Timex's Coolest New Watch Is the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue

The 1970s was a challenging period for American watchmakers —with inexpensive mechanical watches from Asia and the advent of digital quartz technology leading to plummeting domestic sales, while companies like Hamilton relocated from the U.S. to Europe. The overall wristwatch world seemingly changed overnight.

Despite the turmoil (and perhaps because of it), Timex not only survived those tough times but also innovated. Some of the brand's most successful ideas crafted during the tumultuous '70s have become the focus of a variety of vintage reissues —many from their Q Timex and Marlin series.

Most recently, Timex rolled out a reimagined version of its 1975 “Mystery Dial,”the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue.

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Let’s be clear, this isn’t a real “mystery dial” like the one from Cartier. Rather, the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue is an almost exact reproduction of its original “Mystery Dial” timepiece. The watch was originally born from a desire to craft an illusion of floating hands. A navy dot painted on the center of the underside of the crystal covers the main hub, while the navy blue hands are made to blend in with the dial. This creates the illusion that the red and white details are mysteriously floating.

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There are a few changes in this reissue from the original, which featured a 33mm case. The new release is bigger, having been enlarged to 37mm, and features battery-powered quartz movement. Also, the caseback is screwed on, unlike the (pressed on) original, and the stainless steel bracelet has been upped to 20mm from the initial (19mm) model.

At just under $200, the Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue is a fun and affordable reissue made to pair with modern ensembles. The face features a day and date window, and a 12mm domed acrylic crystal that brings depth and dimension. It's also water resistant up to 50 meters.

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