Do you remember your first Disney watch? I do. It was a Mickey Mouse watch that had a blue nylon band. I must have been about four or five when I received it, and I still have it today. Disney watches have quite a history. In 1933, Timex (then the Waterbury Clock Company), produced the very first Mickey Mouse clocks and watches under an exclusive license from Disney. Mickey Mouse timepieces were introduced to the public at the Chicago World’s Fair in June 1933 and quickly became a hit with fans of the little mouse. Some of those early watches are wonderful collectors’ items today (show of hands – do you have one?). I am excited to share that Disney Theme Park Merchandise has partnered with Timex to create a new “Timex for Disney” collection. I spoke with Lindsay Voigt, product developer for timepieces, about this collection coming to Disney Parks (and on-line) in December.
“I’ve been working on this partnership since January 2010,” explained Lindsay. “Timex watches are well-known and well-made with both classic and trendy designs. It seemed like a perfect fit to introduce this collection to the Disney Parks.”
Of the several different watch styles that will be introduced, I find it challenging to pick my favorite. I like the Modern Easy Reader style pictured at the top of this article as it reminds me of that watch I had as a kid. The T-Series Chronographs are pictured next. I like their simplistic style with a nice contemporary Mickey Mouse accent. Lindsay told me about her favorites.
“I have a difficult time selecting just one design,” said Lindsay. “Each design has elements and details that make the watch unique. If I had to pick one, I like the gold classic digital watch. It reminds me of the kind of watch that my grandfather and father had.”
Artwork for these watches was created by artists from Disney Design Group. Some of Lindsay’s inspiration came from classic Mickey Mouse designs to some recent urban inspired graphics seen in other merchandise categories like the “Oh Mickey!” program.
“I also like the Modern Original Camper designs,” continued Lindsay. “The nylon bands are sportier than the Modern Easy Reader design. I’m happy that we are offering a variety of designs. Being the developer for timepieces, I like pairing great watches with my outfits. Now I have lots of choices.”
To launch the “Timex for Disney” collection, we are holding two special events. In Florida, an event will be held at the World of Disney Store on December 4. In California, we will hold an event on December 11 in the Fortuosity Shop at Disneyland park. At both events, there will be a representative from Timex to discuss the new watches and answer questions. We will also be offering these watches on our Disney Parks On-Line Store.
So, it’s time to return to my first question. Do you remember your first Disney watch, or do you seen one pictured above that is a must-have?
Comments
Oops, I was referring to the Timex for Disney Mickey watch 😉
Hello! I got my first Mickey watch when I was just a child and I still use it! I have been trying to find this watch for my husband, but I cannot find it on the Disney Parks On-Line Store. Am I missing it somehow?
thank you!
I was born the same year Disneyland opened, so I’m always looking for ‘5’ year watches but since the store closed in Disneyland, I haven’t been able to find the 55 year watch…..any ideas? Thank you so much for your attention to this!!!
I have an old ingersoll Rand pocket watch with a seconds indicator that is circular and between mickey’s legs.
It’s still runs when I wind it and was a rare find for me when I was in college.
@Jason I Have a watch where Mickey’s arms are the hands which I bought in WDW August 09… It was only about $30 too. At the moment I’m wearing a much girlier silver coloured bracelet watch with Ariel on the face and green stones. I *love* it, and I get so many comments on how pretty it is. I bought it in Disneyland Resort at Easter and again was just $30. Thank you Disney Parks Merchandise for such a great variety of choices, and I can’t wait to see the new ones!
My first Mickey watch was a gift from my mother in 1978. She bought it at Disneyland and it was a special edition for “Mickey’s 50th Birthday”. I still have it and it still works.
@Steven – Thanks for the response! I would love to have one of those watches again. Maybe in the future. I will keep an eye out for the wall clock though. Would be a nice addition to my office 🙂
My first was a Cinderella watch! My father gave it to me in the early 70’s and I loved how her gloves pointed to the time. I was so proud to wear that watch. When my kids turned 7, we gave them their very own Disney watch. Our son wanted Peter Pan of course and our daughter has Tinkerbell.
they look great cant wait to buy one when we get there in march.
