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Of all the bold and daring dial colours of the watch world, turquoise is the easiest to fall in love with. Far from just a passing fad, this dial colour has proven its worth as a lasting symbol of beauty and allure. In the past, watch dials were largely a study of restraint. Black, white, and silver have always been the safer bet. They don’t attract too much attention, they complement an array of attire with an air of sophistication, and they can switch from a black tux to your favourite gym kit without hassle or posing a risk of colour clashing. Classic dial colours have truly stood the test of time; that much is true. But the arrival of the turquoise dial (and other colours) taught people to embrace their braver side and opt for something altogether unconventional and a touch more audacious. Enter shades of crystal clear lagoons and tranquil landscapes.

Turquoise is not only synonymous with a certain globally recognised luxury brand (we’ll get to that shortly), but it just so happens to possess uplifting psychological effects that evoke calmness and mental clarity. Turquoise dials are a fascinating blend of cultural significance and modern-day elegance, but if you want to learn more about what this colour means in the world of horology, read on.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of adding a turquoise watch to your collection, this guide is probably going to give you the push you needed to bite the bullet finally. I’m going to dive into the history of this colour and the factors that led to its meteoric rise in horology. We’ll cover everything from the turquoise-coloured dial to the history of the actual stone itself (yes, stone dials are a thing!). Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to watch collecting, it matters not. Simply take a browse through some of these solid options, from the affordable to the exceptional, and I can guarantee you’ll find a turquoise watch that resonates with you.

The History of the Turquoise Watch Dial 

Given that turquoise is an ancient gemstone, it should come as no surprise to learn that the colour has long been a popular choice in jewellery design throughout the centuries. One of its earlier and most distinctive uses is rooted in Native American jewellery.  Various tribes, such as the Zuni and Navajo, have been celebrating the beauty of the turquoise gemstone since the 20th Century. Later, this tradition extended to sterling silver watch cuff bracelets that were inlaid with turquoise and other gemstones.

During the 1960s and 1970s, gemstones found their way into watch dials. Pioneering this revolutionary art form was Piaget, releasing dials in a range of ornamental stones, one of them being turquoise. There is no denying that these dials challenged the traditional aesthetics of a wristwatch, catching the eye of industry giant, Rolex. At the time, Rolex was already experimenting with lacquered dials within its Day-Date range, AKA the “Stella” dials.

Red, green, and orange dials were the result of a painstaking process that involved applying a multi-layer lacquering process to the base of a brass Rolex dial, and then baking these dials at high temperatures to cure and harden them. One colour that proved instantly popular was a bright blue shade that closely resembled the signature colour of American luxury brand Tiffany & Co. Though the dial wasn’t officially named “Tiffany Blue”, its association was clear.

The recent surge in the popularity of the turquoise dial, however, has to be traced back to a couple of monumental watches created by Patek Philippe and Rolex. In 2021, Patek Philippe celebrated the 170th anniversary of its partnership with Tiffany & Co., one of the longest-standing horological collaborations in the entire world. The partnership stems back to the 1950s when Tiffany & Co. became the first official retailer for Patek Philippe in the US.

Further cementing this unique partnership was the release of Patek Philippe’s double-signed dials, which now sell for a premium on the secondary market, becoming some of the rarest and most sought-after timepieces of all time. But back to 2021 and the limited-edition Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018, a collaboration that bore a striking “Tiffany Blue” dial in a limited production run of just 170 pieces. One of these pieces sold for $6.5 million at auction, underpinning the significance of this longstanding alliance between the two revered brands.

The second iconic release was a watch crafted by no other than Rolex itself. Reminiscent of the “Stella” dials of the 1970s, the 2020 release of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, unofficially named “the Rolex Tiffany”, sent shockwaves through the industry. Though there is no direct or official link to Tiffany & Co., the colour of the dial is a deliberate nod to its iconic blue hue. It featured all the upgrades that Rolex had made to its Oyster Perpetual watch in 2020, sporting a new movement and new case size. If the turquoise Rolex wasn’t already popular enough, its quiet discontinuation in 2022 certainly crowned it an instant collector’s item from then on.

