Round-UpA Kaleidoscope Of Indulgence: Handsome Mother-Of-Pearl Watches For Men

Exquisite, elegant, graceful, pristine are all words you would use to describe the unexplainable beauty of mother of pearl. Derived from the Latin term ‘mater perlarun’ it is an element visualised particularly in feminine light but here we bust the aforementioned myth and present mother of pearl in a whole new light and explore the finesse it brings out in men’s watches.

In case the term ‘mother of pearl’ isn’t all too familiar, let’s put an end to your inquisitiveness, with a quick low-down on this gorgeous element. ‘Nacre’, another name for mother of pearl, is a lustrous layer formed by molluscs. Comprised primarily of calcium carbonate, it is secreted by oysters, snails, squids and other invertebrate animals as they form a layer of protection against parasites. The pristine iridescent lining, which eventually forms a pearl, in its primary stages, serves as a lustrous dial inlay. The dial element makes for an extremely glamorous element on the watch dial, but it is an extremely tedious task to extract the fine lining from within the shell, without the slightest possibility of chipping and cracking. The immaculate natural substance is widely available in white, off-white and pink hues.

Due to the calming vibes and sombre outlook, mother of pearl is invariably looked on in an effeminate context. However, men folk can equally spruce up their glamour game by adding this complex element of natural art, currently in vogue, to their watch collection. Brands such as Rolex, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Rado and more showcase just how smoothly nacre can transit in the realm of men’s watches. The ornate trend has a dreamy yet masculine aspect, an imperative exploration for the curious aficionados. Take a look at some of the most impressive men’s watches with mother-of-pearl dials.

Breitling Chronomat 41

Here is a mother-of-pearl watch that stylishly embodies the winning combination of sturdiness and grace. Breitling reinforces the idea that precision watches can have a stellar face too. The watch is an amalgamation of all things that are characteristic to the Chronomat collection – a bold, 41mm steel and rose gold case, and a powerful bracelet in the same material. Breitling interestingly instils a graceful spin to the muscular chronograph, which was introduced originally for the Italian Air Force’s elite aerobatics team, by incorporating a pristine mother-of-pearl dial. Intense from the moment you set your eyes on the dial, it exudes eminence in the 12 square shaped, diamond hour markers. Carved to perfection are three sub-dials – chronograph counters and small seconds – and a date window that blends in flawlessly with the light blue tint of the mother-of-pearl dial. The hands are built to complement the rose gold sprawled across the bezel and pushers on the case. A signature Breitling, the watch is par excellence in terms of performance as it is fitted with a chronometer-certified movement.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean

Omega is no stranger in the sphere of creating watches that are masculine, yet high on aesthetic appeal. This timepiece here, falls under the same spectrum. From Omega’s Planet Ocean series, an ode to the brand’s maritime legacy, the captivating blue mother-of-pearl dial is absolutely fitting with the motive of the collection. The dial with its uncanny graphic representation of the oceanic waves is not just an aesthetic achievement but lends an exhilarating appeal to the watch as a whole. Adding to the finesse of the watch are twelve 0.33-carat diamond indexes and a date window at three o’clock.

Infusing a breeze of freshness amidst the elegance is the overall hue of tangerine, as seen on the gem-set bezel, mounted atop a 45.5mm stainless steel case, and also in the durable leather strap. The watch runs on a chronometer-certified, Co-Axial calibre 2500. A harmonious amalgamation of decorous artistic taste, courtesy the mother-of-pearl dial and a dexterous movement, the timepiece is up the modern man’s fashion alley.

Rado True Automatic Open Heart

An extremely popular watch crafted to perfection is the Rado True mother-of-pearl timepiece. A paragon of flawlessness, it showcases adroit watchmaking abilities and superior aesthetics. With a dreamy air yet extremely masculine DNA, the watch is sleek thanks to the well-polished black high-tech ceramic used in it. Light as a feather, a trait it shares with the Rado True family, the watch has a clean 40mm case. The stand-out aspect of the watch is clearly the mesmerising, mother-of-pearl dial. A razor-thin layer of mother of pearl in different hues serves as a sheer cover over the captivating, automatic movement.

The heart of the watch gets a brilliant outline in the form of the mother-of-pearl setting and has silver hour batons for maximum legibility and a ridge etched with the ‘Rado’ brand name. Protected by a sapphire crystal, it is scratch resistant, making it a good choice even for the outdoors.  The stunning dress watch promises to remain relevant in all seasons keeping its sheen intact and blending in perfectly even at the most upscale social do.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16

What ‘athleisure’ is to fashion, TAG Heuer is to the watch world. The Swiss brand, known for acing the sporty-meets-dressy look, has its watchmakers work tediously to craft a rich mother-of-pearl watch with a vibrant play of gradients.  Housed within a 41mm steel case, the beautiful dial is almost reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis, with an interplay of lavender and moss green on a black backdrop, creating a visual spectacle. The dial remains excessively legible despite three sub-dials – chronograph counters and small seconds – and a date window at three o’clock. The hour indexes are filled with luminescent and well-polished hour hands. The watch has a distinctive personality due to the refined visual appeal, aided by mother of pearl, combined with the solid build of the steel case and bracelet, and a very functional bezel that displays a tachymeter.

Tissot T-Classic Le Locle Automatic

A legendary Swiss brand with ardent admirers – the likes of Grace Kelly, Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela and more – has an elegant mother-of-pearl offering in the Tisssot T-Classic Le Locle. This is just the kind of watch that fuses opulence and functionality without burning a hole in your pocket. The watch is your perfect companion when you want to make an unforgettable impression from the word go. The 39mm rose gold PVD-treated steel case makes for a perfect sportive watch in an apt size to sit well on a masculine wrist.

The intense hue of the mother-of-pearl dial is a work of art and spirals from forest green to a pink palette – a hit amongst men who have a penchant for sophistication. Radiating an air of elegance are the hour markers presented in an assortment of batons, along with 12, three, six and nine o’clock in Roman numeral, while a highly legible date window is seen at three o’clock. Every incorporation on the watch complements the other, and the leather strap is no exception. While the exotic dial is the highlight of the watch, even overall, this dress watch is a testament to fine craftsmanship.

Titoni Slenderline

Designed with class in mind, this quartz timepiece matches the taste of watch enthusiasts who enjoy old-school and conventional watch elements. Curved to precision, it is ultra-thin, hence the name Slenderline. The dial of the watch manifests grace as it displays a gorgeous snowy white tint, which is stupefying when it’s outdoors and comes in contact with daylight. The needle-like hands and simplistic hour batons not only make this watch a novelty but also enhance the legibility of the watch. Titoni makes sure comfort remains a priority and just for that reason the nine-link, stainless steel bracelet scores a 10. It is agile and smooth and fits like a glove on the wearer’s wrist. A modern spin to a classic wristwatch, combined with a Swiss lineage, makes it an extremely sought-after everyday dress watch.

With these six and many other many mother-of-pearl options available, even men can now revel in the purity and finesse of an element widely accepted as a mark of sophistication and timeless style.

Tell us in the comments section which mother-of-pearl watch would make the cut for you and find its way onto your wrist.