Rhapsody in Blue: Six Watches with a Stunning Blue Dial, Across Different Price Points

When it comes to watches, one of the first things that will attract a person’s attention (either conscientiously or inadvertently) is the dial.

In recent years, many watch manufacturers have played around with different dial colours with varying degrees of success. Green and salmon dials, for instance, are some of the more popular options with collectors in recent years. However, when it comes to dial colours, blue is probably the one that most collectors can resonate with (maybe, with the exception of black and white, which are the default dial colours for most watches).

Hence, in today’s article, we will be picking six watches – across different price points – that feature a blue dial that we like. Beyond just the colour, we are looking at dials with more unusual features, such as a different shade of blue, or with varying textures.

So, what are the watches that have made it to the list? Let us find out!

Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt

We begin the article with an incredibly intriguing timepiece: Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt.

Estrowerk might be a microbrand, but it is definitely not your average cookie-cutter label that produces timepieces that resemble 99 other watches. The Estro-One features a highly contemporary design, with an uncommon regulator-style dial configuration. Pared with a stunning electric blue dial – which, by the way, contrasts beautifully with the DLC-coated case – the Estro-One Cobalt is sure to turn heads even with seasoned collectors.

The 40mm timepiece is powered by the ever-reliable Miyota 82S7, and it is modestly priced at US$980 (approximately S$1,307). This is certainly a compelling piece to add into one’s collection, especially with a relatively sensible price point to boot. The only issue? Its production is limited to a mere 100 pieces.

Grand Seiko SBGW283 “Kishun”

When it comes to dials, there are not many brands that are capable of matching what Grand Seiko is capable of producing. The charming SBGW283 “Kishun” is a great example of that.

While the SBGW283 “Kishun” may just be a time-only watch, Grand Seiko certainly pays a lot of attention and effort to the execution of this timepiece. Besides the signature Zaratsu polished case and hands, the dial was also given a special treatment – in the form of an ice-blue textured dial that pays tribute to the Japanese traditional art form known as Kirazuri. Although the dial is not painted (which is the actual execution of Kirazuri), the pressed textured dial still provides a stunning visual effect nonetheless.

There is so much to like about the SBGW283 “Kishun”, to be honest. Besides its 37.3mm case size (which fits appropriately for our Asian wrists), the watch is fitted with the manual-winding Calibre 9S64. This is what most purists would term as an “ideal” timepiece, and we do agree with that wholeheartedly. The watch is priced at US$4,800 (approximately S$6,400).

NOMOS Glashütte Zürich Weltzeit

There is no secret that we are big fans of the Zürich Weltzeit from NOMOS Glashütte (picture above courtesy of its owner). Despite it being rather underrated, there are many things to love about this timepiece. And do not even get us started on the superb midnight blue dial…

NOMOS is a brand that practices minimalism, and we expect nothing less from the Zürich Weltzeit. In the typical NOMOS fashion, the brand offers a rather smart and nifty interpretation to the world time complication. The actuator, at the 2 o’clock position, allows the user to seamlessly change the current time zone (or the time zone that one wishes to display) with a simple press of a button. Besides this party trick, the in-house Calibre DUW 5201 is also quite a looker – which is an added bonus considering its reasonable price point of S$7,900.

The 39.9mm is what many enthusiasts will want in a timepiece. This is a beautiful and well-made timepiece, with a highly useful complication. All these, and coupled with a fair retail price, make the Zürich Weltzeit a winner in our books.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer

Continuing with the theme of the world time complication, we have yet another exceptional piece, this time in the form of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer.

Launched in 2017, the Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer offers collectors an interesting option in the world of worldtimers. The timepiece attempts to produce a clean and legible layout, to allow for greater legibility. This is achieved through the use of the outer ring for the city labels, and an inner ring that features a 24-hours display. On top of that, the designers had also brilliantly leveraged on the indices to act as an indicator for the time of certain cities.

The main highlight for the watch, however, lies in the middle. The watch is fitted with a titanium cartouche which has been laser-ablated to create a blue ocean (and also leaving a relief of the continents as a result). The end result is a crisp and detailed showpiece which is pretty out of this world. The price of this 43mm timepiece begins at S$14,100 for the stainless-steel model, and we do think that this particular Omega is a stunning piece that matches both form and functionality together.

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin in Copper Blue

A. Lange & Söhne is a brand that is often synonymous with magnificent timepieces. However, there is one piece that has a pretty spectacular dial – perhaps one of the best in the brand’s line-up. Cue the gorgeous Saxonia Thin, in Copper Blue.

While the 37mm Saxonia Thin may be A. Lange & Söhne’s entry-level piece, no expenses were certainly spared when it comes to the production of this timepiece. The main highlight of this timepiece is the goldstone (which is also known as aventurine glass) dial, which shimmers brilliantly under most lighting conditions. Besides the vivid dial, the in-house Calibre L093.1 is also another stunning sight to behold. Talk about attention to detail at its finest.

While A. Lange & Söhne no longer states a price online for the Saxonia Thin in Copper Blue, we take reference from the base Saxonia Thin variant – which is priced at S$34,000. While the pricing might be a little steep for a two-hand time-only watch, there is no denying that this is a sublime timepiece – and one that can compete with some of the very best in the industry.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar in Funky Blue

Saving the best for the last, we have the iconic Endeavour Perpetual Calendar from the Schaffhausen-based H. Moser & Cie.

The award-winning timepiece is certainly a watch that is unlike any other. Touted as the most minimalist perpetual calendar timepiece to be ever produced, the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar went against the grain with its innovative and nifty take on the complication. Besides its incredibly deceiving look, the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar is also known for its flash calendar display – which provides instantaneous date change at the end of the month, even in February.

In our humble opinion, the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar should be fitted with the brand’s signature blue fumé dial. The dial, as well as the complication, are the two things that put H. Moser & Cie. on the map – which makes this the ultimate H. Moser & Cie. timepiece to own. The 42.0mm watch is priced at CHF 54,000 (approximately S$82,033).

Concluding Thoughts

We hope that you have enjoyed our article this week. The selection today is certainly the tip of the iceberg; there are certainly many other deserving watches with a blue dial that can easily take a spot on the list.

Here are some of the watches that deserve a special mention:

MB&F LM1

De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius

Atelier Wen Perception

What are your thoughts on our selection, and what are the watches that you reckon deserves a spot on the list? Let us know in the comments section below.