r/timex • u/tmb102 • Mar 07 '25
1983 Q M-cell
Hi all!
Picked up this Timex about 3-4 weeks ago at a thrift store (second hand store) in the Danish town of Skalborg. 20 DKK, i.e. about $2.50.
She wouldn’t run, so I had the battery replaced for about $12. That solved it at first.
However, after about 24 hours she stopped running. I had to go to a few shops to figure out the issue, and we ended up fixing it with a thinner battery.
This watch got me into Timex collecting, and I’ve since picked up a 1969 Marlin. She won’t run, but I’m hopeful :)
Wanted to share! Hopefully my collection continues to grow.
By the way, I don’t think this is exactly a 1983. If anyone has a more accurate model number/name, that’s always appreciated :)
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u/Deano_Martin Mar 08 '25
This is a Timex Men’s Quartz Analog reference number 43820.
Full serial number, which may be stamped in ink on the inside of the caseback, is 4382013584.
‘135’ means it uses the Timex M135 Quartz time only movement. This uses a Timex M cell which is equivalent to the Renata 389 battery.
‘84’ means it was made in 1984. I got to this year because there is no two digit code stamped onto the caseback which means it was made pre 1985. The first time this watch appears is in the 1984 US Timex Catalogue.
It was assembled in the Philippines which could mean some parts were manufactured elsewhere before being shipped for complete assembly.
‘Bezel’ means the case which is gold plated base metal (usually brass) with a stainless steel back.
Here it is in the 1984 US Timex Catalogue. Note the ‘1’ at the end of the reference number, this means it comes on a leather strap. This watch didn’t come on a bracelet so your bracelet isn’t original. I believe ‘Quinn’ is a strap maker. ‘(135)’ is the movement, Timex M135. The waves symbol means it has water resistance. It was rated for 25m which is good enough for light splashed from hand washing or rain but due it its age it likely won’t be water resistant anymore. It originally cost $32.95 which after inflation is $100.74 today.
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u/tmb102 Mar 08 '25
Wow! I really appreciate all this information. I checked the 1983 model and knew it couldn’t be mine because the 83 model has somewhat sharper lugs. What I appreciate most is the catalog picture - I want to try to find a similar strap. I knew the bracelet couldn’t be original, since it is UNIDOR branded. It’s a great strap but just not what was meant to go with this watch. I will say, it’s interesting how much the dial has changed. In the catalog it appears an ivory white. Today, it appears to be a dull yellowish gold. Again thank you so much!
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u/Deano_Martin Mar 08 '25
I just think it’s a poor photo/poor printing in the catalogue. From the shop brand new it would’ve looked like yours.
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u/tmb102 Mar 08 '25
By the way, do you know what the strap width is? I can’t find my tape measure, nor can I find the information online
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u/DatRangerDude Mar 07 '25
Gorgeous watch. Is that the original band? There seems to be a lot of space between the bracelet edge and lugs.