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| The Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max, pictured with a black stainless-steel strap against a white background. |
In the world of watches, the most exciting releases often aren't just about the future, but a clever reinterpretation of the past. This week, Timex and retailer Huckberry have done exactly that, pulling a cult-favorite design out of the archives. Meet the new Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max, a faithful yet refined reissue of a lesser-known sports watch from the brand’s experimental late-70s era.
Forget the field watches and military-inspired designs that dominate Timex's modern image. The original Black Max was born in 1979, a period defined by bold case shapes, dark finishes, and the quartz revolution. This new collaboration stays true to that rebellious, all-black aesthetic but smartly updates it for contemporary wrists.
First Look: A Shadowy, Sporty Silhouette
At first glance, the watch is a study in monochrome cool. The 41mm stainless steel case gets a fully brushed black finish, offering a tool-watch vibe that’s both sleek and understated. With a listed thickness of just 10mm, it promises a surprisingly flat, comfortable profile that should slide easily under a shirt cuff—a win for a sports-oriented piece.
The dial is pure, inky black, framed by a metallic silver tachymeter ring that provides just enough contrast. Full Arabic numerals mark the hours in a high-legibility layout, with the sole burst of color coming from a bright orange seconds hand. It’s a clever design choice that nods to the instrument panels of its era without feeling dated.
Built for Modern Daily Wear
While the look is vintage-inspired, the specs are thoroughly modern for daily duty. Power comes from a reliable quartz analog movement, chosen for its accuracy and low-maintenance appeal (it uses a standard SR626SW battery). A mineral crystal covers the dial, and the watch is rated for 100 meters of water resistance. That means it’s more than capable of handling swimming, showers, and rain, though it’s not specified for serious diving.
The matching black stainless steel bracelet, with a 20mm lug width and a secure fold-over clasp, completes the unified look. Despite the purposeful tachymeter bezel, the overall impression is less "specialized racing instrument" and more "versatile casual sports watch."
Ready to see the full details? You can check out the official product page for the Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max right here.
Heritage & Pricing: A Niche Chapter Revisited
This release is a deep cut for watch enthusiasts. It highlights a small but fascinating chapter when Timex was aggressively exploring new identities alongside quartz technology. The Huckberry reissue is a straightforward homage, focusing on visual continuity over modern complications like solar charging or indiglo (though it does feature Timex's standard backlight).
Priced at $249, it occupies a compelling spot in the affordable watch market. It’s a conversation piece with legitimate heritage, offered as an exclusive through both Huckberry and Timex.
For those who love the Timex ethos of reliability and clean design but seek something even more minimalist, the brand’s iconic Easy Reader remains a best-selling option. You can find the latest Timex Easy Reader models on Amazon here.
Whether the Black Max becomes a new daily driver or a weekend statement piece, it’s a successful revival that proves good design, even from the less-traveled paths of history, always finds its moment again.
