1970's Zodiac Olympos Mystery Dial Florentine Manta Ray 18k YG 4004 705

The Zodiac Olympos “Mystery Dial” reference 4004 705 is a bold and unmistakably avant-garde timepiece, showcasing the fearless design language Zodiac was known for in the 1970s. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the sculptural Olympos case is paired with a striking Florentine finished dial outer dial inside the elusive Manta Ray case that also has a Florentine finish, giving the watch an almost architectural presence on the wrist. The mystery dial layout—where the hands appear to float without a visible connection—adds an element of intrigue and technical artistry that sets this piece apart from traditional Swiss watchmaking of the era.

Powered by a reliable automatic movement and designed during a period when creativity reigned supreme, this Olympos represents peak vintage Zodiac experimentation. The combination of precious metal construction, unconventional display, and rare dial execution makes this reference highly collectible and increasingly difficult to find. Equal parts design object and mechanical timepiece, the Zodiac Olympos Mystery Dial is a statement watch for collectors who appreciate rarity, originality, and unapologetic 1970s flair.

Serial: 524,XXX

Reference: 4004 705

Dated: Undated

Bracelet: Brown Leather Zodiac Strap

Dial: Gold Mystery Dial - Tritium

Case: 36mm x 10mm thickness x 41mm lug to lug - 18K Yellow Gold Florentine "Manta Ray" Case

Movement: Zodiac Calibre 70-72 - Automatic

Functions: HM

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes and warranty papers (14k box tag was for bracelets)

Crystal: Acrylic

Bracelet size: 7.25”

The 18K yellow gold Florentine "Manta Ray" case is unpolished with only the lightest micro wear. Original strap has minimal creasing with no extra wear that is notable. Dial only has a couple patina specks just under the hour hand. Hands have lume intact in great shape.

Zodiac is a historic Swiss watch brand founded in 1882 in Le Locle, best known for its early role in shaping the modern tool watch. While the company produced reliable timepieces for decades, its real impact came in the post-war era when Zodiac focused on purpose-built sports watches that combined rugged performance with bold, accessible design. In 1953, Zodiac introduced the Sea Wolf, one of the very first commercially available dive watches for civilians, arriving alongside or even ahead of better-known competitors and helping define what a true dive watch should be. The Sea Wolf’s success laid the groundwork for the Super Sea Wolf, released in the 1960s and 1970s, which dramatically increased water resistance and durability and gained credibility through real-world use by military divers, including U.S. Navy SEALs. These models cemented Zodiac’s reputation as a serious innovator in dive watches and remain the foundation of the brand’s identity today, influencing both its vintage collectability and its modern reissues.