Timex’s Streak Breaker: The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue
August 6th 2024
A Strong Vintage Game
Timex has been on a roll with its vintage reissues, making it hard to find a miss among the myriad Q Timex and Marlin releases. Each model has a perfect blend of vintage charm, delivering affordable throwbacks that never feel cheap. However, the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue is an exception, leaving a less favorable impression.
Reproducing the Past
The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue is nearly an exact reproduction of the original 1975 “Mystery Dial” watch. It visually recreates the quirky charm of the original. The stainless steel case has been upsized from 33mm to 37mm, a size more fitting for modern tastes. It features a massively domed acrylic crystal, 12mm case thickness, and 50m water resistance.
Design Critiques
While the case retains a polished finish and soft curves, it feels too vintage, missing an opportunity for modernization. Brushed case sides could have provided a more contemporary feel, complementing the bracelet’s brushed and polished links. The bracelet itself, at 20mm instead of the original 19mm, feels mismatched, adding to a cascade of issues, including a cheap stamped clasp and a basic sizing mechanism. Despite being comfortable, it may cause discomfort for those with hairier wrists.
Dial Delights
The saving grace of the watch is its dial. Renamed from Mystery Dial to Enigma, it mimics the floating hands illusion by painting a small blue dot on the crystal. This faux mystery dial, however, doesn’t quite match up to the real mystery dials from brands like Zodiac and Cartier. The dial features a darker blue center and lighter chapter ring, with blocky hands that, disappointingly, lack lume. Adding a thin coat of lume and matching the hands and dot color to the dial would enhance the illusion.
Movement and Caseback
The quartz movement is battery-powered, with a caseback that looks like the original but with a screwed-down design instead of a pressed-on one.
Final Thoughts
As a fan of reissues, the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue offers fun and affordability. However, it falls short with its lack of lume, soft case edges, and mismatched bracelet. Priced at $199 USD, there are better Q Timex models or even a hand-wound Marlin for just $10 more.
In conclusion, while Timex doesn’t get it right every time, their streak of hits makes the occasional miss more noticeable. The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue might appeal to some vintage enthusiasts, but it leaves room for improvement.
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