store

Timex has a plethora of brand collaborations involving the “Originals Camper” with date, pictured are a handful among many: Timex 𝘹 CROSSOVER "Paint It Black" Camper, Timex 𝘹 Timex (ref. # T2N364), master-piece 𝘹 Timex (Osaka bag company), Bedwin & the Heartbreakers 𝘹 Timex Camper (Japanese fashion retailer, Paramount Quality), Swagger 𝘹 Timex 12^th Anniversary watch, Timex 𝘹 Journal Standard (Japanese contemporary fashion and streetwear) and Jam Home Made JHM 𝘹 Timex (on a Bund-type strap) [Japanese accessories brand]—not my watches.

Jam Home Made JHM is the same company responsible for the CLOT 𝘹 Jam Home Made “Jam Watch Less Brace Type” which is more-or-less the same idea as Levi Maestro's “Infinity Piece” (green stingray strap): an empty shell of a watch. Looking into the void of these “watches” I see a metaphor for the existential ennui, if not dread, one encounters when looking at a modern mid-tier (mediocre), run-of-the-mill Omega, IWC, Breitling etc.—a sad symbol of the vacuousness of middling whorology which has become little more than myth and mendacity, tripes and tired tropes.

Timex 𝘹 Thom McAn Camper (watch shown has date code AA = November 1993, mechanical Camper). This watch was featured on Yahoo Japan (May 2018) and it would be a suprise if it was a “real” collaboation with Thom McAn but it is more suprising that someone would fabricate such an obscure collaboration: it's a mystery⁇ Thom McAn was an American shoe company started in New York City in 1922 (by 1939 there were almost 700 stores). The watch pictured has an American flag under the Timex logo and the Thom McAn logo above the water-resistance symbol—not my watch.

X-Large 𝘹 Timex Camper (circa April 2010 blue model # T92730): the only information found was: “Known for their collaborations, XLarge gets together as part of their Spring/Summer 2010 Collection with Timex. The two brands collaborated on the classic Camper watch. It comes in a black and a military green colorway, both featuring canvas straps and red or blue dials with subtle logo placements. When the hot short-sleeve season comes, because the arm is lonely, it is perfect for accent.” X-Large is a Japanese (or Los Angeles) clothing retailer I think—not my watches.

Adam et Ropé 𝘹 Timex Camper Watch c. 2011 (oversized limited edition). OFFICIAL Twitter: “ADAM ET ROPÉ ORDINARY NEWNESS ORDINARY COMFORT Daily routine. Sophisticated comfort and freshness that enjoys life every day”. I cannot tease out what specifically is the branding on these Campers but: “Japanese fashion label Adam et Ropé has just released two colorways of the celebrated Camper watch by Timex. The Camper model is the perfect everyday watch; simple and fine designed details. Both designs feature a rounded case with a simple black and white analogue display. Each watch is detailed with plastic detailing in black and features a strap in your choice of either black or khaki” [Google translation]. Pictured with the watches are agnés b. 𝘹 Adam et Ropé hoodie and PEANUTS 𝘹 Adam et Ropé sweatshirt—not my watches.

SHIPS 40^th anniversary Timex bespoke navy Original Camper: SHIPS is a Japanese clothing brand founded in 1975 (released October 2016)—not my watch but i want it.

From TIMEX 's popular immovable series "ORIGINAL CAMPER", SHIPS bespoke navy model appeared! ORIGINAL CAMPER (Original Camper) was a replica type of model that Timex offered for military at that time, highly visibility, exactly the origin model of military watch. There was a model that gained popularity as a "blue" camper in the past, but this time, SHIPS (Ships) released "Navy" camper as bespoke. This is the point that the tone of the model and the blue at that time are also different, and the specification of the campers themselves follows the original designs, it is the point that they are completed as the original campers. The classical atmosphere of the original campers, as it is, is an attractive gem that is useful as a casual as well as a suit or a jacket style... google translation from watch-monster article (japanese website)

