Q Timex Chronograph vs. Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph Watch Review And Comparison Of White and Black
Nick LehnerFor only $20 more than the original, Timex will now sell you a Q chronograph that tracks additional time zones. The Three Time Zone Chronograph might seem like a no-brainer, especially because the availability of the original Q Timex Chronograph is fairly limited. The two watches, however, have quite different characters and might appeal to different types of collectors.
Because I had purchased two colors of each watch to use for testing with StrapHabit's new TQ18 straps to ensure that they fit all variants (they do!), I thought it might be interesting to do a comparison of the two.
If you want to know more about each watch, you can read an in-depth review of the Q Chronograph here, and the Three Time Zone here. This review will just focus on the differences.
First Impressions
The original Chronograph has a decidedly vintage look. Minus its quartz movement, it looks like something that could have been born in the late 60s. The heavily domed acrylic crystal and polished hands and markers are the main contributors to this appearance.
The Three Time Zone Chronograph on the other hand looks more modern. It uses a flat mineral crystal, and bold, raised markers. The white model especially looks this way, with its black surrounds and hands. Either could be confused with a 5-digit Rolex Explorer 2. Not exactly a modern watch, but one that still looks contemporary today.
Wearing The Q Timex Chronograph and Three Time Zone Chronograph
The dimensions of both watches are very similar. Interestingly, the watch with the additional hands is actually thinner. A lot of this is thanks to the crystal, but it still has a thinner presence on the wrist.
That being said, both watches are very wearable, and I think few people will find either one too thick (or wide).
Nighttime legibility is significantly better on the Three Time Zone Chronograph, due to its thicker and larger lume applications.
It's quite useful, while that of the Chronograph is impossible to read in many dark situations.
Straps and Bracelets
The original Chronograph has the nicest OE straps of any of the Q Timex watches I've evaluated. The leather looks and feels much nicer than the (likely) silicone rubber straps of the Three Time Zone. They are stiffer, however, giving the comfort nod to the rubber.
I did not have access to a bracelet version of the original chronograph, but they appear to be of similar quality to those of the Three Time Zone Chronograph. Comfortable, and less likely to pull hair than the bracelet on the Q Timex Reissue or M79 Automatic.
One of the key aspects of all of the Q Timex original straps is their shape. The Q Timex watches all have 18mm lug widths, but fairly thick lugs and square cases. Thus, you can fit a standard 18mm strap to one, but it won't look quite right. This is where StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps come in! They offer a higher quality aftermarket option in a variety of colors! Scroll down to the end of the article to see more photos.
Movements
The Three Time Zone watch has the obvious advantage of an extra hand to track another time zone. While this is a useful addition, I remarked in the original review that it is quite cumbersome to use.
The Q Chronograph had a simpler movement, with the added benefit of a sweeping chronograph second hand. Some might also find its 3-6-9 layout more visually appealing.
Neither is a bad option, however.
Conclusion
When choosing between the two, some customers will choose the Three Time Zone Chronograph, simply for its additional functionality.
If that doesn't matter to you, the price is close enough that the decision will come down to visual preference for most people. Do you prefer a monochrome, modern look, or the vintage panda or reverse panda look? The Three Time Zone has pure white details, while the original has a slight gold tint to the white portions of both dials.
Availability is also a factor, as the Three Time Zone is easier to find at the moment.
Finally, both watches are compelling options and offer a lot of fun for the price. You can't go wrong with any of them!
If you'd like to learn about some other great watches under $500, you can read the StrapHabit Top 10 list, or view other reviews of watches under $500.
| Q Timex | Chronograph | Three Time Zone |
| Reference |
TW2V42700ZV (Black) |
TW2V69800VQ (Black) |
| MSRP | $199 | $219 |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Width (mm) | 40 | 40 |
| Height (mm) | 46 | 46.3 |
| Thickness (mm) | 13.5 | 11.5 |
| Lug Width | 18mm | 18mm |
| Movement | Quartz Chronograph | Quartz Chronograph with Second Time Zone |
| Water Resistance (m) | 50 | 50 |
| Crystal | Mineral | Mineral |
| Strap | Leather | Silicone |
| Weight w/ Strap (g) | 76g | 82g |
See different looks and purchase StrapHabit Straps for Q Timex (View all here):
TQ18 FKM Rubber:
TQ18 Sailcloth and Leather Hybrid:
TQ18 Beads of Rice Bracelets:
TQ18 Hybrid Sailcloth and Rubber Straps:
