Timex has added another retro-leaning collaboration to its lineup, and the strongest selling point is easy to spot. The END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired uses a compact 35 mm case, but the ice blue dial is what gives it instant identity.
The watch is aimed at buyers who want vintage flavor without an oversized profile. It draws on 1980s tennis styling, yet the execution is kept clean enough to fit current tastes.
Small proportions, familiar retro language
The case measures 35 mm across and 8.5 mm thick, placing it firmly in the current move toward smaller wristwear. Timex uses stainless steel for the case, combining brushed and polished surfaces to keep the watch from looking flat.
The bezel has a softened octagonal shape, which adds character without making the design feel overly busy. That shape helps the watch stand apart from simpler round reissues while staying close to the era it references.
Ice blue dial at the center
The dial is finished in sunray ice blue, and that color choice does much of the work visually. A subtle globe etching sits in the background, adding texture without overwhelming the rest of the face.
Timex avoids printed numerals here and instead uses applied markers. The layout also includes standard hands and a date window at 3 o’clock, keeping the dial balanced and easy to read.
That combination gives the watch a cleaner look than many retro releases. At the same time, the globe detail and the blue tone make it more distinctive than a straightforward reissue.
Collaboration details add a sharper identity
As a collaboration with menswear retailer END., the watch carries more than just a special colorway. The caseback includes the END. logo and a tiger motif, giving the release a more defined collector appeal.
The bracelet is a matching 16 mm stainless steel design secured with a fold-over clasp. Together with the compact case, the bracelet reinforces the classic sports-watch feel that shaped the whole design.
Simple quartz setup, practical daily use
Inside, Timex uses a standard analog quartz movement powered by an SR920SW battery. That keeps the watch straightforward and dependable for everyday wear.
The crystal is mineral, which offers basic scratch resistance and clear visibility. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, making the watch suitable for rain or light swimming but not for snorkeling or diving.
Those specifications make the model feel more like a lifestyle watch than a tool watch. The emphasis stays on wearability, visual identity, and low-maintenance operation.
Price and availability
The END. x Timex 1981 Reissue Inspired 35mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch is available through Timex US. Its official price is $199.
That places it in a relatively accessible range for a collaboration piece with a clear design point of view. Timex keeps the formula simple: compact proportions, recognizable retro cues, and a strong visual hook in the dial.
The release also continues Timex’s recent interest in retro styling across its lineup. The brand previously introduced the Marlin GMT with a titanium case and an automatic movement, showing that it is working across both nostalgic design and different mechanical directions.
In this model, the ice blue dial remains the feature most likely to catch attention first. Paired with the 35 mm case and the END. collaboration details, it gives the watch a distinct presence while staying true to the restrained character of early-1980s sports design.
