Round-UpTwenty Blue-Eyed Watches That Are Defining Trends In Watchmaking
As watch industry giants relentlessly continue smearing shades of blue in their creations, the blue-faced watch prevails as one of the hottest fashion sensations of our times. ‘The Watch Guide’ presents a cherry-picked selection of 20 timepieces dressed in blue that shall help you stay on-trend
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A quick look into the history of trends in the horological industry reveals how the colour blue has been reigning supreme in watch design and beguiling watch wearers, men and women alike, over the years. Blue has been a definitive colour in watchmaking. Be it in blue leather straps, textured blue dials, classic blued steel hands and cabochons on crowns—all of this reiterates that blue is more than just the couleur du jour. An uber-chic colour that offers an enriching palette of lush layers and seductive styles, this primary colour is indubitably the go-to choice for when one is in the mood for something vibrant, yet timeless and classic. Often regarded as a popular alternative to black, white and silver, this popular hue is an out-and-out winner for all kinds of occasions and outfits. There is an entire universe to explore in timepieces sporting blue dials. And here, we’ve curated an assortment of 20 watches bathed in blue that will, ironically, chase the blues away.
Arnold & Son Eight-Day Royal Navy
Timepieces that encapsulate Swiss craftsmanship and captivating design define Arnold & Son’s stellar repertoire. The Arnold & Son Eight-Day Royal Navy is one of their recent classics which was launched at Baselworld 2016. The first impression it gives is of a sleek, modern timepiece, but with an old-school charm. This exquisitely crafted watch borrows its design codes from 18th century marine chronometers, particularly commissioned by King George III. Housed in a magnificent 43mm, classic round, stainless steel case, it embodies Arnold & Son’s commitment to intricate details. Furthermore, the blue guilloche dial with a sunburst pattern adds to its unique look. The watch is powered by Arnold & Son’s A&S1016 calibre, which comprises 242 parts and beats at a frequency of 21,600vph. It is equipped with a highly efficient twin barrel that delivers an impressive power reserve of 192 hours—displayed at 12 o’clock. The dial also accommodates a date indication and a small seconds display at six o’clock. On the reverse, the sapphire crystal caseback promises a clear view of its polished edges and bridges adorned with radiant côtes de Genève decoration. Water resistant to 30m, the Arnold & Son Eight-Day Navy is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp.
Zenith Defy Midnight
A timepiece with a dreamlike, cosmic feel that steals your attention in one glance. Zenith takes its inspiration from its Defy collection and presents the alluring Zenith Defy Midnight collection especially for women. The Defy Midnight’s dial is unquestionably its most appealing feature and was surely the main focus while designing the watch, specifically, its smoky blue colour in a gradient to reflect the night sky. The dazzling dials are dusted with stars on the top half. The luminous material used in the stars makes them glow in the dark. Adding to its luxurious appeal are the diamond indexes and a date window placed at three o’clock. This stunning dial sits perfectly in a 36mm case and it comes with two bezel types—with and without diamonds. The steel bracelet attached to the case can easily be swapped with multiple straps. The heart of this watch beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and is powered by Zenith’s in-house Elite movement with a 50-hour power reserve. It has a star-form rotor that can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback, making it look stunning from every angle.
H. Moser & Cie. Heritage Centre Seconds
There are a few timepieces that exude an old-school charm, even though they are designed to fit in the dynamic space of today. Needless to say, the H. Moser & Cie. Heritage Centre Seconds is surely one of those super-elegant watches. Initially, this timepiece is reminiscent of the pocket watches of the 1920s, but on taking a closer look, Moser’s wonderful touches become more apparent. Its neat, 42mm stainless steel case accommodates the exquisite funky blue dial. Adding a punch of perfection are the Arabic numerals made of solid blocks of a luminous material called Globolight. It is a ceramic material used for luminescence and is infused with Super-LumiNova. At the heart of this timepiece sits Moser’s in-house automatic calibre, the HMC 200, which beats at 21,600vph and packs a 72-hour power reserve. This timepiece is water-resistant to 30m, comes with a dark beige kudu leather strap.