TIMEXの中でも不動の人気を誇るシリーズ"ORIGINAL CAMPER"より、SHIPS別注のネイビーモデルが登場！ ORIGINAL CAMPER(オリジナルキャンパー)は、当時タイメックス社が軍用に供給していたモデルのレプリカタイプで、視認性も高く、まさにミリタリーウォッチの原点的なモデル。 過去に"青"キャンパーとして人気を博したモデルがありましたが、今回SHIPS(シップス)別注として"紺"キャンパーをリリース。 こちらはその当時のモデルとブルーのトーンも異なり、またキャンパー自体の仕様がより初代のデザインを踏襲した、オリジナルキャンパーとして完成させているのがポイントです。 オリジナルキャンパーの持つクラシカルな雰囲気はそのままに、カジュアルはもちろん、スーツやジャケットスタイルの"外し"としても重宝する汎用性の高さが魅力的な逸品で、文字盤には今回のコラボレーションを象徴するべくSHIPSロゴも施すなど、"TIMEX×SHIPS"だからこそ実現した、上品仕様の"ORIGINAL CAMPER"にてお届けいたします。

Timex stain-less steel (SS) Campers (classic 36mm): the traditional Timex Camper is plastic/resin but stain-less steel models exist such as the five Campers pictured. It is unlikely one will find a nicer (finish and construction) SS case in watches 10x the price of the SS Campers—my watches.

Timex Originals Camper military-esque collaborations: Beauty & Youth 𝘹 Briefing 𝘹 Timex (mil-spec bag specialist), Disney 𝘹 Timex, SHIPS 𝘹 Timex, WTAPS 𝘹 Timex (Japanese clothing brand), Timex 𝘹 SBTG Surplus Camper project (Singapore sneaker customization) and LESS 𝘹 Timex (Taiwanese fashion brand)—not my watches.

BEAMS 𝘹 Timex 35^th anniversary Retro Camper (c. 2011): Aside from the Beams logo placement on the dial, the '7' has been exchanged with a '35', the watches come with two NATO straps. Other BEAMS 35^th annivesary collaborations included PUMA DISC LTWT 𝘹 BEAMS, Monclear 𝘹 BEAMS shiny bronze jacket and BEAMS 𝘹 Arc'teryx backpack—not my watches.

Timex 𝘹 Goodhood OG Camper: circa 2015, limited to 250 pieces with Goodhood custom typeface. I am not certain what the “OG” represents, Originals Camper?; but given the Goodhood depiction of Charlie Brown smoking a blunt and the Goodhood Weirdos, Stylers, Punks, Outsiders tee-shirt I guess one has to be “cool” to wear the Goodhood OG Camper—not my watches.

Off-topic but speaking of Goodhood here is the first Goodhood/Timex collaboration: Timex 𝘹 Goodhood Weekender: December 2014, limited to 50 pieces with the Goodhood logo replacing the usual Indiglo® at 6 o'clock. The accompaning pictures are from the Goodhood Store illustrations (Biggie wears Paul Smith bamboo print shirt and Sid wears Neighborhood leopard print shirt) from the Goodhood Spring/Summer 2014 catalog—not my watch.

Timex Originals for Hudson's Bay Company Collection watch (circa 2012, Timex ref. T2N977). The Timex / HBC collaboration was only sold through Timex Canada and Hudson's Bay Company stores. The model is quite similar to the BEAMS 𝘹 Timex 35^th anniversary Retro Camper which was released a year earlier (note both models have a knurled crown. The Timex / HBC watch has a nylon strap done in the HBC point blanket stripe design—not my watch.

Timex 𝘹 Publish Brand clothing Black & White Cities collection (pure white & midnight black)—not my watches.

