Forest, olive, khaki, pine, emerald... Green is everywhere and undoubtedly the main trend of 2020 and 2021. But, like all trends, they come and go. Let's be honest, while there are some very cool green models - I see the 5711 Olive Green and 15202 Smoked Green - this color is not the easiest for daily wear and pairing with a classic outfit. And it will likely become outdated in a few years. So for those who still want a bit of color and more originality than a classic black or silver dial, but with a timeless look that won't age, blue remains the best option. Here are 5 recently released watches with blue dials.
PILOT – FORTIS FLIEGER F-39 MIDNIGHT BLUE
When you think of pilot watches, you probably envision a black dial. This makes sense from a legibility perspective, where contrast is key. But since most of us aren't wearing these watches in a cockpit, why not add a bit of fun and color to the equation? Fortis recently did just that by releasing new blue dials for their modern, ultra-durable Flieger watches, including the compact and fully-equipped F-39 model, which is essentially among the toughest watches in the world. The new dials feature a straightforward matte surface and retain the cool orange accents of the classic black versions, ensuring readability. Inside is the reliable Sellita movement, and while we at WatchTested prefer the 39mm version, a 41mm model is also available.
Quick Facts: Diameter 39mm – case in recycled stainless steel with 12-hour bidirectional bezel – water resistance 200m – matte blue dial – Fortis caliber UW-30 (based on Sellita SW 200-1), automatic – gray-blue leather strap – CHF 1,950
COMPLEX – A. LANGE & SÖHNE LANGEMATIK PERPETUAL LIMITED ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLUE DIAL
The Langematik Perpetual is one of the longest-lasting models in the German brand’s collection, first released in 2001. Of course, over the years, its design has been altered, and the dial has been updated multiple times. But the classic look of the watch has remained almost unchanged, indicating how good these watches were from the start. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, A. Lange & Söhne is releasing a new series of limited models – in white or pink gold – mainly distinguished by beautiful, elegant blue dials. The perpetual calendar complication is provided by a sophisticated automatic movement with a micro-rotor, crafted in the typical ALS style – that is, magnificently. We would undoubtedly choose the white gold version (Ref. 310.028), which is more refined and even more timeless. But remember, this is a limited series of 50 pieces, so they won't be available for long.
Quick Facts: Diameter 38.5mm – 18k white or pink gold – solid silver, blue galvanized dial with embossed pattern – caliber L922.1, in-house, automatic with micro-rotor – dark blue hand-stitched leather with pronged buckle – €91,000
CHRONOGRAPH – LONGINES AVIGATION BIGEYE TITANIUM BLUE DIAL
Created after the elusive 1930s pilot chronograph, the Longines Avigation BigEye was, unsurprisingly, first introduced with a steel case and black dial, like the original vintage watch. But now that this model has found its audience and is perceived as one of the coolest and most accessible pilot chronographs, it was time for Longines to play with colors... and materials too. Indeed, the brand recently introduced the Avigation BigEye version that combines a lightweight, sporty, and more modern titanium case with a very attractive grainy and gradient blue dial with black sub-dials. Certainly more polarizing than the black version, the addition of blue completely transforms the watch, giving it personality. Despite the low price, these watches are equipped with cool features like the proprietary L688 caliber with a silicon balance spring and column wheel.
Quick Facts: Diameter 41mm – Grade 5 titanium case – water resistance 30m – petrol blue gradient dial, grainy texture, black sub-dials – caliber L688, automatic chronograph with column wheel – natural brown smooth calf leather strap with titanium buckle – €3,230
GENTLEMAN – PIAGET ALTIPLANO ULTIMATE AUTOMATIC BLUE
Once upon a time, tuxedos were exclusively black. Now, blue tuxedos are increasingly seen (and yes, they look fabulous), and the same can be said for so-called “tuxedo watches,” which used to be black. Piaget, the master of ultra-thin watches, decided to present a new version of their ultra-thin automatic Altiplano Ultimate Automatic, where shades of blue – for the bezel ring and peripheral rotor – are combined with the sheen of silver elements throughout the watch case – thanks to the rhodium-plated movement and polished white gold case. The result is modern, elegant, restrained, yet at the same time technical and striking. The watch is still powered by the caliber 910P and retains its impressively thin case height of 4.30mm, making it one of the thinnest mechanical watches on the market.
Quick Facts: Diameter 41mm x height 4.30mm – polished white gold case – water resistance 20m – skeletonized construction with dial integrated into the movement, blue accents on dial and peripheral rotor – caliber 910P, in-house, automatic ultra-thin – blue alligator leather strap with clasp – €31,200
DIVER – GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL SEAQ 39.5 MM WITH TWO-TONE BLUE DIAL
There's nothing more natural than a blue dial for a diver's watch... How about complementing the blue dial with something else? Something cool, slightly vintage, a bit luxurious, but without compromising the watch’s capabilities. This is exactly what Glashütte Original did with their SeaQ model, inspired by the Spezimatic. They took the compact version, added a touch of gold to the crown, indices/hands, and bezel, and combined this warm material with a dark blue dial. The result is very cool, less serious, and still easy to wear both on the beach and in the office. All the classic elements of the collection, including its original dial with bold numerals, have been preserved, and the watch is one of the most attractive luxury divers. And while the black rubber strap is better suited for water activities, the blue synthetic textile strap looks even better.
Quick Facts: Diameter 39.5mm – stainless steel case with yellow gold crown and bezel, blue polished ceramic insert – water resistance 200m – galvanic blue matte dial, applied gold markers and hands – caliber 39-11, in-house, automatic – blue synthetic textile strap or black rubber strap – €12,000