Oris Whale Shark Limited Edition
Oris is one of the few brands in the watchmaking space that identifies and addresses issues pertaining to the world’s degrading ecosystem. Their Whale Shark Limited Edition is one such exquisite timepiece that particularly highlights certain noticeable threats surrounding the magnificent whale shark. Moreover, this watch has been made in support of the work done by Oris ambassador, Gerardo del Villar, who has been documenting whale sharks for more than 15 years. Based on the Oris Aquis GMT diver’s watch, this timepiece is limited to only 2016 pieces—a number signifying the year when the International Union of Conservation Nature (IUCN) announced that the global population of whale sharks had halved over the previous 75 years. The same sentiment is also conveyed with the impactful shark-skin effect on the blue dial, which is housed in a 43.5mm multi-piece stainless steel case. As a diving watch, its hour markers, hands, and indices are all filled with Super-LumiNova for improved underwater visibility. Along with the name of the brand positioned in the upper-middle section, you can also see the date display at three o’clock. The highlight of this timepiece is the bidirectional rotating GMT bezel, with a ceramic insert, divided it into two parts—with black representing night hours and blue for the daytime. The bezel features a laser-engraved 24-hour scale. Powering this exquisite timepiece is the Oris calibre 798, beating at 28,800vph, and offering a power reserve of 42 hours. This exquisite watch is presented on a three-row stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and is water-resistant to 300m.
Nomos Glashütte Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date For Men
Embodying idiosyncrasy and minimalist design, Nomos launched the Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date at Baselworld 2018. In collaboration with German designer Werner Aisslinger, this relatively young brand unveiled the Autobahn collection, named after the German highway system that is devoid of a mandated speed limit. Available with a wonderful midnight blue and two other variants, it is hugely inspired by race tracks and automotive analogue dash counters, as is indicated by the curved rehaut in the centre of the watch. This collection is equipped with an in-house built date calibre DUW 6101. Featuring a three-lane date window that is reminiscent of an odometer, the well-proportioned dial, with a recessed small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock, is housed in a 41mm robust stainless steel case. The date, positioned along the edge of the dial, can be set forward or backwards. Having received accolades and attention from every corner of the world, the Nomos Autobahn is a one-of-a-kind novelty.
Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback
Opulent designs and superb engineering come together in every Carl F. Bucherer timepiece. One of their most recognisable watches has been the Manero Flyback chronograph. Launched in 2016, it has become a preferred choice of discerning gents, ever since, and has been released in various new editions ever since, including this 2020 blue version. Its 43mm stainless steel case accommodates a neatly segmented blue dial along with skeletonised lancet-shaped hands, and three-dimensional, polished hour indices. Positioned at nine o’clock is the small seconds sub-dial, while a 30-minute chronograph counter is seen at three o’clock. There is also a date window, neatly integrated at six o’clock. On the outermost edge of the dial, you can see the tachymeter scale printed in white. However, it is not just the visual appeal of this watch that intrigues fans of this bestseller. This is also a sophisticated flyback chronograph. As opposed to the traditional chronograph, where one has to stop, reset and restart the chronograph again to time successive durations, this flyback chronograph cuts down the steps. All you need to do is, press the mushroom-shaped pusher at four o’clock once, to reset and restart. This is possible thanks to the column wheel, which forms an integral part of this timepiece’s complex mechanism. The Manero Flyback chronograph is powered by the in-house automatic calibre, CFB 1970, and offers a power reserve of 42-hours. This edition of the Flyback is presented on a nine-link, stainless steel bracelet and is water-resistant up to 30m.
