Round-UpRadiantly Alluring: 10 Stunning Gradient Dial Timepieces
One of the most prominent styles in watch dials, the gradient effect was first introduced in the late 1960s with the release of the Zenith El Primero A385. Today, it’s a design used by most major watch manufacturers, adding depth and charm to the timepieces that feature them. In this list, we highlight some of the most majestic gradient dials available today
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The allure of gradient dials is simply irresistible. Also known as smoked dials, they present a gradient of hues that gradually transition into each other in a radial, linear or even an undefined format. This effect imparts a sense of depth to the dial and lends richness to the timepiece. Gradient dials became quite a rage following the release of the Zenith El Primero A385 in the late 1960s. While this popularity was short-lived, brands such as H. Moser & Cie. helped put this style back on the map. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of watch manufacturers producing majestic versions of gradient dials, with this dial decoration becoming a prominent feature across the watch industry. Here’s a look at 10 of the most mesmerising gradient dial timepieces that are nothing short of a visual treat.
Here’s a list of 10 of the best gradient dial timepieces:
- Armin Strom Tribute 1 California Burgundy
- Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Automatic Day Date Moonphase
- Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute 8Tech
- H Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool
- Longines Spirit Flyback
- Omega Seamaster Boutique Editions 39.5 mm
- Nivada Grenchen F77 Brown Smoked with Date
- TAG Heuer Autavia
- Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
- Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385
Armin Strom Tribute 1 California Burgundy
This interpretation of the Armin Strom Tribute 1, the brand’s popular modern dress watch, takes its name from the so-called California dial, which is distinguished by its alternating Roman and Arabic numerals. Its standout feature is the hand-decorated mainspring barrel at four o’clock, housing a staggering 100-hour power reserve. The offset, fumé burgundy dial features bar markers and a traditional railway track minute ring. It incorporates a sunburst pattern with a gradient effect, which is at once understated and dramatic and is complemented by the dial’s contrast to the black guilloché plate—created by hand by watchmaker Finnish and close friend of the brand, Kari Voutilainen. The visibility of the barrel on the dial makes the Tribute 1 California resolutely modern, while the California dial gives it a pleasing vintage flair. Powering this limited edition of five pieces is the manual winding Armin Strom calibre AMW21, which runs at a frequency of 25,200vph.
The Armin Strom Tribute 1 California Burgundy in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 38mm; water-resistant to 50m
- Dial: Burgundy, black guilloché plate
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Movement: Manual winding calibre AMW21; 100-hour power reserve
- Bracelet: Black leather with red stitching
Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Automatic Day Date Moonphase
What makes the Clifton Baumatic a stupendously good-looking watch is the combination of a well-balanced grey lacquered dial, a polished stainless steel case, and a captivating moon phase display that consists of a rhodium-plated disc, surrounded by a depiction of a blue starry night sky. Sized at 42mm, the timepiece neatly displays central, three-hand timekeeping, a day indicator at 12 o’clock and an analogue date display that encircles the moon phase sub-dial located at six. Each detail has been meticulously executed by Baume & Mercier, and it showcases their mastery in luxury watchmaking. The watch is powered by the in-house Baumatic BM 14 movement, which runs at a frequency of 28,800vph and can store a power reserve of a whopping 120 hours. Visible through an exhibition caseback, the calibre promises outstanding performance and high accuracy.
The Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Automatic Day Date Moonphase in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 42mm; water-resistant to 50m
- Dial: Grey
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, day-date, moon phase
- Movement: Automatic calibre BM14-1975AC2; 120-hour power reserve
- Strap: Blue leather
Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute 8Tech
Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2023, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech features a case material composed of ‘unidirectional’, non-braided, and pre-impregnated carbon fibre, combined with lightweight titanium powder to form extremely thin layers, and the technique with which it’s made is called 8tech. The significant presence of the 8tech commands attention, and the layered dial within the 44mm case certainly holds it. A sandwich-type construction is used for the dial, as seen before in the Absolute line. The sandblasted, grey, gradient dial includes a lower layer in grade-5 titanium, which is partially revealed through apertures. The sub-dials within the dial are sandblasted as well, with perhaps the most notable feature being their depth. The date display, baton-type hour and minute hands in a grey titanium hue, filled with a white luminescent material all add to the ‘neoteric’ appearance of the timepiece. Visible through the smoky sapphire crystal caseback is the automatic chronograph movement, GP03300, which provides a power reserve of 46 hours.
The Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute 8Tech in a nutshell
- Case: Carbon and titanium, 44mm; water-resistant to 100m
- Dial: Grey
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, chronograph, date, small seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre GP03300; 46-hour power reserve
- Strap: Black rubber
H Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool
Thanks to the minimalistic and pared-down philosophy of Moser, the gradient dial of Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool takes centre stage here. Presented in their ‘blue lagoon’ or turquoise hue, it evokes the nostalgia of the shimmering tropical waters that surround paradise islands and has a discrete look and feel. The dial comes bereft of any displays of additional complications, or extravagant decorations. It features the H. Moser & Cie. logo in transparent lacquer, at the 12 o’clock position. Apart from displaying the central hour and minute hands, it consists of luminous, anthracite grey faceted applique indices, which exude modern and sporty vibes. Set in a 43mm stainless steel case with brushed and polished surfaces, the timepiece is equipped with the HMC 200—an automatic movement that runs at the frequency of 21,600vph and provides a minimum power reserve of three days.
The H Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Mega Cool in a nutshell
- Case: Carbon, 44mm
- Dial: Grey
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre GP03300; 46-hour power reserve
- Strap: Black rubber
Longines Spirit Flyback
With new designs featuring luxurious materials and advanced mechanical movements, the Longines Spirit Flyback is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Available in steel with 18-karat rose gold, this 42mm watch features a matte-shaded brown dial with gradient finish, adding depth and character. The dial is complemented by a matching ceramic bezel insert, offering a contemporary look while maintaining the collection’s vintage charm. The use of Super-LumiNova ‘old radium’ treatment on the Arabic numerals and gold-plated hands ensures excellent legibility, even in low light conditions, staying true to its roots as a pilot’s watch. Water-resistant to 100m, the Spirit Flyback is perfect to accompany its wearer through a variety of environments, whether in the air, on land, or by sea. At the heart lies the exclusive Longines Calibre L791.4, a self-winding mechanical movement that is a marvel of modern engineering. With a power reserve of up to 68 hours, the Spirit Flyback ensures long-lasting performance. It comes with a matching leather strap, featuring a double-security folding clasp and micro-adjustment system for a comfortable and secure fit.
The Longines Spirit Flyback in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel and rose gold, 42mm; water-resistant to 100m
- Dial: Brown
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, flyback chronograph, small seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre L791.4; 68-hour power reserve
- Strap: Brown leather
Nivada Grenchen F77 Brown Smoked with Date
Though the original F77 was phased out, its cult following endured, leading the brand to reintroduce the collection in 2023. The modern re-edition honours the iconic design of its predecessor while incorporating technological advancements, keeping the spirit of the 1970s alive with a contemporary twist. One of the defining features of the F77 is its striking dial options, including the classic basket weave, as seen here on the F77 Brown Smoked with Date model. Available only with a 316L stainless steel bracelet, this F77 is equipped with a brown smoked ‘carbon effect’ basket weave dial, with substantial baton indexes and a date window at three o’clock. Powered by the Swiss made Soprod P024 automatic movement, it offers an energy reserve of 38 hours. The F77 is reissued in 37mm to remain faithful to the original piece, providing a water resistance of up to 100m.
The Nivada Grenchen F77 Brown Smoked with Date in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 37mm; water-resistant to 100m
- Dial: Brown smoked embossed carbon pattern
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic Soprod P024; 38-hour power reserve
- Bracelet: Stainless steel
Omega Seamaster Boutique Editions 39.5 mm
The Omega Seamaster, celebrated for its innovation and precision, boasts a rich history intertwined with exceptional quality and finesse. Introduced in 1948 to commemorate Omega’s centennial, the Seamaster was heavily influenced by the demands of wartime and built with an emphasis on functionality and durability. This Seamaster Boutique Edition 39.5mm features a stainless steel case, offering a water resistance of up to 60m. But the highlight of this model is undoubtedly its burgundy lacquered domed dial with a captivating gradient effect. The leaf hands, logo at 12 o’clock and wedge-shaped indexes are in 18-karat white gold, with a date window at six o’clock for a well-balanced look. Under the hood, the watch features the automatic Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8800 calibre by Omega, that beats at a frequency of 25,200vph and offers a power reserve of 55 hours. The Seamaster Boutique Edition is presented on a black leather strap and comes with a World of Omega watch box.