Publish exists to stir your imagination and, in turn, be inspired by you as well. We are part-time clothiers, full-time bridge builders, today for tomorrow

We teamed up with Timex to re-imagine the Camper watch. Keeping our minimalist aesthetic and timelessness of the watch, we updated it with monochromatic color schemes: Midnight Black and Pure White. Familiar Camper features remain including the utilitarian watch face and beloved nylon strap. A casual, versatile addition to any watch lover's arsenal. publish website

CAMPER have a good time, TIMEX, BEAMS 's triple name. The graphic on the face reprinted the design of Toy Watch of released in BEAMS in the past. It is the motto of the Meguro that has become the base of you has a good time The motif is the preeminent wallclock watches present in the shop. google translation of the original japanese

Timex for J. Crew: there were at least three Camper-esque Timex for J. Crew collaborations namely: Timex for J. Crew Military watch (2008, # T2M901), Timex for J. Crew Field Army watch (2010, # T2N332) and Timex for J. Crew Platoon watch (2013, # T2P361); I am not 100% certain of the “official” names of the watches but the dates are correct as the date is inscribed on the case-backs. The watches do not have fixed lugs so maybe not “Campers” per se but good enought for me—not my watches.

Goodhood 𝘹 TIMEX 10^th anniversary collaboration (250 pieces, circa 2017, Timex ref. TWLA88100). Goodhood is a London lifestore (founded 2007) and collaborated with sundry brands to celebrate its 10^th anniversary. Pictured is the Timex collaboration along with Brain Dead Loves Goodhood t-shirt, Studio Arhoj 𝘹 Goodhood ceramic ghosts and Vans 𝘹 Goodhood Sk8-Hi sneakers against a background of Goodhood gift paper—my watch.

NEIGHBORHOOD 𝘹 TIMEX NHTM Camper (circa 2017, Ref. TWLA84100JP)—NEIGHBORHOOD® (started in 1994 by Shinsuke Takizawa) is a clothing company with a flagship store(s) in Tokyo. I am not certain what connection the watch has between Timex and NEIGHBORHOOD® though the special strap that comes with the watch seems similar to the NEIGHBORHOOD® G.I / MA-Belt found in the 2017 Autumn/Winter MIL-spec line—my watch.

Once you get to know the Timex Camper and Timex in general you understand modern mid-tier watches are simply a waste of money^† (let's define mid-tier as $1K—$20K [U.S.]). Most mid-tier watches are puffery & myth by which I mean pretention & fiction: FREE YOURSELF from the bondage of branding and the albatross of advertising—if you want horology get a Patek Philippe, if you want a nice watch get a Timex—it's a simple formula.^†Rolex is exempt as Rolex is 👑 ♔ king ♔ 👑.

Part 2. The TIMEX 𝘹 Engineered Garments 𝘹 BEAMS Boy “Reverso”

「反転ロゴを採用してくれたTIMEXさんには感謝しています」
“I am grateful to TIMEX for adopting the inversion logo.”

「本当はロゴを入れたくなかったんだけど…（笑）」
“Actually I did not want to put a logo”

—Daiki Suzuki
Japanese-born (Hirosaki City) American fashion designer / Engineered Garments / the first Japanese CFDA member

In 1976, Beams opened its first shop inside a small space in the Harajuku neighborhood that used to be a grocery. The name “Beams” played off the five-letter store name trend (CREWS, SHIPS, CANOE) and the fact that the kō character (光) in parent company Shinko Inc.'s name can mean “beam of light.”. At first, Beams sold athletic-minded West Coast collegiate clothing, with the store set up like a mock dorm room at UCLA and selling things like Nike roller skates.

Celebrating BEAMS 40^th anniversary in 2016 BEAMS in collaboration with Timex and Engineered Garments released the TIMEX 𝘹 Engineered Garments 𝘹 BEAMS Boy “Reverso”^†;—in 2018 the BEAMS Boy 20^th anniversary “Reversos” were released.

† The Timex “Reverso” is a watch that has the dial and text reversed, flipped, inverted, mirrored, whatever.

