Paint The Town Red with These 15 Red Dial Watches

Watchmaking is an industry that’s never stood still. You can look back just a decade or all the way to the early 1800’s when wristwatches were first created and list hundreds of ways the industry has chopped and changed.

Case shapes are no longer just round, dials don’t just show the time and movements are more accurate than ever.

In the same way, dial colours are always being experimented with. And rightly so, because I don’t know about you, but I want a watch that feels as much like a personal style statement as it does a piece of precision engineering.

And one colour that’s undeniably bold and different, and recently becoming more prevalent, is the red dial.

Why Are Red Dial Watches Becoming So Popular?

For a long time, most watches were paired with dials of black, white or silver. It makes sense I suppose; these conservative, easy-to-wear colours are easier for brands to move.

It’s probably also the same reason black, white and silver cars are the most commonly seen on the roads. They’re classic colours and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

But there’s been a notable shift over the past few years as brighter, more exciting dial colours have been introduced. I’d argue it all began in 2019 when green dials became a hot commodity.

That year, you couldn’t walk down the carpeted walkways of Baselworld (RIP) without having a green dial in your line of sight. It was also this year we began to see the rise of bronze watches, a case material that goes all too well with green in my opinion.

A couple of years later, the auction of a particular Patek Philippe watch admitted another bright dial colour into the masses. The Patek Philippe 5711 Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-01 watch was put on the auction block back in 2021, a watch co-signed by Tiffany & Co with a bold turquoise blue dial.

It sold for a whopping $6.5 million and in turn inspired a whole heap of watchmakers to create their own version of the “Tiffany blue” display.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s clear that colours like turquoise and green are still very much prominent. In fact, you couldn’t throw a stone at last year’s 2024 LVMH event without hitting a green-dialled watch. This alone proves green has no intention of leaving watchmaker’s palettes just yet.

That said, there are other dial shades that are slowly but surely becoming more apparent and one making itself known is red.

This time two years ago, there were very few, if any, red dialled-watches to be found but for whatever reason, shades of ruby, burgundy and scarlet are taking over. And so, here are some of the red-dialled watches we’ve spotted recently…

The Best Red Dial Watches

With red dials gaining momentum, more watchmakers are stepping up to meet the demand across styles, sizes, and price points. Here are some of the most compelling options available right now.

Grand Seiko ‘Sunrise at Mount Iwate’ SBGH345

Grand Seiko’s 44GS model has changed very little since its original launch in 1967 and for good reason, offering core specs like its 40mm wide 904L ever-brilliant steel case with Zaratsu polished finishing, sapphire crystal glass and the Caliber 9S85 hi-beat automatic winding movement running at a frequency of 36,000vph.

One of their latest models, found under reference SBGH345, stands out for its new deep red dial colour inspired by the sunrise as seen by the mountain next to the Grand Seiko Shizukuishi studio.

The ruby hue is textured with the Japanese watchmaker’s Mt. Iwate pattern which cleverly mimics the ridged contours of the mountain.

Price starts from $6,900

Chopard Alpine Eagle Sunburnt Limited Edition

One launched exclusively for the Australian market, the Chopard Alpine Eagle “Sunburnt Red” model feels appropriately named for its deep red dial and target audience. This is one of the coolest red-dialled watches of late in my opinion, created in collaboration with artist Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal).

The case back and the watch box features the artist’s signature wavy lines that resemble coursing rivers while the dial itself is inspired by the iris of an eagle’s eye.

The rest of the watch’s features are as expected; there’s a 41mm Lucent Steel case, a 100 metre water resistance and the brand’s in-house, chronometer-certified 01.01 C automatic movement.

Price starts from $27,500 (AUSD)

Casio MTP-B145D-4A2VEF

A red-dialled watch for those not wanting to spend more than dinner out on their next timepiece, the Casio MTP-B145D-4A2VEF delivers the Japanese watchmaker’s popular quartz-powered stainless steel sports watch with a cherry red display for.

It’s a super simple analogue timepiece with neobrite hands, a 35mm wide barrel-shaped steel case and a five-row link metal bracelet. Plus, it’s tested for water resistance up to 50 metres.

This is actually a red-dialled watch I own myself, and because of its undeniably brilliant and unconventional dial, it’s one I get asked about a lot.

It punches way above its price tag in terms of presence, and while it’s not packed with features, it nails the basics with charm and clarity. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend big to stand out.

Price starts from $89

NOMOS Club Campus Non-Stop Red

NOMOS Glashütte has never been one to shy away from vivid dial colours, especially within their entry-level Club Campus collection, so unsurprisingly, it’s a collection the German watchmaker has also added a red dial to.

This is an undeniably youthful and contemporary watch made even more so by its bright candy apple red dial.

The display delivers the Club’s inverted California layout with Arabic numerals on the top half and Roman numerals down below, surrounded by a polished steel case with a diameter of 36mm or 38.5mm.

On display through the back is the in-house Alpha manual winding movement with a nice, healthy power reserve of 43 hours.

Prices start from $1,500

Fears Redcliff 39.5 Date

Next, we have the Fears Redcliff Date collection, a series of classic metal sports watches with rather conventional dial colours – minus one.

Alongside a deep green, black and silver dial, a more irregular cherry red display is included dressed in diamond-cut hands and an index at 12 o’clock inspired by the towers of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

The launch of the Redcliff makes perfect sense for Fears; it revives a quartz model originally discontinued in 2020 and becomes the only round watch in their portfolio with a 39.5mm width, 150 metre water resistant rating and an updated La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement within.

Price starts from $3,960

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPE41

More of a classic red dial than a bright pop of colour, the Seiko Presage SRPE41 offers a rich, scarlet hue inspired by the Negroni cocktail, a nod to inspirations behind the infamous Cocktail Time collection.

This range pays tribute to Japan’s cocktail culture, specifically the elegant Skybar in Tokyo, pairing dressy aesthetics with solid mechanical specs.

The SRPE41 pairs its textured red dial with vintage-style markers and a box-shaped Hardlex crystal for a touch of retro charm.

The 38.5mm stainless steel case is a comfortable mid-size, with a slim 11.8mm profile while inside, it runs on Seiko’s reliable automatic Calibre 4R35 with 41 hours of power reserve. Completing its elegant appearance is a black leather strap with a three-fold clasp.

Price starts from $425

Mühle Glashütte Panova Rot

A little more utilitarian than some others on this list, the Mühle Glashütte Panova Rot still manages to pack plenty of personality into its simple, well-built frame.

The standout here is that finely textured red dial, one finished in a deep ruby tone with a sunburst finish that shifts in the light.

The case is fully brushed stainless steel with a tidy 40mm width, sapphire crystal, and 100 metres of water resistance.

Inside ticks a modified Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, regulated in six positions and fitted with Mühle’s own shock-resistant “woodpecker neck” regulator.

Price starts from $1,199

Ball Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer

Another with a rich deep red dial, the Ball Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer adds impact with a stunning gradient effect inclusive of black around the outer edge gradually revealing a brighter ruby tone towards the centre.

It’s a dramatic look that plays beautifully with light, backed by Ball’s signature micro gas tubes for exceptional legibility in the dark.

The 40mm stainless steel case is polished throughout, giving it a dressier edge than most tool watches, while the stainless steel bracelet combines brushed “H” links with polished centre sections.

Despite its refined appearance, this is a serious piece of kit boasting 100 metres of water resistance, anti-magnetic protection up to 80,000 A/m, and COSC-certified accuracy from the Ball RR1103-C automatic movement.

Price starts from $2,349

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Red

This is one of my favourite all-time Oris models because it nails that vintage pilot watch aesthetic with its cathedral hands, oversized crown and fluted bezel. It does it without feeling forced or costume-y. And what makes this particular reference even more special is the deep cherry red dial.

Officially called “oxblood,” the shade leans more brownish-red than burgundy, and it elevates the whole design beautifully.

Placed on top of the red display are oversized numerals treated with beige Super-LumiNova, and the red-tipped pointer hand which sweeps cleanly around the outer date ring.

The 40mm stainless steel case is brushed and polished in all the right places and houses Oris’s Calibre 754 with the signature red rotor is made visible through the back. This model is also available in bronze, which again works really well with the warmth of the oxblood dial.

Price starts from $2,100

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC927

 Red and black have always been a winning combination, not just in the casino but on the wrist too, proved by the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SC927, a U.S. special edition that combines a bold red sunray dial with black chronograph subdials for a high-contrast, motorsport-inspired look.

This watch nods to Seiko’s iconic 1969 Speedtimer, one of the world’s first automatic chronographs, but updates the formula with a modern solar-powered movement.

The chronograph times up to 60 minutes in 1/5-second increments and pairs with split time functionality, a 24-hour indicator, power reserve, and date display round out the features.It’s housed in a 39mm stainless steel case with a curved sapphire crystal, black tachymeter bezel and 100m water resistance.

Price starts from $725

Accutron Astronaut 26B206

This is a watch not just with a red dial, but a red bezel too and it wears both boldly. The Accutron Astronaut 26B206 revives the iconic 1968 model with a vibrant, modern twist, delivering serious retro-GMT style with a deep red sunray dial and a matching red-and-silver 24-hour day night bezel.

The stainless steel case measures 41mm across with a thickness of 14.75mm and offers 100 metres of water resistance. Inside is the automatic Caliber 9058 GMT movement, beating at 28,800vph with a solid 50-hour power reserve.

The watch is also anti-magnetic up to 16,000 A/m, equipped with silver-tone luminous markers on the display and secures by a stainless steel “bullet” bracelet for another layer of vintage-cool flair.

Price starts from $2,200

Oris Rectangular Bordeaux

Art Deco design and deep red tones go hand in hand, and the Oris Rectangular Bordeaux proves why. This vintage-inspired timepiece brings 1930s glamour to the wrist with a rich Bordeaux dial and sharp rectangular case measuring 25.5mm by 30mm.

White printed numerals and a stepped railway track echo the Art Deco era, while sword-shaped Super-LumiNova hands ensure legibility.

Inside ticks the Oris Calibre 561 automatic winding movement with a 38-hour power reserve and 28,800bph frequency. A mineral glass exhibition caseback reveals the movement and signature red rotor.

Finished with a matching red leather strap and pin buckle, this unisex piece is a striking departure from Oris’s usual sporty offerings.

Price starts from $2,300

Longines Legend Diver Red

Few watches blend vintage flair and bold color like the Longines Legend Diver Red. Available in 36mm, it revives the 1959 Super Compressor dive watch with its distinctive twin-crown design, one to set the time, the other to adjust the internal rotating bezel.

What sets this version apart though, is of course, its deep burgundy fumé dial, fading from black at the edge to rich red at the center.

Despite its vivid look, the watch maintains full tool-watch credentials with 300 meters of water resistance and a durable, modern automatic movement. The model uses the Longines L592.5 with a 45-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for added reliability.

Prices start from $2,500

Tudor Black Bay 58 Burgundy

One of my personal favourite releases from Watches & Wonders this year was a red-dialled watch from Swiss watchmaker Tudor.

The Black Bay 58 Burgundy retains its 39mm proportions and vintage-inspired aesthetic but introduces a sunburst burgundy dial and matching bezel, both nodding to an unreleased 1990s Tudor Submariner prototype.

Beyond the rich color scheme, the watch features the METAS-certified MT5400-U movement which offers Master Chronometer precision, anti-magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and a 65-hour power reserve.

It also has a redesigned case that is thinner at 11.7mm, along with a sleeker crown and improved bezel knurling. It’s clear Tudor is shifting towards a broader appeal while still keeping dedicated collectors in mind with this one.

Prices start from $4,275

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades

Last but definitely not least, we have the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades in Terracotta. This is a model that brings a vibrant energy to Omega’s maritime-inspired collection.

At 38mm, it strikes an ideal balance between everyday wearability and elegant wrist presence and features a lacquered sun-brushed dial finished in a radiant terracotta tone.

Encased in fully polished stainless steel, the case features a wave-edged motif on the back, linking it subtly to Omega’s nautical roots and inside is the Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8800, METAS-certified for precision, magnetic resistance, and reliability.

The movement operates within a tight tolerance of 0 to +5 seconds per day, offering both beauty and substance beneath the bright, unconventional dial.

Prices start from $7,000

Conclusion

So there you have it; plenty of red-dialled watches to keep your collection fun, fresh and exciting. It’s clear these tomato-faced timepieces have gone from rare oddities to staples in the world of horology, and it’s easy to see why.

They offer a bold twist on tradition and use expressive colour so you can make a statement and share your own personality with the world.

As more brands embrace vibrant palettes, red has emerged as one of the most striking choices, and as proven, there’s no shortage of models to choose from. Whether you’re after something refined and luxurious or budget-friendly and fun, there’s a red dial watch to suit every taste and price point.