Introducing the Undone Mystique Collection—Affordable Chronographs with Some High-End Details

Undone first hit our radar when they launched the customizable Aqua series. They then followed up with Urban Chronograph. With these two models, customers were able to use Undone’s user-friendly website and customization tool (at the time, it was one of the best we’ve seen). The brand’s latest collection takes a slightly different approach, eschewing the customization of the first two series for a ready-to-wear line featuring beautiful gradient dials—introducing the Undone Mystique Collection.  The Mystique series is built around the Seiko VK61 meca-quartz movement. Featured here is the same case we saw in the Urban line. It measures 40mm wide, 13mm thick (to the top of the domed K1 crystal) and has a lug-to-lug of 52mm. The inspiration is pulled from ’50s chronographs, which is made most clear through the stepped mid-case, mushroom-style pushers and onion crown. The case is available in two finishes: standards stainless steel and rose gold. Each of the Mystique models ships with a 20mm quick-release leather strap and a matching alligator strap.

For Zach’s hands-on impression of the Undone Mystique Collection, check out the video below.

The Mystique line is built around four dial colors, and the dials are what Undone is focusing on with this release. The dials, which are commonly refereed to as fumé dials for their smoky look, are recreations of styles more commonly seen in the 1960s and ’70s, though they’ve made a bit of a resurgence in recent years from high-end makers like Moser. The dials have a gradient pattern moving out from the base color at the center of the dial to a darker, almost black color at the outer edges. Undone describes a 12-step process to achieve this finish. To keep the focus on the dial color and finish, they’ve kept the rest of the dial clean and simple. There are applied stick markers for the hours and printed ones on the two sub-dials (chronograph minutes and running seconds at 12 and six, respectively). There’s also a small Undone logo at six o’clock; like I said—clean and simple.The first dial is called the Eclipse, and it’s a coloration based on the moon. The dial is a brownish-gray. Mercury then is a dramatic, deep blue. Mars is red—a bit of a no-brainer. Finally, Neptune is a vibrant green. Regardless of the dial color, all feature a beautifully executed gradient effect that appears almost black along the edges. And all dials look surprisingly high-end given the price of the series ($325). The Undone Mystique collection is an interesting endeavor from a brand that had made a name for itself through customization. Though we’re presented with less choices here—four dial colors and two case finishes—there’s still plenty to choose from if the styling speaks to you. Undone