The only thing I know for a semi-truth concerning these Timex 𝘹 Engineered Garments 𝘹 Beams Camper “Reversos” is there are thus far four (at least) variants namely:

1. March 2016: olive resin (# 13-48-0076-232-67-88 / Timex # TW2P93500)—40^th anniversary of BEAMS founding. ¥10,000
2. April 2016: navy resin (the blue heron) (# 13-48-0076-232-79-88)—40^th anniversary of BEAMS founding. ¥10,000
3. January 2018: black SST (BEAMS # 13-48-0002-232 / Timex # TW2R56500)—BEAMS Boy 20^th anniversary. ¥20,000
4. March 2018: black resin (BEAMS # 13-48-0018-232 / Timex # TW2R56600)—BEAMS Boy 20^th anniversary. ¥10,000

How the watches were distributed (in the U.S.A. the watches may have been available at Nepenthes in NYC) or in what numbers the watches were produced is a mystery to me—the “Reversos” are packaged in matching color boxes (stock images below). Note: each of the “Reversos” have “Engineered Garments^®” printed on the inside of the nylon strap.

Here is the BEAMS Boy Timex SST “Reverso” (BEAMS # 13-48-0002-232 / Timex # TW2R56500)—my watch.

The third [ss model, black resin followed shortly, my note] of the much sought after “mirrored face” watch series; inspired by the “Tokoya Dokei (Barbar's watch)”, designed for quick time-reading whilst getting a haircut. Commemorating BEAMS BOY 20th Anniversary, the new series comes in a stainless steel case. An exquisite piece, perfectly melding the playful energy of ENGINEERED GARMENTS and the rugged toughness of TIMEX. google translation beams website (paraphrase)

かつて瞬く間に完売した＜Engineered Garments（エンジニアド ガーメンツ）＞と＜TIMEX（タイメックス）＞のスペシャルウォッチを ＜BEAMS BOY（ビームス ボーイ）＞の誕生20周年を記念して復刻しました！ "ORIGINAL CAMPER"をベースにステンレスケースをドーム型のミネラルガラス風防を搭載した日本企画モデル、通称”SST CAMPER"を採用した今作。 文字盤デザインとロゴをミラー反転させながらも針は通常の時計回りで、＜ENGINEERED GARMENTS＞らしい遊び心溢れるデザインに仕上げた貴重なリストウォッチ。 ボディーカラーに合わせてスペシャル仕様のボックスもご用意しました。

Here is the BEAMS Boy Timex black resin “Reverso” (BEAMS # 13-48-0018-232 / Timex # TW2R56600)—my watch.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the birth of , the second battle reprint model of Engine Warrior Reproduction Model and sold out shortly in a blink of an appeared. While "ORIGINAL CAMPER" is based on dial design and logo mirror reversal, the needle is a normal clockwise, valuable wrist watch finished in a playful design full of . This time we prepared a black color with a reputation for . It is a point not to be missed a box of special spec according to the body color. google translation beams website (paraphrase)

＜BEAMS BOY（ビームス ボーイ）＞の誕生20周年を記念して、かつて瞬く間に完売した＜Engineered Garments（エンジニアド ガーメンツ）＞と＜TIMEX（タイメックス）＞のスペシャルウォッチ復刻モデル第2弾が登場。 "ORIGINAL CAMPER"をベースに文字盤デザインとロゴをミラー反転させながらも針は通常の時計回りで、＜ENGINEERED GARMENTS＞らしい遊び心溢れるデザインに仕上げた貴重なリストウォッチ。今回は＜TIMEX（タイメックス）＞で定評のあるブラックカラーをご用意しました。 ボディーカラーに合わせたスペシャル仕様のボックスも見逃せないポイントです。

I have not read any definite origin story for the Timex “Reverso” but the following snippet from an interview with Daiki Suzuki (designer Engineered Garments) sheds light on the genesis:

Q. Reason for adopting inverted design which is also the biggest feature of bespoke model?

If you wanted to make bespoke models carefully, I did not want to change color or put a logo, and I wanted to make it with an unprecedented angle. Once I got to New York with Masuko Masuko At the time the designer of made a meeting with me, at the time Mr. Masuko had a article with a barber clock on it.The barber clock is a mirror mirror Not only the design but also the design of the watch in which the movements themselves were reversed so that we can know the time, when I saw it, I remembered the counterclock watch of the , but it was pleased that we changed the usage because it changed like a barber clock so we only had the face turned inverted design. It is unthinkable under normal circumstances, but also acknowledges the idea of ??reversing the most important "TIMEX" logo ... I really appreciate it. I have liked to flip since long ago, Even brand sneakers have given out the same idea, I wanted to invert the logo entering the upper, at that time it was quite angry (lol) google translated from beams interview w/ daiki suzuki : the birth of special watch the secret story.

