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Pre-order the latest Noah x Timex watch for $198.
A lot has happened lately, and this will probably take significant mental computing power, but try to think back to June of this year for a moment. You may have been feeling dejected because Noah dropped its collaboration with Timex that slightly resembled a Tank and which sold out faster than you can ask what a sun and moon indicator is. (Or if you’re Noah founder Brendon Babenzien this time may bring back happy memories after wondering if anyone would be interested in your new piece.) Either way, June is a long time ago and Babenzien and Noah have made important advances in horological science since. Now, we may all rejoice for Noah and Timex are teaming up on another watch sure to satisfy folks who missed out on the original.
The original Sun and Moon watch an immediate hit when Noah released it this summer. After the first batch went all Gone in 60 Seconds this summer, Babenzien frantically called Timex in a bid to get more movements made. (The company initially wasn’t planning on producing more than 200 pieces.) Once the supplier agreed to make more, the menswear company and famed American-founded watchmaker opened up a pre-order for a second run, which will be delivered in the spring of ‘25. But given the absurd demand, Babenzien and Timex designed a part two with a few tweaks. The new model retains the gold-colored, Tank-esque rectangular case, the Roman numerals, and the leather strap, but the moon and sun display has been replaced with a more traditional moonphase. The other big change is the addition of a date window at 6 o’clock. (Fun fact: Watches with date windows far outsell those without them, which could mean scary things for the demand around this watch given the no-date version had no problem finding eager customers.)
“What’s really cool about the movement is how it works—two pieces moving in opposite directions,” Babenzien said in an email to GQ. “The moon rotates in one direction, while the date function moves in the other. It’s not just functional; it’s a captivating part of the design. Having the date right there on your wrist is practical—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to ask, ‘What’s today’s date?’”
Watches with moon phase displays are generally relegated to the higher end of the market as additions to calendar complications. Think Jaeger-LeCoultre or even Patek Philippe-type territory—not Timex. But the beauty of Noah’s Timex collab is that it affords someone the ability to wear what is often referred to as a “poetic” complication for the wonderfully reasonable price of just $200. This, of course, is thanks to the presence of a battery-powered quartz movement, which makes the whole package much more economical to produce than a mechanically-powered moonphase watch.
“The moon has always held a unique place in human history, from its influence on tides to the beliefs about how its phases affect our lives,” Babenzien explained. “And let’s be honest, who hasn’t paused to admire the moon on a clear night? This watch is our way of honoring the moon and what it means to us here on Earth. It’s not just a shift from the sun and moon—it’s a celebration of the moon’s significance on its own.”
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