Corum Admiral 42 Automatic
The Corum Admiral 42 Automatic Grenadier Fendu reflects the spirit of modern design driven by the history of maritime sailing. This range of 42mm watches can be identified by their 12-sided cases, also called a dodecagon. The hour markers have 12 outlines of the nautical pennants that sailing boats employ as signal flags. The watches have a distinctive guilloché design known as Grenadier Fendu (‘split pomegranate’), a 3D motif created by the design group of Corum’s La Chaux-de-Fonds factory. The rich Mediterranean Sea-blue dial displays the time and date, and SuperLumiNova makes the hands and applied markers pop out. This watch is available in three options: a stainless steel bracelet, a blue leather strap with the steel case, or a two-tone steel case with a rose gold bezel/crown case. Corum continues to employ its CO 395 automatic movement, which has been in operation for more than a decade now. Delivering a beat rate of 4Hz and with a 42-hour power reserve, the Corum Admiral 42 Automatic Grenadier Fendu is water-resistant to 100m.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic For Men
A luxurious watch that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic has a 42mm stainless steel case, with the Aikon collection’s signature clawed bezel, which makes it appear slightly meatier on the wrist. The dial is the Aikon’s most arresting feature, coloured blue with a sun-brushed Clous de Paris pattern, with rhodium-plated indices and hands. Beating inside at 4Hz is the ML 115 automatic movement, offering its wearers a power reserve of 38 hours. A legible date window is present at three o’clock and adds to the timepiece’s functional and utilitarian appeal. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon offers water resistance of up to 200m.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute
Timeless watches sitting at an intersection of solid architectural construction and precise engineering define Girard-Perregaux as a brand. And when it comes to their Laureato collection of archetypal sport watches, every piece stands out as an icon. Instantly recognisable due to its octagonal bezel, the Laureato is targeted at those with discerning taste. Its 44mm case is made of black PVD treated titanium and is water-resistant to 300m. The PVD-treated titanium has a unique aesthetic appeal and offers corrosion resistance. The black case houses a blue dial featuring the applied indexes and hands. The hands are coated with luminous material and match the design of the baton indices. There is a date window at six o’clock. In keeping with its long-lasting tradition, Girard-Perregaux has equipped this model with the calibre GP3300 mechanical movement. Beating at a frequency of 28,000vph, it offers a power reserve of 46 hours. Adding to the sporty appeal of this timepiece is its fully-integrated rubber strap.
Graham Silverstone RS Racing For Men
The Graham Silverstone timepieces are imbibed with an adrenaline rush in their DNA and this one dressed in blue, with accents in red, amps up the X factor. Drawing inspiration from the origins of racing, this exceptional automatic chronograph is devised with an innate beauty of mechanical innovation, as is evident by the blue composite bezel with white tachymeter graduation, Chronofiable® certified, Incabloc shock absorber and the G1749 calibre. The dial offers so many talking points, right from the blue chequered pattern, blue snailed hours and minutes sub-dials with a red contour to the automobile brake disc-shaped seconds sub-dial with a red indicator, and white Super-LumiNova numerals and hands, red and white minute scale graduation and finally, a day-date window at three o’clock. A powerful combination of good looks with supreme functionality, this 100m-water resistant timepiece is presented on a blue tyre tread rubber strap with a red inset.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph
One of the most recognisable watches made by IWC Schaffhausen is the Portugieser Chronograph. It fits practically every wrist because of its 41mm diameter. The round case houses a dark-blue dial with applied Arabic markers and polished, rhodium-plated leaf-shaped hands which complement the case quite well. The dark blue dial has a sunburst finish and the double sub-dial design further makes it look lavishly opulent. It comes fitted with a black alligator leather strap, making the watch suitable for daily wear. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph has the 30-minute chronograph positioned at 12o’clock and continuous seconds at six o’clock. This robust and precise chronograph movement in a classic column wheel design is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. Inside the sporty and elegant chronograph is the Calibre 69335, an in-house automatic movement used in all IWC watches that require a precise, robust and high-performance chronograph movement. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, it packs a power reserve of 46 hours.
MeisterSinger Classic Plus Metris For Men
With one stroke of genius, German watchmaker MeisterSinger churns out a winning single-hand watch that’s like your favourite pair of jeans. Besides the trademark needle-point, single central hour hand, a distinctive element in this 38mm Metris timepiece is the nylon tape light blue synthetic strap. The focal point on the face of the watch is the enlarged date window at six o’clock. It not only makes the wearer stand apart from the rest in terms of style but also presents adequate durability. The watchmaker offers this automatic timepiece in a plethora of strap and colour variations to match the wearer’s personality and moods. This 2018 novelty is 200m water resistant, while the movement yields a power reserve of 38 hours.