Things became so intense with the Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany and “Rolex Tiffany”, that they had a turbo boost effect on the popularity of all turquoise watches in general throughout and after lockdown. The good news is that turquoise is still the “it colour”, with so many options on the market to choose from. This brings us to our list. Let’s explore the best turquoise watches to own right now from Exquisite Timepieces.   

NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus 38 Endless Blue

We’re kicking the turquoise hues off with German watch brand Nomos Glashütte. The Club Campus is your entry point into watch collecting if you haven’t already found a gateway. First and foremost, it’s affordable, but what’s also great is that Nomos produces each of these vibrant dial colours in two varieties: a solid steel caseback option for adding an engraved personalised message (ideal for graduations), or a sapphire exhibition option. The latter affords you a view of the movement at work – the Alpha manual calibre, capable of storing a total of 43 hours of power reserve inside its barrel. But onto the less technical side of the watch…

The Nomos Glashütte Club Campus Endless Blue watch measures a 38.5mm diameter and is crafted from polished steel, affording a vast canvas of turquoise within its perfectly round bezel. A shot of contrasting orange colour is showcased in the small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. At the same time, the rest of the hour track is presented in the California style, with Arabic numerals denoting the Northern hemisphere of the dial, and traditional Roman numerals in the southern.

Strom Agonium Nethuns II Argentum Colorum Turquoise

Like the turquoise dial itself, the Agonium Nethuns II watch defies traditional watchmaking norms. It helps that the watch’s creator, Daniel Strom, has a background as a product manager, having filled the role for Omega in previous years. He headed up the company’s Seamaster and Speedmaster lines, so he certainly knows a thing or two about watch design. This sculptural watch has an undeniably cool industrial feel about it, with a two-case construction forged from 925 sterling silver, comprising an inner and outer structure.

This unique example, where two unusual materials meet, gives the watch an individualistic character and a huge presence thanks to its 48mm size, its screw-type decoration, and its internal bezel. This watch promises 200M water resistance and features luminous syringe-style hands – a unique feature for a dive watch. Of course, the details within the Agonium Nethuns II watch are further enhanced by the vivid turquoise dial – a shade that is matched perfectly by the brand’s embossed rubber band.

Mühle Glashütte Panova Turquoise Dial on Nato Strap

Inspired by the charm of the South Seas, the Panova Turquoise Blue model from Mühle Glashütte’s catalogue is defined by two standout features. One is the undeniably striking turquoise dial, which Mühle Glashütte experts adorn with rectangular hands for a geometric finish, and the luminous pips at the tip of each needle-fine hour marker. The second is its eye-catching black and grey NATO strap, equipped with a traditional steel pin buckle.

As far as turquoise dials go, this has to be one of the most legible. The simplicity and pared-back layout of the dial conceals a Swiss Sellita movement underneath, capable of a 41-hour power reserve. The movement has been modified, however, boasting a woodpecker neck regulation and the brand’s own rotor, not to mention the characteristic surface finishes found at the heart of Mühle Glashütte’s watchmaking facilities.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Limited Summer Edition 42mm Turquoise AI6008-SS00F-431-C

The Aikon is Maurice Lacroix’s flagship design, boasting a DNA inspired by its earlier Calypso watch from the 1990s. Its sporty design is the perfect canvas for a turquoise dial, which the brand’s experts cleverly finish with the Clous de Paris (or hobnail) technique for added detail and texture.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Turquoise watch is a limited edition model of just 888 pieces worldwide. Its refreshing turquoise dial is close in shade to the Tiffany Dial and sits inside a 42mm steel case integrated with 200 meters of water resistance. If you love the look of the steel luxe sports watch, you’re in for a treat with the Aikon. It boasts an integrated bracelet with an “Easy Change” system, so you can easily transform the look of the watch by fixing it to a rubber or leather strap.

