Timex Automatic 1983 E-Line Reissue Is an 80s Inspired Value Proposition

While neo-vintage watches are killing it at auction, neo-retro designs are proving just as popular when it comes to new releases. Neo-retro designs are essentially those inspired by the 1980s – early 00s, like the new Timex Automatic 1983 E-Line Reissue. It’s Timex’s first automatic reissue watch (previously they’ve done a lot of quartz reissues) and it drips with cool 80s funk.

It’s fairly small, measuring just 34mm x 12mm in steel, which is in keeping with its retro styling. The rounded square shape is nicknamed a ‘TV Dial’, due to its similarity to the shape of a television from the 1980s, the period when Timex created the original watch that inspired this reissue. It’s paired with a sleek, single-link, expandable bracelet nestled inside the wide, flat lugs. In fact, the style of the lugs is very similar to other popular 1980s designs like the Tissot PRX that was released a few years prior.

Moving to the dial, it’s worth noting that there are a few alternative colourways. There’s a golden edition and a turquoise version however those aren’t ‘Reissue’ models. The name Timex Automatic 1983 E-Line Reissue specifically applies to the silver dial option with vertical brushed finishing. The silver tone means that depending on how the light strikes the watch it can look bright white due to its reflective qualities.

The display itself is very minimalist with gently facetted bathtub hour markers and similarly shaped hands. There’s a date aperture at 3 o’clock and the dial is inscribed with ‘Timex Automatic’ and ‘Water Resistant’. Although while the little wave motif might make you think it’s suitable for the pool, the water resistance rating is only 50m, so it’s more suited to surviving a spilled poolside cocktail rather than being in the water itself.

Inside, the watch houses the Japanese Miyota 8215 automatic. It’s a well-respected workhorse movement with a 42-hour power reserve and -20 / +40 seconds per day. Admittedly those aren’t exactly stellar specs but that’s offset by its accessibility and ease of repair (even the smallest service centre likely sees more than their fair share of them). Plus, let’s not forget the simple fact that this is an automatic movement when Timex have done tons of quartz reissues, making it quite special.

The Timex Automatic 1983 E-Line Reissue is priced at just £190, which makes it a fantastic value proposition. The combination of a cool 80s style, an automatic movement and steel construction for less than £200 is nothing to be sniffed at. Frankly it’s an insane price.

More details at Timex.