Doxa Sub 1500T
Think of Doxa, as a brand and the first image that comes to mind is of superbly crafted dive watches featuring bright orange dials. For decades, these Swiss watchmakers have created superbly engineered and purpose-driven timepieces that can make a diver’s experience better. The Doxa Sub 1500T is a part of Doxa’s long-lasting legacy defined by ground-breaking innovation, wherein they have tried to balance form and function. With an instantly recognisable 45mm cushion-shaped case, carved out of 316L stainless steel, this timepiece is certainly a top choice among dive watch enthusiasts, who also want to make a sartorial statement. The Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indices stand highlighted over the perfect backdrop of Doxa’s ‘Caribbean’—or navy blue—dial, with the date window positioned at three o’clock. Other prominent features of this timepiece include its unidirectional bezel and the integrated helium release valve, which have become an inseparable part of Doxa’s vocabulary since the launch of Sub 300T Conquistador—the first dive watch created for the general public. Doxa’s unidirectional patented bezel features two separate scales—based on the US Navy no-decompression dive table. The outer ring shows the dive depth. The inner ring indicates the time in minutes, corresponding to the outer ring’s depth rate. At the heart of this timepiece sits the ETA 2892-2 calibre, beating a frequency of 28,800vph and offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The timepiece is mounted on a stainless steel bracelet, with a folding clasp featuring the Doxa fish symbol, and offers water resistance up to 1,500m.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Steel
The right kind of watch can help you make a strong statement without any effort. And Bulgari‘s Octo Finissimo Automatic surely caters to the idea. This exquisitely crafted timepiece seamlessly blends Italian design and intricate Swiss watchmaking. Since its launch in 2014, it has acquired the status of being an icon, not just for its interesting architectural design but understated elegance, too. Its complex angular form is accentuated with a 43mm octagonal steel case and integrated bracelet, which almost entirely exhibits neat satin brushing, in contrast to its polished edges. The exquisite medley of matt and sheen along with its blue lacquered dial with a sunburst finish creates a strong visual impact. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo draws inspiration from its predecessors when it comes to indices. It features long, applied indices with slender Arabic numerals at 12 and six o’clock. The dial also accommodates a minimalist small seconds sub-dial, positioned close to seven o’clock. Running this exquisite timepiece is the self-winding calibre BLV 138, which beats at 21,600vph, and offers a power reserve of 60 hours. This intricately crafted timepiece comes with an integrated, stainless steel bracelet and is water-resistant to 100m.
Omega Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph
Part of the famous Speedmaster collection—best known for being the first and only watch worn on the moon—this specific edition, owing to its simplicity, size, and soothing hue, is definitely popular among discerning women. Set in a 38mm steel case is its soothing, sunray-brushed, ice-blue dial, which neatly accommodates rhodium-plated indices and the hour and minute hands, along with chronograph hands. The dial also fits in three oval sub-dials positioned at nine, three, and six o’clock, with a vertical oval date window at six. Since the idea of a luxury sports watch is at the heart of its design, luminescence is important and is achieved by treating the central hands and dots on the external periphery of the hour markers with white Super-LumiNova. Water-resistant to 100m, the case of this watch is mounted on a stainless steel bracelet. When you reverse it, you can clearly see Omega’s large seahorse medallion on the caseback. The timepiece is powered by Omega’s co-axial calibre 3330, which offers a power reserve of 54 hours.
Parmigiani Tonda Metrographe
The Tonda Metrographe, an updated variant of Parmigiani Fleurier’s sporty, round chronograph, simplifies its rather quirky, asymmetrical design to a more typically sporty look while preserving the artistic flourishes and distinguishing technological accents. The timepiece comprises of a 40mm polished 18-karat rose-gold case guarding a blue-opaline finish dial. The applied rhodium-plated index hour markers and luminescent hour and minute hands on the dial provide the impression of seamless luxury. Contributing to its busy dial is a small seconds sub-dial located at three o’clock, 30-seconds counter is located at nine o’clock, and 12-hour counter is located at six o’clock. In addition to that, the elongated date window is located below 12 o’clock. At the heart of Parmigiani Tonda Metrographe sits the automatic calibre PF350, the movement ticks at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The exhibition caseback reveals the movement and a 22-karat gold rotor with a grain d’orge guilloche pattern. The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Metrographe has a gorgeous Hermès abyss-blue leather strap and a gold pin buckle. It fits well on the wrist and is a beautiful and functional chronograph.