This has to be one of the most versatile sports watches on the market. Its price tag is very reasonable, and the use of the Tiffany Blue colour in this model is bound to hit the spot for those looking for a more affordable and accessible alternative to the Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany.

Omega Aqua Terra 150M Turquoise Dial 38mm 220.10.38.20.03.005

The Omega Aqua Terra 150M Turquoise fume watch is the new kid on the block. It manages to capture the allure and beauty of the turquoise dial in a whole new way with a gradient effect display that begins with a vibrant blue-green colour in the middle, gradually melting into anthracite shades and then black tones around the periphery.

The Aqua Terra watch is Omega’s equivalent of the GADA watch. It’s robust, legible, and suitable for a wide range of applications. It holds the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 at its centre – a METAS-certified movement capable of producing 55 hours of power reserve. This technologically advanced movement propels a set of rhodium-plated hands across the dial’s tropical lagoon shades, offering an undeniably cool alternative to the brand’s other teak-effect dials from the same series.

Bremont Terra Nova 38 Turquoise

British watchmaker Bremont lies at the helm of the field watch sector. What’s more, these specialist designs have recently been redesigned, re-named, and recategorized. The Terra Nova series is home to several field watches, this model of which boasts a captivating turquoise dial, together with lashings of white Super-LumiNova treatment on the hour markers and black detailing in the railroad minutes for enhanced readability.

Following the introduction of the pink Terra Nova watch last year, this turquoise model features a cushion-shaped steel case, a sapphire glass front, and a rugged stainless steel integrated bracelet to complete its tool watch look. This watch measures 38mm in diameter, which aligns with the growing trend across the entire market for smaller-sized watches. It’s also powered by the Caliber BE-36AL – Bremont’s modified version of the Sellita SW200-1. It provides a 38-hour power reserve for those occasions where you may want to alternate it with another favourite from your collection.

This Tiffany-esque turquoise hue looks entirely at home on the dial of this Terra Nova field watch and, thanks to its sunray effect surface, appears to radiate light from the centre, creating subtle gradients that give the watch a different hue depending on the angle of light it picks up.

Ball Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer Turquoise Dial NM9026C-S44C-TQR

This Ball Engineer III Marvelight watch is a fairly simple, yet rugged tiffany-coloured sports watch, but catch this beast in the dead of night and it takes on a whole new personality. It benefits from Ball’s extraordinary and revolutionary luminous technology, featuring gas tubes on the hands and hour markers of the dial that emit a constant and continual glow. Unlike conventional Super-LumiNova material that needs to be under the light to recharge, Ball’s tritium gas tubes do not.

The watch features a stunning level of surface polish across its robust stainless steel case – a feature that appears to enhance the rich and vivid turquoise tones of the dial even more. It features a super cool cyclops lens above the 3 o’clock date aperture, a strong anti-glare sapphire crystal glass front, and 100 meters of water resistance to enjoy this 40mm model anywhere and everywhere. Now, for one last additional benefit of owning a Ball watch. This company ensures its movements are protected from the effects of magnetism, offering anti-magnetism ratings of 1,000 Gauss, not to mention a shock resistance rating of 5,000Gs.

DOXA GMT Aquamarine On Stainless Steel Bracelet 855.10.241.10 SUB 250T

DOXA watches have had a cult-like following ever since the 1970s, when the brand launched its iconic orange dial, sported on the wrist of conservationist Jacques Cousteau himself. But its other vivid dial colours have proven just as popular over recent years. And you can’t deny that the brand’s distinctive beads-of-rice bracelets don’t finish these incredibly popular dive watches off perfectly.

The SUB 250T GMT is the travel-friendly version of DOXA’s dive watch. This 40mm steel model offers all the necessary features of a reliable dive tool, including a screw-down crown, 250M water resistance, and a unidirectional rotating bezel (with DOXA’s handy no-decompression dive times scale). It also features the travel-focused GMT complication in the additional hand. Keeping the DOXA 250T GMT watch in “sport mode”, you can even get this watch paired with a colour-matched turquoise FKM rubber band. But for tradition’s sake, you can’t beat DOXA’s grains of rice bracelet.

