Timex was founded as Waterbury Clock Company in 1854 Waterbury, Connecticut.

It began building clocks assembling brass and gears, eventually coming to the attention of Robert H. Ingersoll, a salesman and eventual marketing pioneer. It started making wristwatches in the 20s, following the American entry into World War I, by adding a canvas strap.

Timex introduced the Indiglo light in 1992, which made headlines in 1993 when, during the bombing of the World Trade Center, an office worker used a Timex with an Indiglo night light to guide a group of evacuees down 40 dark flights of stairs. 

Sales took off again, cementing once and for all the brand's name in the American and International market.