Timex launches retro Rotary Phone Dial watch with a striking 1970s-inspired face

Timex has released the 1976 Rotary Phone Dial Reissue (model TW2Y82100), a quartz watch that brings back a specific dial layout from the company’s 1970s archives. The watch is available now for $219 in the US and ₹21,495 in India.

Design Details

The defining feature of this release is the dial, which is formatted to physically resemble the circular number pad of a classic rotary telephone. Instead of standard applied indices or printed numbers, the dial features a black center surrounded by a white outer track.

Inside this white track, the Arabic numerals are placed within individual gold-tone circular frames. At the three o’clock position, Timex included a dual-window complication that displays both the day of the week and the date.

The case is constructed from stainless steel with a gold-tone finish that incorporates both brushed and polished surfaces. Dimensionally, it measures 37mm in diameter with a 43mm lug-to-lug distance and a case height of 12mm.

These measurements make it a relatively compact watch by modern standards, which remains consistent with the sizing of the original 1970s model it is based on. The total weight of the watch is 51 grams.

For the crystal, Timex opted for domed acrylic rather than mineral glass or sapphire. While acrylic is more prone to surface scratches than modern alternatives, it is historically accurate to the time period and can be polished to remove minor scuffs.

The watch carries a water resistance rating of 50 meters, meaning it can handle splashes and light swimming, but it is not built for submersion in diving scenarios.

Internally, the watch runs on a standard battery-powered quartz analog movement using an SR920SW battery. It ships with a 20mm brown crocodile-grain leather strap secured by a standard gold-tone buckle.

This 20mm lug width and quick-release system allow users to easily swap the band for aftermarket options without needing a spring bar tool. The watch is currently available for purchase directly through Timex’s regional websites.

In related news, Timex has recently launched the new MK1 Anchor watch, featuring a vintage-inspired dial and fabric straps.

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(Timex)