Seiko Prospex U.S Special Edition SPB353

Seiko is the master of affordable dive watches, and the Prospex line is home to the best that this Japanese brand offers in terms of robustness, reliability, and performance. Proving that it can do it all under a canvas of turquoise, the Seiko Prospex U.S. Special Edition adheres to the key codes of the Prospex design language, but with some little added extras.

The watch is inspired by the mystery encountered by intrepid explorers of undersea caves and presents the time on a vivid lagoon-like turquoise dial executed with a grain-like textured blue-green dial. Its shade evokes the surface of the cave walls. Even better, Seiko equips this watch with a two-tone unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time underwater, and crafts this watch from lightweight titanium for hours and hours of wear.

A date calendar and luminous-filled hands and hour markers make timekeeping incredibly easy, both on land and underwater. The watch also features 200M water resistance, and a 24-jewel movement crafted by the hands of Seiko specialists, not to mention a tri-fold push-button release mechanism on its matching lightweight titanium bracelet.

TUDOR Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024

An iconic neo-vintage dive watch with a South Beach, Miami vibe, what’s not to love? The TUDOR Black Bay Chrono breaks convention with a distinctive tropical water-inspired turquoise dial. The watch is sported on the wrist of brand ambassador, David Beckham, who also promoted the pink-dialled version that closely mimicked the colour of the ex-England football captain’s Inter Miami club kit. This version, however, echoes the waters that flamingos love to bask in, hence its name, and features black-filled chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock and a red-tipped central chrono seconds hand.

The turquoise Black Bay Chrono watch is fitted with a workhorse movement, the Calibre MT5813. The engine provides a 70-hour power reserve and is COSC certified. It sits inside a robust 41mm steel case, equipped with 200M water resistance, and is topped with a strong anti-glare sapphire crystal glass front. TUDOR chooses to fit this watch on its 5-link stainless steel bracelet, which gives the chronograph a somewhat dressier look. It secures to the wrist with the innovative T-Fit clasp, too. This mechanism allows for rapid adjustments on the fly, making it a particularly useful feature if you tend to work or spend your time in humid environments, where the wrist can swell.

Conclusion

What began as a decorative practice in ancient Native America soon became an artistic choice for prestigious manufacturers throughout the luxury watch industry and, in time, a contemporary horological desire. To this day, the cultural cache of the turquoise watch still reigns supreme as an amalgamation of brand legacy, savvy marketing, and historical artistry.

Undeniably, Patek Philippe’s 170th anniversary Nautilus watch had a nuclear bomb effect on the entire watch world. It not only cemented the popularity of the colour, causing a surge in the demand for all turquoise watches in general on the market, but it also coaxed brands like Breitling, Oris, DOXA, Tissot, Seiko, and even Timex into unleashing their inner creative spirit and experimenting with the colour in ways they’d never done before. Furthermore, once sold out, these 170 limited edition Patek Philippe Nautilus watches became even more desirable amongst connoisseurs, as did the 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which was discontinued in 2022. As a result, teal, aqua, and turquoise are amongst some of the most coveted watch dial colours to own, period. They don’t even need to cost a bomb to look good, either.

The turquoise dial is a tiny slice of happiness on the wrist, whether you opt for a budget-friendly timepiece, a fume dial, or a rare and coveted collector’s model. They’re a little reminder that you don’t always have to stick to the rules of convention. So go on, be brave and harness the beauty of the turquoise dial. Your wrist will thank you for it!

In 2021, Patek Philippe released its Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany & Co.” Limited Edition, marking the 170-year partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany.

This bold, luxurious color immediately caught fire with collectors, enthusiasts, and daily wearers, sparking a surge of “Tiffany blue” watch dials. Not only was this shade of turquoise eye-catching, it was also deeply intertwined with a history of exclusivity, reinforced by the 170-piece limited run of this Nautilus.

