Jet-Set Nostalgia: Timex Revives a 1970s Classic with the World 1972 Reissue

There’s a certain romance to travel that feels distinctly lost in today’s world of biometric boarding and self-check-in. But Timex, ever the horological shapeshifter, has turned back the clock—literally—with its latest drop: the World 1972 Reissue. This handsome 39mm timepiece is not just a nod to the golden era of globetrotting—it’s a rare moment of accessible sophistication, wrapped in retro cool.

Originally designed at a time when airports were fashion runways and the Concorde ruled the skies, the 1972 World Timer was made for the kind of man who travelled with a Pan Am bag slung over his shoulder and an eye for a good Negroni. Now, over 50 years later, Timex has reopened the vault and brought it back—with all its 70s charm intact.

Available now at hsamuel.co.uk and timex.co.uk for £165, the reissue blends old-school swagger with modern sensibility. The standout feature is the rotating bezel, which marks Greenwich Mean Time and lists 23 global cities in their original French spelling, a deliberate touch that nods to its European-market origins. It’s practical, yes—but more importantly, it’s chic.

The design hits all the right nostalgic cues. A barrel-shaped case gives it that unmistakable vintage silhouette, the geometric red second hand adds a jolt of graphic precision, and the domed crystal catches the light like a proper conversation starter. On the dial, minimalism rules—allowing the global functionality to take centre stage.

This isn’t a watch that screams for attention—it’s the kind that invites a second look. It belongs under the cuff of a linen shirt on a Mediterranean terrace, or catching the sun through a cab window in São Paulo. For those who believe travel is still a style in itself, the World 1972 Reissue might just be your new favourite companion.

The Timex World 1972 Reissue is available now at hsamuel.co.uk and timex.co.uk, priced at £165.