Waterbury (predecessor to Timex) did produce such “barbershop” clocks (retailed by Kramer, Elkader, Iowa) so the story is not implausible (I like to think it's true). The “barbershop” clock (Timexpo museum, Waterbury, Conn.) is pictured with my Waterbury clock (8-day circa 1870)—I think the Timexpo museum closed in 2015.

There are two publications associated with the BEAMS 40^th anniversary:

1.WHAT'S NEXT? TOKYO CULTURE STORY (マガジンハウスムック)—Beams has recently launched the project "TOKYO CULTURE STORY" commemorating the 40th anniversary of its foundation. As a second part of it, we will publish the book "WHAT'S NEXT? TOKYO CULTURE STORY", which spells a variety of movement and culture history coloring Tokyo.

2. BEAMS: Beyond Tokyo, Rizzoli (February 14, 2017, 256 pages)—BEAMS: Beyond Tokyo offers readers an exclusive look at the inner workings of one Japan's most innovative fashion brands. Highlighted within are key collaborations between BEAMS and brands including Adidas, Nike, Reebok, and Levi's and renowned photographers such as Mark Borthwick and Terry Richardson. Complete with photographs, sketches, and in-depth essays by curators and collaborators, this book presents a detailed look into BEAMS and its four decades of bringing together the best emerging talent with international designers.

BEAMS shared a 40^th anniversary with the 40^th anniversary of Japanese magazine POPEYE. Though not a Timex there was a BEAMS 𝘹 POPEYE 40^th anniversary watch (Seiko)—not my watch.

LLBean 𝘹 BEAMS PLUS & BEAMS BOY 40^th anniversary: Lounger Boots (not watch-related but pretty nice).

Lounger boots born in 1952 based on the main hunting shoe which is the representative boots of are models made for casual wear at campgrounds and at home. After that, I repeated a minor change, it became design with the current strap. Bespoke such a hidden masterpiece. The upper adopts suede material from the strong hope of BEAMS. Also part of the sole is the same color as the upper, realizing a clear visual. This time as well as the previous work, it is production in the home country USA. google translation beams website (paraphrase)

＜L.L.Bean＞の代表ブーツであるメイン・ハンティングシ ューをベースに1952年に誕生したラウンジャーブーツは、キャ ンプ場や自宅などでカジュアルに履くことを目的に作られた モデル。その後、マイナーチェンジを繰り返し、現在のスト ラップ付きデザインになりました。そんな隠れた名作を別注 。アッパーにはBEAMSの強い希望からスエード素材を採用。また ソールの一部もアッパーと同色に揃え、すっきりとしたビジ ュアルを実現。今回も前作同様、本国アメリカでの生産です。

BEAMS創業４０周年を記念して＜ENGINEERED GARMENTS＞と＜TIMEX＞のスペシャルウォッチが完成。 ベースモデルは、2015年11月に復刻発売された『オリジナルキャンパー』。 文字盤デザインをミラー反転させた一見奇抜に思えるデザインですが、あくまでも針は通常の時計回り。そんな計算し尽くされた未完成なデザイン。 ＜ENGINEERED GARMENTS＞らしい遊びゴコロがふんだんに詰まった1本に仕上がりました。

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of BEAMS foundation and special watch is completed. The base model is "Original Camper" which was released in November 2015. It seems strange at first sight that the dial design is mirror reversed, but the needle is the usual clockwise rotation. Such uncompleted design that was exhausted. It seems to be finished in a single bottle filled with plenty of playful goats. google translation from beams website

Here are the BEAMS 40^th anniversary Timex 𝘹 Engineered Garments 𝘹 Beams Camper “Reversos”—my watches.

Engineered Garments's Andover Jacket (A kaleidoscope of colors, patterns and textures). Engineered Garments have long been proponents of daring design philosophies—showcasing a willingness to weave mismatching patchwork and textiles to fashion one-of-a-kind signature creations (Spring/Summer 2018 collection).