Today, this hue is still hot and shows no trend toward cooling.

What is “Tiffany blue?”

Tiffany’s first mail-order catalogue featured a rich robin’s-egg blue with just a touch of green. That unique color became synonymous with Tiffany’s luxury, eventually becoming the choice for the brand’s packaging, the famous Tiffany box.

A Tiffany box isn’t just a container: it’s a sign signifying luxury. And what’s inside is almost secondary to that striking hue, since anything inside must be beautiful, exclusive, and valuable.

A protected trademark, this particular shade of turquoise is known as “1837 Blue” in the Pantone Matching System (PMS).

Tiffany & Co. Union Square 20mm

When considering watches with Tiffany blue dials, it’s appropriate to start with the original. Tiffany & Co.’s 20mm Union Square is the benchmark for this luxury look, drawing the eye with its signature color.

Drawing on Tiffany’s unique relationship with the Big Apple, the Union Square reflects the city’s architecture, emphasizing straight lines, sharp angles, and distinctively urban design cues like “skyscraper” hands.. At just 20mm, this diminutive timepiece is perhaps best for small wrists and delicate hands, though larger models are available should you prefer them.

The particular shade of blue-green turquoise is framed by polished stainless steel and set off by the white numbering of the hour markers, themselves contained by an architecturally precise minute track.

Powered by a reliable Swiss quartz – Tiffany doesn’t share the model – you can count on the Union Square to keep excellent, hassle-free time. Water resistant to 5 ATM, this watch can withstand the rigors of daily life, things like hand washing, a slip into the pool, a sudden storm, without worry.

Tiffany designed the 20mm Union Square as a daily wearer, and if their signature blue is something you just can’t get enough of, this is a watch to consider.

This timepiece retails for $3,500.

Tiffany & Co. Atlas 29

Tiffany & Co. offer more than one watch in blue, and for larger wrists and a sportier look, the Atlas 29 can’t be beat. An homage to the Atlas clock adorning the New York headquarters since 1853, this timepiece is a wearable nod to Tiffany & Co.’s rich history.

A stainless case and integrated bracelet offer sinuous curves as a counterpart to the sharp angles of the Union Square. A bejeweled bezel, holding .51 carats of round, brilliant diamonds, sets off a Tiffany blue dial featuring chiseled Roman numerals and an artfully segmented dial. Simple hands and the absence of complications of any kind keep the dial both legible and elegant, and the overall look is restrained, refined, and very chic.

Inside, you’ll find an innovative solar-powered movement that boasts an astounding 24 hour reserve after just two minutes of sunlight. Designed in collaboration with the Swiss movement manufacturer La Joux-Perret, this clearly signals that Tiffany isn’t content to be a fashion brand, and is repositioning itself – perhaps – as a serious horological contender.

Elegantly understated, even with the addition of diamonds, the Atlas 29 is a perfect choice for work or play.

Expect to pay $6,500 at full retail.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 REF. 126000

Robin’s-egg blue has become synonymous with luxury in the watch world, and thus it’s no surprise to find that Rolex offers this dial color in the Oyster Perpetual 36. Perhaps the name in luxury horology, this brand’s commitment to quality sets it apart from its rivals.

A careful combination of brushed and polished stainless steel sets the stage for the turquoise dial, simply marked by 18 ct white gold rectangles. The hour, minute, and second hands, too, are white gold, and the two primary hands are treated with blue luminescence, in keeping with the dial color and overall aesthetic.

The case measures 36mm, making it appealing to both men and women. That’s an important detail, as the Oyster Perpetual 36 is sized in keeping with mid-century luxury, ensuring that it’s present, but not dominant, on your wrist.

Inside, Rolex equips this timepiece with its legendary Caliber 3230, delivering precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. Innovative modifications improve the performance and efficiency of this movement, and from the Chronergy escapement, to the blue Parachrom hairspring, it’s undeniably true that Rolex isn’t resting on its laurels.

