Something caught the eyes of a number of people during the broadcasts of the Oct. 7 remarks of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden against Western culture: the clearly visible watch on his right arm. Some commentators said it is, ironically, one of the most popular products of America -a Timex Ironman Triathalon.

A spokesman for Timex told JCK that a number of people have asked them the same thing. “We’ve looked at the picture as closely as we can and tried to make a determination,” he said Oct. 9, “but we can’t say conclusively, yet, if it is or isn’t.” However, he noted, the Ironman Triathlon (retailing or $50 to $75) is one of the most popular watch styles in the world and often copied.

Timex is a popular choice with Americas’ leaders.` President Bill Clinton wore one (the Timex manufacturing plant was formerly in his home state of Arkansas). So did Vice President Al Gore.

President George Bush has worn a Timex Classic, a present from Timex, for a number of years.

In a related subject, Timex officials are in the process of determining the type and recipient of charitable donation the company will make to benefits victims families in the wake of the September terrorist attacks on America.

JCK