Timex has long been known for reissuing its mid-century watch designs, typically falling into two categories: sleek dress watches reminiscent of the Mad Men era, and sporty dive watches that offered affordable alternatives to luxury icons. However, their latest reissue, the Q Timex 1975 Enigma, deviates from this pattern by resurrecting a unique and largely forgotten watch style from decades past — the mystery dial.
What is a Mystery Dial Watch?
A mystery dial watch is designed to create an illusion where the hands appear to float independently of the mechanism, giving a magical effect. Originating in 19th-century clocks, this concept became popular in mid-20th-century wristwatches. Brands like Longines and Jaeger-LeCoultre produced notable examples using transparent plastic discs instead of traditional hands. These discs had markers that seemed to float around the dial, enhancing the mysterious appeal, especially when used as the seconds hand, where the rapid movement amplified the intrigue.
Timex’s Interpretation of the Mystery Dial
The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue offers a simplified take on the mystery dial. Instead of transparent rotating discs, Timex uses traditional hands color-matched to the dial, with high-visibility contrasting tips — white for the hour and minute hands, and red for the seconds hand — creating the illusion of floating hands. Adding to the mystery, a navy dot on the underside of the crystal conceals the hand stack, adhering to the tradition of obscuring the watch’s workings.
While modern mystery dial watches are rare, British boutique brand Mr. Jones produces contemporary versions featuring whimsical artwork, though they are not typically described as mystery dials. Zodiac has also sporadically reissued its 1960s Astrographic model.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue is a faithful recreation of its 1970s predecessor, which presents both an advantage and a limitation. While the nostalgia is appealing, the watch could benefit from modern enhancements. Incorporating a clear disc for one of the hands and using a mechanical movement could make the watch more visually captivating. The sweeping motion of a mechanical seconds hand is particularly mesmerizing compared to the ticking of a quartz movement.
Interestingly, Timex already possesses the technology for such enhancements, as demonstrated by their Snoopy Tennis Marlin model, which features a floating tennis ball seconds hand and costs just $30 more than the Enigma Reissue.
A Missed Opportunity?
Altering the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue with these suggested changes would result in a different watch that may not fully adhere to the original design. It wouldn’t fit into the Q line, which is defined by quartz movements, and it would likely be more expensive than the current $199 price tag. However, such updates could make the watch more visually interesting and mechanically engaging.
Despite this, the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue remains a fun and stylish watch with a distinctive retro flair. At $199, it offers a unique look that stands out in the market. While it may not be perfect, it provides a compelling option for those seeking a blend of vintage charm and modern affordability.
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