Timex Revives 1975 Mystery Dial With Q Timex Enigma Reissue

Timex has brought back its 1975 Mystery Dial watch as the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue. The new model, released in July 2024, recreates the original’s optical illusion of floating hands and is priced at 199 dollars.

The original watch, released in 1975, was nicknamed the Mystery Dial by watch enthusiasts. It was born from a vision to craft an illusion of floating hands, according to Timex. A navy blue dot painted on the underside of the crystal concealed the main hub. The hands were also painted navy blue to blend with the dial, leaving only their red and white details visible.

Timex called the original a groundbreaking achievement. The company said it was the first illusionary dial of its kind and marked a revolutionary leap in traditional watch design. The design matched the 1970s era of science fiction and futuristic aesthetics.

The reissue retains the same visual trick. The dial is dark navy blue. The hour and minute hands are mostly painted the same color, with white tips exposed. The seconds hand has a red dot. A blue dot on the underside of the crystal hides the center post. In the right light, the hands appear to float without being attached to anything.

The new watch is housed in a 37mm stainless steel case. The original 1975 model had a 33mm case, so the reissue is larger. It features a domed acrylic crystal, a stainless steel bracelet, and a day and date window. The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has 50 meters of water resistance.

Hodinkee noted that the effect is simpler than other mystery dials. The publication stated that Timex had figured out a much simpler way: a blue dot hiding the center post. It also noted that at different angles, the hands or the dial post may be visible.

The watch is not a limited edition. It is available now on the Timex website and from authorized retailers. The price is 199 dollars in the United States. International pricing varies, with the watch listed at 180 pounds in the United Kingdom and 229 dollars in some other markets.

Timex has since released new colorways of the Enigma. In June 2025, the company introduced black and green dial versions with fabric straps, priced at 209 dollars. A gold-tone model with a stainless steel bracelet is also available for 239 dollars.