Frederique Constant Art Déco
Glamour, elegance and timelessness are the abiding principles of Frederique Constant’s newly-unveiled watches from the Art Déco series. The mesmerising navy-blue mother-of-pearl dial with a guilloche decoration is home to eight set diamonds, applied steel-plated Roman numerals and hand-polished hour and minute hands, which lend a strikingly minimal aesthetic in the 25mm oval steel case. Equipped with a quartz FC-200 movement that offers a battery life of 25 months, this bejewelled timepiece, presented on a steel bracelet, is water-resistant up to 30m.
TAG Heuer Carrera
If you are someone who is always on the go, then this timepiece is meant for you. Though TAG Heuer’s most iconic models are associated with automobile racing, over the years, the brand has recognised the need to adapt their motor-racing collections to include editions that fit lifestyle requirements for day-to-day wear. Powered by a quartz movement, this particular watch is defined by an exquisite 36mm case with a modular construction that sets the timepiece apart. The brushed blue dial inside the steel case glows with rose-gold plated indexes and hands, and the date window is positioned at three o’clock. The magnificent dial changes its shade of blue depending on the angle of the wrist, setting it apart from other blue face watches in the market. An audacious haute couture TAG Heuer Carrera for individuals seeking chic luxury style comes with a calfskin strap in matching blue and offers water resistance up to 100m.
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35
An ultramodern design with an undertone of old-school sophistication—this is how one can sum up Breitling’s Navitimer Automatic 35. This Navitimer has borrowed its design codes from the brand’s early models from the 1950s—when this particular style first hit the market. The beautiful medley of shiny blue, red, and silver conjures up a playful image of this timepiece. Its 35mm steel case offers water resistance up to 30m and is defined by a beaded bezel that is quite eye-catching. The sunray-finished blue dial features indexes and hands with Super-LumiNova—elevating the watch’s legibility. Besides this, the red-tipped seconds hand makes a striking impact. Offering a water resistance of 30m, the timepiece is attached to a shiny blue alligator strap. Powered by Breitling‘s in-house calibre 17, which includes 25 jewels, this timepiece delivers a power reserve of about 38 hours. Additionally, the movement is also a COSC-certified chronometer, which assures you of its timekeeping accuracy.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
At first glance, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 will surely strike you for how wearable it is. And why not! When you are juggling multiple chores in a day, you need a watch that is purpose-driven and looks professional and sleek. Needless to say, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 checks all the boxes. Set in a 40mm tonneau-shaped silhouette, it is the deep blue dial that makes a striking statement. The date window is set in a defined aperture placed at three o’clock and complements the hands. At the heart of this timepiece sits the Powermatic 80 calibre that boasts a power reserve of 80 hours. The Tissot PRX Powermatic comes with a butterfly clasp, and is water-resistant to 100m.
Shop The Story
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Arnold & Son Eight-Day
1.EDAS.U01C.S136D
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Zenith Defy
16.9200.670/01.MI001
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H. Moser & Cie. Heritage
8200-1201
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Oris Aquis
01 798 7754 4175-SET
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Nomos Glashutte Autobahn
1302
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Carl F. Bucherer Manero
00.10919.08.53.21
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Corum Admiral
395.110.20/0F03 AB60
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Corum Admiral
395.110.24/0F01 AB60
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Maurice Lacroix Aikon
AI6008-SS002-430-1
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Girard-Perregaux Laureato
81070-21-491-FH6A
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Graham Silverstone
2STEA.U02A.K107F
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IWC Portugieser
IW371606
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MeisterSinger Metris
ME908
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Doxa SUB 1500T
881.10.201.10
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BVLGARI Octo
103431
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Omega Speedmaster
324.30.38.50.03.001
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Parmigiani Tonda
PFC274-1002500-HA3241
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Frederique Constant Classics
FC-200RMPN2V6B
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TAG Heuer Carrera
WBK1312.FC8259
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Breitling Navitimer
A17395161C1P2
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Tissot T-Classic
T137.407.11.041.00
