When dropping anywhere between a week and a month’s rent on wrist candy, it makes sense to look for a high cost-per-wear ratio, which is why many opt for clean, pared-back watches in classic shades.
But blue-hued tickers are becoming just as much of a wardrobe staple, adding some wearable variety, especially for the warmer months.
“Blue-dialled watches aren’t exactly new,” says Alex Stonely, head of retail at pre-owned specialist Watchfinder. “High-end pocket watches enamelled in blue have been around since Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 1928 Grand Complication. That said, the colour only came into force during the 1960s and 1970s when dive watches took off with classics such as the Tudor Submariner and Omega Seamaster PloProf pioneering the tone.”
Fast forward to 2017 and the nautical watch trend has trickled down to all price points in the market. So to help you add a teal timepiece to your collection, we asked six experts to round up their favourites.
Timex Waterbury
“The Waterbury from Timex is the ultimate vintage-inspired contemporary piece,” says Terry Markham, head of buying at WatchShop.com. “The gunmetal case and dark brown strap hark back to an earlier time, while the bubble glass is a modern touch that magnifies the dial edges and hour markers.”
Available at WatchShop, priced £68.
Burberry The City BU9031
“These days, many leading fashion houses are giving Swiss manufactures a run for their money,” says Erica Redgrave, a buyer at The Watch Gallery. “Burberry’s ‘The City’ model boasts a pop of colour, but the deep blue dial is simple enough to match a nine-to-five suit. And, better yet, it’s all housed in a Swiss-made piece.”
Available at Selfridges, priced £350.
Sekford Type 1A Stainless Steel
“Sekford’s Type 1A is a perfect blend of British style and Swiss engineering,” says Mr Porter accessories buyer Simon Spiteri. “The midnight blue sunburst dial and leather strap – sourced from England’s oldest tannery – uses 18th and 19th Century hand lettering to evoke a feeling of classic elegance.”
Available at Mr Porter, priced £695.
Raymond Weil Tango 300
“A watch has to be versatile enough to suit a number of different situations, especially if you’re spending the extra cash,” says Goldsmiths senior classic and fashion watch buyer Claire James.
“Raymond Weil’s Tango 300 offers an ideal balance, with sporty touches giving enough personality for the everyday, while a classic finish means it’ll suit smarter looks, too.”
Available at Goldsmiths, priced £950.
Rolex Submariner Date
“The Rolex Submariner was one of the first iconic blue dial watches,” says Philipp Man, chief executive at online luxury watch retailer Chronext. “The fusion of steel, yellow gold and deep blue is not a combination often seen, which makes Rolex’s game-changing piece especially unique. Plus, the watch is powered by the self-winding in-house calibre 3135 – a standout industry movement.”
Available at Chronext, priced £5,880.
Swatch Star Chief
“Blue comes in many shades, and Swatch’s Star Chief is an unusual take,” says WatchShop’s Markham. “It changes drastically depending on the light from dark to electric, and a metallic dial is a sharp, modern touch for the everyday.”
Available at WatchShop, priced £89.
Patek Philippe Grand Complication 5140P
“A blue dial is an exceptional choice for anyone fond of navy tailoring, as the tones work in tandem for a sharper look,” says Brian Duffy, chief executive at Aurum Holdings, the parent company of Watches Of Switzerland and Mappin & Webb.
“My personal favourite is the Patek Philippe 5140P – a solid investment piece that’ll always remain classic.”
Available at Watches Of Switzerland, priced £76,620.
SOURCE:http://www.fashionbeans.com/2017/the-best-blue-dial-watches/
