Timex and END. Just Made the Most Interesting $199 Watch of the Summer

If you’ve seen one Timex reissue, you’ve seen most of them. A vintage case borrowed from the archive, a dial color from a Tumblr mood board, and a price that makes you impulse-buy at the checkout counter. The END. x Timex 1981 is not that watch.

This is a collaboration between Timex and the UK streetwear retailer END. that feels like it started with a specific vision rather than a licensing meeting. Part of END.’s broader Summer of Sport collection, the 1981 takes inspiration from the style of tennis spectators more than the athletes on the court. That’s a subtle distinction that works because it explains why the watch looks the way it does.

What you get is a 35mm TV-shaped stainless steel case (sometimes called a tonneau or cushion shape), an ice-blue dial with an etched globe pattern, and a single-row bracelet that tapers like something from the late 1960s. It’s powered by a Japanese quartz movement, has a mineral crystal, a date window at 3:00, and 50 meters of water resistance. The price is $199 at Timex and $225 at END.

The official reference number is TW3A01500QY. Timex lists it as “Out of Stock” with a notify-me option. END. still has it available at $225 as of this writing.

Price: $199 (Timex) / $225 (END.)
Where to buy: Timex (Waitlist) · END. (In Stock)

What the 1981 Name Actually Means

This is the part that needs a caveat. Timex and END. haven’t officially confirmed what the 1981 refers to. Based on available information and the watch’s design language, it appears to be a style code or design reference rather than a specific historical model year.

The watch takes cues from Timex’s late 1960s and early 1970s catalog, not 1981 specifically. The TV-shaped case, the integrated-style bracelet, and the pearlized dial with globe etching all point to an era roughly 1968 to 1975. The “1981” name may refer to an internal design code or simply serve as a stylistic signifier.

Until Timex or END. officially clarifies, treat the name as a design reference rather than a historical claim.

Key Specs at a Glance

The quartz movement is described as Japanese by END. Gear Patrol suspects it’s a Miyota, which would be consistent with Timex’s current supplier relationships. Timex hasn’t confirmed the exact caliber. Until someone cracks the caseback, treat “Japanese quartz” as the verified spec and the Miyota attribution as informed speculation.

Why the Design Works

The 1981 works because it doesn’t try to look like anything else Timex currently sells. The Q series has its 1970s cushion case thing. The Marlin has the classic round dress watch shape. The Waterbury line does the tool-watch thing. This watch sits in its own visual corner.

Three specific details stand out:

The bezel. It’s an octagonal shape with softened edges and a stepped design. It doesn’t look like a Royal Oak homage, which is refreshing because every affordable watch with a multi-sided bezel gets compared to the Royal Oak. This one has its own character. The polished finish contrasts with the brushed case, and the overall effect is closer to a Patek Philippe Aquanaut silhouette than an Audemars Piguet one.

The dial. The ice-blue pearlized finish with an etched globe pattern is the kind of detail you’d expect on a much more expensive watch. The applied polished baton indices at all 12 positions, the double index at 12, and the shortened index at 3 for the date window all feel intentional. The skeletonized alpha hands are a nice touch.

The caseback. This is where the END. influence is most visible. The engraving features a globe, two stylized tigers, a calligraphic “E,” and a banner reading “Globally Sourced.” It’s ornate and unexpected at this price point. Most sub-$200 watches have a plain stamped caseback. This one has art on it.

The single-row vertically brushed bracelet with 16mm lugs is period-correct but also limiting. At 16mm, you’re not swapping this onto a leather strap easily. The bracelet has a nice taper and a foldover clasp with a cursive END. engraving. It’s clearly designed to be worn as-is.

Who Should Consider It

This watch makes sense if you’re looking for a compact, characterful quartz watch that doesn’t scream for attention. The 35mm case is genuinely small by modern standards, but it wears like a vintage piece should. If you own mostly 40mm+ watches and want something that disappears on the wrist, this is a strong candidate.

It also works as an entry point into the collaboration-watch world without the usual markup. Most brand x retailer collaborations start at $300+ and go up fast. At $199, this is one of the more accessible collab pieces you’ll find.

The tennis-spectator inspiration gives it a specific personality. It’s not a dive watch. It’s not a field watch. It’s a watch you wear to lunch during a summer tournament or with a linen blazer. That specificity is actually its strength.

Who Should Skip It

Skip it if you need a daily beater with robust lume and serious water resistance. 50m is fine for hand washing and rain, but this isn’t a swimming watch, and the unconfirmed lume situation means you shouldn’t count on legibility in the dark.

Skip it if you have wrists over 7.5 inches. The 35mm case and 16mm lug width will look small. This is a period-correct size, and period-correct sizes don’t suit everyone.

Skip it if you’re looking for an automatic movement. At $199, the quartz movement is fair for the build quality elsewhere, but if mechanical movement is a requirement, look at the Timex Marlin automatic line or the Q series GMT.

Also skip it if you hate the idea of a watch being out of stock before you even hear about it. Timex’s store has already sold through its initial allocation. END. still has units, but that may not last.

How It Compares With Other Timex Reissues

The Timex Q series (around $179-$229) offers automatic or quartz options with a different visual language. The Q is more overtly 1970s with its cushion case and colorful dials. The 1981 is more restrained and dress-adjacent.

The Timex Marlin ($179-$299) is the classic round dress watch. The 1981 is sportier and more casual despite the smaller size. The Marlin wears bigger because of its longer lug-to-lug.

The Timex Waterbury line ($89-$199) covers field watches and everyday tool watches. The 1981 has more personality but less versatility. You’d wear the Waterbury with anything. The 1981 demands a specific vibe.

The key difference is that the 1981 is a genuine collaboration with design input from END., not just a colorway change. The engraved caseback, the custom clasp, the specific bezel shape – these aren’t parts-bin swaps. That’s unusual for a $199 watch.

Price and Availability

The Timex END 1981 costs $199 on Timex.com and $225 on END.’s website. The price difference appears to reflect regional pricing and shipping.

As of this writing:

• Timex.com: Out of stock. Notify-me option available. Price: $199.
• END. (US): In stock. Price: $225. Ships from the UK with import duties covered.
• Lyst UK: Listed at approximately £169.

No limited-edition numbers have been confirmed by Timex or END. The “Out of Stock” status on Timex may reflect initial sell-through rather than a deliberately limited run, but that’s speculation. Neither brand has confirmed production quantity or restock timing.

Timex offers a standard one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Price: $199 (Timex – Waitlist) / $225 (END. – In Stock)
Where to buy: Timex Waitlist · END. Shop

The Final Take

The Timex END 1981 is a collaboration that earns its existence. The design details are specific enough to justify the partnership, the price is low enough to not feel like a hype tax, and the overall package is genuinely different from anything else in Timex’s current lineup. It’s one of the more interesting affordable watches of the summer, and it doesn’t need a limited-edition label or an automatic movement to make that case.

The tradeoff is availability. If you can get one at $199, that’s a great deal for what you’re getting. At $225 from END., it’s still fair. You’re paying a small premium for confirmed stock and international shipping.

Wait for hands-on impressions if you’re unsure about the 35mm size or the quartz movement. But if you know what you want, don’t wait too long. The Timex store sold out fast, and that tells you something about demand.

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