Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue: in review

When time floats away

By and large, we think that the Q Timex series of designs have been quite a hit for Timex. They lean heavily into the fact that they’re quartz designs (with super-easy-to-replace batteries), and dig up all sorts of interesting designs from the archives. Then we’ve got the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue, which takes us in a space-age direction that is going to have you picking sides.

Picking sides?

By that, we mean that this is a watch that you’re either going to dig, or you’re going to be wishing that it remained in the archives. Now, yes, this is definitely a watch that feels like it was lifted from the 70s. You’ve got that rounded tonneau case in a nicely compact 37mm diameter, topped by the period-correct acrylic crystal. Nothing wrong there. We think the divisive bit is going to be how the mystery dial is accomplished.

The Enigma

These days, we’re spoiled will all sorts of different ways that we can have an indication of time floating around on a dial, without an obvious handset (most commonly, this is done with dial-width discs). The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue shows that it used to be done differently.

First, you start with a handset that is very closely matched to the dial color, with bright white tips on those hands (so the eye is drawn to the white rectangles). Then, to hide the arbor that the hands are rotating on, there’s a color-matched disc on the underside of the crystal.

In normal lighting conditions, or when you take a quick look at the watch to check the time, the mystery effect is definitely there. However, as the images in this review show you, it’s not that hard to pick out the hands - and the central dot - if you really want to.

So, what did we think?

Ultimately, a watch like the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue asks you a simple question: are you willing to let yourself be entertained? Or, to put it another way - when you go into a movie or TV show, are you willing to suspend your disbelief? Or are you going to nitpick into oblivion?

This is a watch that wants you to suspend your disbelief. Yes, you know the magician is hiding things in their hand somehow - but just enjoy the simple delight of something that is out of the norm. That’s what this watch asks you to do. For me, sure, it’s not something I’d want to wear every day. But every now and again (which a quartz movement is great for)? Yeah, this is a fun, and whimsical sort of a piece.

Wrapping things up

One more quick thing before we close out - this watch has a rather interesting way to resize the bracelet. In the links, there’s a small button that gets slid over, that allows the link to be released. Then, once you’ve removed what you need, you put it back together, and slide the button over. Not quite tool-less, but much simpler than friction pins if you don’t have those tools handy.

If you’d like to get the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue for yourself, that’s quite easy to do. Just take $229 and head on over to Timex to get yours on the bracelet. If you instead want to pick it up on a textile strap, then pricing drops to $209, and you get a few other dial colors (green or black) to choose from. Check out the collection directly at timex.com

Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue Tech Specs

• Product: TW2W59800

• Watch Movement: Quartz Analog

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal / Lens: Acrylic

• Case Diameter: 37 mm

• Case Height: 12 mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Color: Stainless Steel

• Case Finish: Polished

• Dial Color: Blue

• Dial Markings: Other

• Strap / Lug Width: 20 mm

• Strap Material: Stainless Steel

• Strap Color: Stainless Steel

• Strap Buckle: Clasp (Fold-Over)

• Battery Type: SR626SW