A quartet of Timex 𝘹 Engineered Garments 𝘹 BEAMS Camper “Reversos” with Daiki Suzuki—my watches..

かつて理髪店で使用されていた、鏡越しに見る掛け時計から生まれたアイデアに、反転・逆転といったパンク精神へのオマージュも込められています

“The tribute to the punk spirit such as inversion and reversal is also included in the idea born from the wall clockwork watch that was once used at the barber shop.”—Daiki Suzuki

Epilogue

There are much more important things in life than a watch.
One of these is passion. Life is TIME plus X.
Without that X (passion), life is just time, for everyone.
TIME+X (passion) = TIMEX.timex reverso advertisement

When I eventually downsize to two timepieces a Timex will certainly be one of the final pair of watches I own. Pictured are a very nice pair of timepieces (Timex MK1 SST Olive & Olive 40mm with INDIGLO® and 30m water-resistance and a F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain, 40mm, pink gold)—my watches.

Addendum

BEAMS Boy: launched in 1998, BEAMS BOY was made for women who love the strength and function found in men's fashion. The selection centers around men's heavy duty and standard items, and pieces with substance, styled to highlight their unique appeal.

ENGINEERED GARMENTS: incepted in 1999 by Japanese born, American designer, Daiki Suzuki, with a vision to craft contemporary garments with urban usability and nostalgic workwear elements with utilitarian flair.

TIMEX: Timex Group designs, manufactures and markets innovative timepieces around the world. Founded in 1854, Timex Group is a privately-held company headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut.

The Timex MK1 are 40mm, 30 meter water-resistance with Indiglo®: pictured: MK1 Aluminium, olive (TW2R37500), MK1 Aluminium, blue (TW2R37300), MK1 stain-less steel, beige & khaki (TWR268000), MK1 Matte Aluminium (TW2T13800LG) and MK1 stainless-steel, olive & olive (TW2R68100)—not my watches except the olive & olive.

Timex Japan: 樹脂製ケースのオリジナルキャンパーからケース素材をSSに変えた日本企画モデルを40mm径にサイズアップしたワールドワイドモデル。 汎用性を高めるためにインディグロ®ナイトライトを搭載し、ストラップも味わいのあるファブリック製にすることで大人っぽい顔つきになりました。 使い込むうちに味の出てくるカーキカラーは、長く使える1本です。

Google translation ≈ “worldwide model whose size has been upgraded to a 40 mm diameter by changing the case material from the original campaign of plastic case to SS, Japan planning model. In order to increase versatility, Indiglo^® Night Light was installed and the strap looks like an adult looking by making the strap a tasty fabric.”

In addition to the million Timex Camper brand collaborations there are many non-Camper brand collaborations—here are four U.S.A. brand collaborations: Timex 𝘹 Red Wing Waterbury (2016), the leather strap is from Red Wing's S.B. Foot Tanning Company, Timex 𝘹 RHC Navy Safari (celebrating the 1st anniversary of RHC Ron Herman Oosaka Store) [Timex # TW2R11300],Timex 𝘹 Carhartt WIP (work in progess) Acadia (2017 with custom-labled NATO) and the Timex 𝘹 Mystery Ranch Field Watch (Timex # TW2R81700)—not my watches.

Timex 𝘹 Goodhood limited editions: unlike the pseudo-limited editions smelling up modern horology Timex limited editions are relatively “limited”—the Weekender was limited to 50 pieces and both the Camper and the OG Camper were each limited to 250 pieces, while not really limited 250 pieces is not inane like Omega and IWC so-called “limited editions”.

Timex 2-character date codes. Watches from 1985 and later generally have a 2 digit code on the caseback indicating year and month of manufacture. For example the mechanical Campers pictured have date-codes of “94”, “52” and “77” which correspond to: September 1992, April 1989 and May 1991—not my watches.

