The Timex Intrepid Returns: From a 1990s Icon to a Modern Classic
John F. Kennedy Jr. remains one of the most recognisable style figures of the 1990s. His relaxed yet refined aesthetic continues to inspire decades after his untimely passing. Photographs captured him equally at ease in athletic wear, a double-breasted suit, or cycling through Manhattan, always projecting an effortless preppy sophistication. Among the accessories that completed his look, wristwatches played a prominent role. While he often wore Rolex timepieces and was once known to exchange a “Paul Newman” Daytona for photographic equipment, they were not his only notable choices. One of his most distinctive watches was the Timex Intrepid.
From Archive Discovery to Collaboration
In April 2023, a previously overlooked photograph surfaced showing Kennedy wearing a substantial sports watch. Brynn Wallner, founder of the watch-focused platform Dimepiece, recognised its potential appeal and shared the image with vintage dealer Alan Bedwell of Foundwell. Bedwell identified the watch as a 1990s Timex Intrepid and saw the opportunity for something more significant than a passing social media post. The discovery initiated the first collaboration between Dimepiece and a watch brand, with Timex eager to revive the model.
The project began with a faithful reissue of the original 46 mm Intrepid, a size that matched the bold proportions of the 1990s. Released in mid-2025, it sold out almost immediately, underscoring the enduring interest in both the watch and Kennedy’s style.
A Modern Reinterpretation
Building on that success, Timex, Dimepiece, and Foundwell introduced a redesigned version aimed at contemporary tastes. The case diameter was reduced to 36 mm, echoing the dimensions common in the 1960s and in line with the current trend toward smaller, more versatile watches that appeal to both men and women.
The updated model preserves the Intrepid’s core character while adding subtle collaborative touches. The Timex Indiglo backlight, a signature feature of the brand, now glows in Dimepiece’s distinctive shade of purple. The stainless steel caseback is engraved with the Timex and Dimepiece names, while the dial remains free of additional branding to ensure a timeless, uncluttered appearance.
Cultural Relevance
The release arrives at a moment of renewed fascination with 1990s culture and fashion. Kennedy’s image is being revisited in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming television series American Love Story, with actor Paul Kelly wearing the 46 mm reissue in his portrayal. The timing aligns with a broader return to the decade’s stylistic hallmarks, from minimalist tailoring to oversized accessories.
Dimepiece has built its identity on connecting watches with popular culture, favouring storytelling over technical dissection. This collaboration exemplifies that approach, offering a tangible link to a cultural figure whose influence remains strong, while reinterpreting a piece of 1990s design for modern wearers.
Availability
The new 36 mm Timex Intrepid, informally referred to within the Dimepiece community as the “Dimex,” launched on 7 August 2025. It is available through Timex and Dimepiece’s online platforms at a retail price of $235. The rapid sell-out of the 46 mm edition suggests that those interested should act without delay.