The Omega Seamaster Boutique Editions 39.5 mm in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 39.5mm; water-resistant to 60m
- Dial: Burgundy
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre 8800; 55-hour power reserve
- Strap: Black leather
TAG Heuer Autavia
The TAG Heuer Autavia is a simple yet indescribably beautiful watch. Presented in a sporty 42mm case in stainless steel or bronze, along with a bidirectional-rotating bezel, the timepiece sits comfortably on the wrist and exudes elegant retro vibes. Giving it a modern look is its dial that features a gradient effect and is available in a host of shades, including blue, grey and green. Thanks to the luminous numerals, striking hands and the antiglare sapphire crystal glass, it is easy to read the time, while the date is also very legible. Beating inside is the reliable and robust calibre 5, which operates at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. It is based on Sellita SW200 and hidden behind a solid caseback—unlike the stainless steel versions, the bronze iteration comes with a titanium caseback. The timepiece is secured to the wrist with a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap that elevates the overall vintage charm of the watch.
The TAG Heuer Autavia in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel or bronze, 42mm; water-resistant to 100m
- Dial: Blue, green or black
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic Calibre 5; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Steel or leather
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
Water-resistant up to 300m (approximately 1,000ft), housed in a high-quality stainless steel case and equipped with a reliable and accurate automatic Powermatic 80.111 movement, what’s not to like about this Seastar from Tissot! A formidable diving watch, this timepiece is sized at 43mm and displays a clean and legible blue gradient dial with oversized timekeeping hands, coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal readability even in low-light conditions. Featuring a unidirectional-rotating, dive-timer bezel with a ceramic ring, screwed-down crown and pushers, the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 has been carefully designed and assembled by the Swiss brand and is super comfortable to wear. What adds to the sporty look of the watch is its black rubber strap that feels sturdy and resilient.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 43mm; water-resistant to 300m
- Dial: Blue
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Powermatic 80.111
- Strap: Black rubber
Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385
Every list of timepieces with gradient dial is incomplete without the mention of Zenith. The Swiss watch manufacturers are the pioneers of this style and had released the first-ever watch with a smoked dial in 1969. The Zenith El Primero A385 featured an alluring brown gradient dial with a vignette effect that blackens towards the edges and provides a striking sense of visual depth as if the dial were domed. Housed in a tonneau-shaped 37mm stainless steel case and equipped with the legendary El Primero movement, the timepiece became an instant hit and garnered a cult following over the years. In 2021, Zenith decided to pay homage to the aforementioned watch and introduced the Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385, which is an actual reproduction of the original model from 1969. Each attribute of the new timepiece is faithful to the source material, as it recreates the same warm tones and gradient effect of the original. It is paired with the steel ‘ladder’ bracelet—a modern remake of the Gay Frères bracelets that was seen on early El Primero watches. Running on the latest version of the legendary El Primero chronograph movement, this Revival El Primero A385 serves as a bridge between the past and present with its vintage charm and modern technology.
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385 in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 37mm; water-resistant to 50m
- Dial: Brown
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, chronograph, date, small seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre El Primero 400; 50-hour power reserve
- Strap: Steel
Shop The Story
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Armin Strom System 78
ST21-TNS.10.AL.M.35
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Baume & Mercier Clifton
MOA10548
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Girard-Perregaux Laureato
81060-41-3222-1CX
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H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer
3200-1214
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Longines Spirit
L3.821.5.59.2
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Nivada Grenchen F77
69002A77
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Omega Seamaster
511.13.40.20.11.002
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TAG Heuer Autavia
WBE5190.FC8268
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Tissot T-Sport
T120.407.17.041.00