      Jan    Feb    March   April  May    June   July   August  Sept  Oct    Nov    Dec
1985   01     02     03     04     05     06     07     08     09     10     11     12
1986   13     14     15     16     17     18     19     20     21     22     23     24
1987   25     26     27     28     29     30     31     32     33     34     35     36
1988   37     38     39     40     41     42     43     44     45     46     47     48
1989   49     50     51     52     53     54     55     56     57     58     59     60
1990   61     62     63     64     65     66     67     68     69     70     71     72
1991   73     74     75     76     77     78     79     80     81     82     83     84
1992   85     86     87     88     89     90     91     92     93     94     95     96
1993   a1     a2     a3     a4     a5     a6     a7     a8     a9     a0     aa     ab
1994   b1     b2     b3     b4     b5     b6     b7     b8     b9     b0     bb     bc
1995   c1     c2     c3     c4     c5     c6     c7     c8     c9     c0     cc     cd
1996   d1     d2     d3     d4     d5     d6     d7     d8     d9     d0     dd     de
1997   e1     e2     e3     e4     e5     e6     e7     e8     e9     e0     ee     ef
1998   f1     f2     f3     f4     f5     f6     f7     f8     f9     f0     ff     fg
1999   g1     g2     g3     g4     g5     g6     g7     g8     g9     g0     gg     gh

bPr BEAMS Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary: a Camper triple-collaboration Timex 𝘹 Beams 𝘹 Disney (December 2018, Beams ref # 11480393232, 36mm, resin case, nylon strap, & acrylic windshield)—not my watch.

ディズニーのシンボル的キャラクターとして、世界中から愛されているミッキーマウスの生誕90周年記念ウォッチが登場。＜TIMEX（タイメックス）＞の高い人気を誇る名作、"MK1"と呼ばれる"Camper（キャンパー）"モデルに落とし込んだ、＜BEAMS（ビームス）＞限定のスペシャルウォッチです。 レトロでクラシックな印象のミッキーマウスは、1930年代の"パイカットアイ"と呼ばれるアートワークを採用。時を刻むたびにミッキーマウスの両腕が動き、様々なフェイスの表情を楽しめます。トラッドな配色で仕上げた＜TIMEX＞定番のナイロンベルトもポイント。大人の上品さがありながらも、＜BEAMS＞らしい遊び心を感じる仕上がりに。 10年前のアニバーサリーモデルの特徴であるミッキーマウス の手足の細さや体のフォルムをリデザインした、90周年に ふさわしいエクスクルーシブウォッチです。Timex Japan

As a symbolic character of Disney, Mickey Mouse's 90th birth anniversary watch that is loved from all over the world appeared. It is a special watch of limited that has fallen into the popular masterpiece of , "Camper (camper)" model called "MK 1". Mickey Mouse with a classic impression in retro adopts artwork called "pie cut eyes" in the 1930s. Every time you tick, Mickey Mouse's arms will move and you can enjoy the expression of various faces. Finished with trad coloring, the classic nylon belt also points. Despite the elegance of adults, it is a finish that feels like playfulness as . It is an exclusive watch suitable for the 90th anniversary, which redesigned the thinness of the limbs and body form of Mickey Mouse which is a feature of the anniversary model 10 years ago.Google Translation

Here are sundry brand logos of many of the Timex collaborations referenced in the article.

Background art-work credited as follows: Keith Haring, Camouflage (Andy Warhol), Untitled (Toyohara Chikanobu woodcut), Brush Strokes 1965 (Roy Lichtenstein), KAWS, California Landscape IV, 2005 (Lee Sang Guk woodcut), Tree Scene (Hajime Namiki), Sell the house... (Christopher Wool), Brush Strokes 1968 (Roy Lichtenstein), Blue Waves (Block-print fabric), KAWS, Yellow and Red Brush Strokes (Roy Lichtenstein), White Brushstroke 1965 (Roy Lichtenstein), Goodhood Gift Paper, Katsushika Hokusai, Hokusai Fugaku, Lee Ufan, Lee Ufan, Bansky, Sarah Larnach, Kawase Hasui, Cy Twombly, Chuck Close, Mr. Brainwash x 4, Clara Lacy and Andy Warhol.