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The 1970s was, without question, the funkiest and most audacious decade in watch design. The staid, classic forms of the post-war era gave way to bold colors, chunky cases, and a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated swagger. It was an era of experimentation, and one of the coolest complications to emerge with mainstream popularity was the “World Timer.” In an age of expanding jet travel, these watches, with their rotating bezels marked with international cities, offered a quick and easy way to track time across the globe. They were tools for the modern man of the world, and they exuded a cool, internationalist vibe.
While many famous Swiss brands produced world timers, the genre was also a playground for savvy, stylish brands like Clinton. Often sourcing components from various excellent European suppliers, this one was cased and likely assembled in France—brands like Clinton focused on delivering bold, contemporary style and reliable mechanics at an accessible price point. This Clinton World Timer is a quintessential example of everything we love about 70s watchmaking.
This is a watch that makes a statement. The 39mm stainless steel case has a fantastic, substantial presence on the wrist, with a classic cushion shape and a brilliant sunburst brushed finish. The main event, of course, is the bi-directional rotating world time bezel. The silver bezel, marked with major world cities from London to Tokyo, provides a fantastic visual contrast with the deep black dial. The dial itself is pure 70s perfection: chunky, applied steel hour markers, a clean and legible handset with a vibrant red “lollipop” seconds hand for a pop of color, and a practical day-date window at 3 o’clock. It’s a design that is both visually exciting and highly functional.
