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| The new Timex END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired. |
The 35mm collaboration brings retro charm and contemporary style to US shores
Timex has officially launched the END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired watch in the United States, marking a significant collaboration with the renowned menswear retailer END. This partnership draws heavily from the golden era of 1980s tennis watch design, capturing the essence of a period when timepieces were bold, distinctive, and unapologetically stylish.
The release comes at a time when the watch industry is witnessing a notable shift toward smaller case sizes, challenging the dominance of oversized timepieces that have ruled the market for nearly two decades. This collaboration exemplifies the growing movement toward more refined, vintage-inspired proportions that prioritize elegance and wearability over sheer presence.
Design and Specifications: Small Case, Big Personality
The END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired features a compact 35mm case that measures a slender 8.5mm in thickness. Crafted from brushed and polished stainless steel, the timepiece showcases a gently octagonal bezel that adds visual interest without overwhelming the design. The case construction demonstrates Timex's commitment to quality materials, offering durability and a premium feel that belies the watch's accessible price point.
Perhaps the most striking element of this release is the sunray ice blue dial, finished with a subtle globe etching that catches the light beautifully. The dial incorporates applied markers instead of printed numerals, adding depth and sophistication to the overall aesthetic. A date window at the 3 o'clock position provides practical functionality while maintaining the vintage-inspired design language.
The bracelet deserves special mention—a matching 16mm stainless-steel band with a fold-over clasp that ensures secure and comfortable wear. This attention to detail extends to the caseback, which features a custom engraving of the END. logo accompanied by a distinctive tiger design, making this collaboration truly special for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Powering this vintage-inspired timepiece is a reliable quartz movement with an SR920SW battery, ensuring accurate timekeeping with minimal maintenance. The watch is protected by mineral crystal—a practical choice that offers good scratch resistance while keeping production costs accessible. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, making it suitable for exposure to rain or light swimming, though diving enthusiasts should look elsewhere for their aquatic adventures.
The Growing Trend Toward Smaller Watches
The release of the END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired reflects a broader industry shift toward more restrained case sizes. For decades, watch manufacturers competed to create increasingly large timepieces, with case diameters regularly exceeding 40mm and even reaching 45mm or more. However, contemporary tastes are evolving, with many watch enthusiasts rediscovering the charm and elegance of smaller, more refined pieces.
This trend toward smaller watches is not merely about aesthetics—it represents a return to traditional watchmaking values where proportion, wearability, and understated elegance take precedence over conspicuous size. The 35mm case of this collaboration sits perfectly on a variety of wrist sizes, making it an ideal choice for both men and women who appreciate vintage-inspired design.
Availability and Pricing
The END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired is priced at $199 and is available exclusively through Timex's official US website.
Check the latest availability and purchase the END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired here
This release follows Timex's recent introduction of the Marlin GMT, a titanium timepiece featuring an automatic movement that demonstrated the brand's commitment to both innovation and heritage design. The collaboration with END. represents another strategic move by Timex to capture the growing market for vintage-inspired timepieces that offer exceptional value without compromising on design quality.
Casio Follows the Smaller Watch Trend
Timex isn't the only brand embracing the shift toward more modest proportions. Casio is reportedly preparing to expand its popular ABL-100 Vintage line with two new colorways expected to launch later this month. The ABL-100WE-2A features a navy dial, while the ABL-100WE-7A arrives with a grey dial version.
These additions represent cosmetic updates only, maintaining the same hardware found in the existing ABL-100 models. This approach allows Casio to refresh the line without significantly increasing production costs, offering consumers more color options while keeping pricing competitive.
Pricing Expectations for Casio's New Releases
Casio has not yet confirmed official pricing for the new ABL-100 colorways. However, based on the existing lineup, consumers can expect the new releases to fall within similar price ranges. The original silver ABL-100 launched in the US at $79.95, while the gold edition commanded a slightly higher price of $99.95.
These accessible price points, combined with the distinctive vintage design language, have made the ABL-100 series particularly popular among watch enthusiasts seeking affordable entry points into the world of retro-inspired timepieces. The introduction of new color variants is likely to generate fresh interest in the line, providing existing fans with new options while attracting new collectors to the brand.
The Future of Vintage-Inspired Watch Design
The simultaneous release of the END. x Timex collaboration and the anticipated Casio ABL-100 colorways highlights a growing appetite for vintage-inspired designs that prioritize wearability and style. Both releases demonstrate that the watch industry is responding to consumer demand for timepieces that offer genuine character, heritage design elements, and excellent value for money.
For watch enthusiasts, these developments represent an exciting period of choice and variety. Whether drawn to the premium stainless steel construction and unique design of the Timex collaboration or the accessible pricing and variety of the Casio Vintage line, there has never been a better time to explore the world of smaller, vintage-inspired watches.
The END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired is available now at the $199 price point, while watch enthusiasts should keep an eye out for the new Casio ABL-100 colorways expected to arrive later this month. Both releases prove that sometimes, great things really do come in smaller packages.
Source : Timex
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| The new Timex END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired. |
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| The back of the Timex END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired. |