I agree with Jason.
My first Mickey watch was bought at DL in the mid 80’s. Classic Mickey where his arms were the minute and hour hands. I miss that watch. I looked all over WDW last year to see if they still sold this style anywhere. I was saddened to see that they no longer do.
I do like some of the designs above though.
@Roger – Michelle is still blogging. You can see her posts:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/author/mharker/
Her most recent article was an interview with several Mouseketeers (to which I’m very jealous): https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/11/interview-with-the-mouseketeers-at-disneyland-resort/
I talk with her almost daily and I know she is working on several more articles for December. My role has recent changed and I will be covering all categories in Disney Theme Park Merchandise. But we partner often on things.
@Shawn & Jason – My first watch had Mickey’s hands. I found it and photographed it last night (and it still works!). I spoke with Lindsay and she said there are about eight different Mickey Mouse watches like the one you describe. There is even a wall clock which she had hanging in her office. The wall clock should hopefully be back in stock soon – it has been popular.
My first Disney watch was a Donald watch. It has cheapy black plastic straps but I love it and still wear it. Donald’s arms are the hour and min hands. I have tried to find a version of it with leather straps but I have never seen another.
Sorry to go off topic, but where is Michelle? Is she no longer blogging for DLR merchandise?
Got my first Mickey watch when I was 7 years old. Got two that year. Still have them. Looking forward to seeing the new Timex Mickey watches! Hurry, I need a new one for Christmas!
My first was a 101 Dalmations watch which featured the TV scene and had a Kanine Krunchies commercial spinner in the background. I have it still but it needs a new battery. My second was a Goofy watch where the clock was backwards and the hands spun backwards too.
I prefer the Mickey watches where Mickey’s arms serve as the minute and hour hands.
@Kyle – I spoke with the on-line team. We plan on carrying all of the Timex for Disney styles pictured above. Look for them on-line around mid-December (http://www.disneyparks.com/store)
Currently, the Vinylmation – Ice Cube Tray is not scheduled to be sold on-line. That may change but no plans right now.
@Sally – Great question. We typically don’t give an value to Disneyana like watches, collectibles, pins, etc. (outside of retail value). Personally, I think they are all priceless – LOL!. Actually, it comes down to the idea that value is determined by the person who has an object (see William’s ZORRO watch story above).
Now, there are guides in the marketplace. There are also conventions, trade shows, on-line sites, etc. My best recommendation is to research, ask around and compare.
I’m wearing my first one as we speak/type and, 2)I see three must-have watches above! Gold easy-read, blue chrono, and the black camper. I’ll be buying all three when the website makes them available!
Great job merchandising department!
Now, if I could just find some “Art of Disney” frames online to finish out our Jason Zucker illustrations I’d be a happy guy!
DC
I know someone who has an original Mickey Mouse watch and she wants to have it appraised. Who would best know the value?
I have my first Minnie watch purchased the year Disney world opened and I still wear it and it works great…….
Among the twenty or so Disney watches I own I still have my first Disney watch but it’s not Mickey Mouse, it’s ZORRO. My grandparents gave it to me on my 10th birthday back in 1960. That watch got a lot of hard use over the years. It’s a bit worn, the crystal is cracked and it only has one of the straps. Occasionally I’ll take it out of the drawer, wind it and think of times long gone. I’ll never trade that watch and/or the memories it holds it for anything.
I have a lil over 75 Disney Watches..And all my watches are exclusively Disney. 🙂 I love the mouse. But I have chesire cat and minnie. Only if I COULD GET A Malificent. That would be great!
I do remember my first Mickey watch. I bought it about 4 or 5 years ago and still wear it pretty much every day. It’s one of the Citizen Eco-Drive models and now I own 3 of them, that’s why I said pretty much every day because I’ll switch them out every so often.
I love my Mickey watch! Purchased at Port Orleans French Quarter gift shop in 2006 on an anniversary trip.
Cute new designs! I wish the pink band above came with an analog face.
Looks great Steven. A few questions. Will all the designs be online. Also will the vinyl ice cube tray be online has well.
all the best thanks
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