A dye-based, multilayer time-indicating label without initial gray time comprises a multilayer first part and a multilayer second part. The first part comprises a topsheet in contact with an enhancement layer and an optional reference layer, and the enhancement layer is in contact with a timing layer. The second part comprises a dye layer, an optional dark layer, and a substrate layer. The timing layer and the dye layer are separate from one another, and are optionally protected by one or more release liners. To activate the indicator, the timing and dye layers are separated from the one or more release liners and then joined to one another.