IMDb trivia page on "The Machinist" (2004)—
"The time of 1:30 AM is significant throughout the movie.
Trevor often notices something out of the ordinary at this time.
During the 1 hour 30 minute mark in the movie,
the major plot twist is revealed."
As for the date 1/30… See Tolkien on telepathy.
(Backstory: The Gospel According to Father Hardon )