Practical, beautiful, and refined in the sense that only Rolex can deliver, the Oyster Perpetual 36 in “Turquoise blue” can be yours for $6,350 at retail.

Doxa SUB 200 Aquamarine

DOXA’s SUB series of professional dive watches made quite the splash in the 1960s, and they’ve updated the look of this classic with a turquoise blue dial. Given the popularity of tool watches, the appeal of integrated bracelets, and the striking dial color, the DOXA SUB 200 Aquamarine is truly on point.

DOXA builds the case and bracelet of this watch from stainless steel, offering a beautifully machined beads of rice bracelet that compliments the chunky 42mm case. You’ll find a diver’s unidirectional bezel encompassing a clearly legible dial with prominent hour and minute markers, allowing at-a-glance readability.

The beating heart of this timepiece is the Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, a reliable and accurate caliber further embellished by DOXA’s in-house artisans. Expect up to 38 hours of power reserve, as well as no-nonsense servicing and repairs.

A far cry from subdued tool watches with black or gray dials, the DOXA SUB 200 Aquamarine offers a pop of bright color that’s perfectly on trend. If you’re looking for a big, bold dive watch, it’s hard to outshine this affordable option.

Retailers typically offer the DOXA Sub 200 Aquamarine for $1,090.

Citizen Tsuyosa REF. SNJ0151-88M

Citizen’s addition the Tiffany blue trend shares design cues with the Oyster Perpetual, leaning into simplicity to foreground this amazing color. And for fans of watches that can take the abuse of daily life without missing a beat, the Tsuyosa REF. SNJ0151-88M is not to be missed.

Citizen manufactures the case and bracelet from stainless steel, polishing and brushing the finish to create compelling contrasts. The bezel contains a robin’s-egg blue dial that draws on Rolex’s classic aesthetics, visible in the choice of rectangular hour markers, simple luminous hands, and an homage to the “cyclops” lens over the date window.

The Tsuyosa is paired with an integrated stainless bracelet that looks sharp, matching the case with its own rounded curves.

The result is both appealing and understated, offering the tasteful good looks that differentiate true luxury from gaudy attempts. Citizen clearly understand that less is more, and the result punches well above its price point.

Inside, you’ll find the Citizen Caliber 8210, an in-house automatic famous for its reliability and accuracy. Unlike other entry-level mechanical watches, Citizen avoids the common Sellita and ETA movements available to watchmakers, choosing to manufacture its own powerplant. Expect a 42-hour power reserve, easy maintenance, and long-term durability.

The Citizen Tsuyosa in bright blue is available from a wide range of retailers, with prices typically in the mid $200s.

Oris Divers Sixty-Five “Cotton Candy” REF. 01 733 7771 3155-07 8 19 15

Oris has won an enviable reputation over the last few decades for its uncompromising approach to high-mechanical watchmaking. And if you’re looking for a turquoise dial on a watch that’s unique, their Divers Sixty-Five “Cotton Candy” deserves a closer look.

Unlike the stainless steel commonly used to create a case and bracelet, Oris has chosen bronze, offering a warm, brushed finish that plays on the same palette as rose gold. As you’d expect from a diver, the bezel is clearly marked and unidirectional. Nevertheless, this isn’t a tool watch, and you’ll need to be satisfied with 10 ATM water resistance, which is certainly not a problem in the real world.

It’s worth noting as well that this diver is just 38mm in diameter, making it more wrist friendly than larger watches might be, especially if you have slender wrists.

The dial is a captivating color of robin’s-egg blue, with simple luminous hour markers and a date window at the 6. The hands are simple as well, though they have lume applied as well, making this watch very easy to read at a glance, even in the dark.

Oris supplies the “Cotton Candy” with the Caliber 733, a refined Sellita SW200-1 that keeps the price reasonable on this line up. Reliable, easy to service, and more than capable of precision, the 733 helps to keep this timepiece affordable when compared to the in-house movements on Oris’s more expensive models.

For horology enthusiasts looking for something different, or daily wearers who want to lean into this trend, the Oris “Cotton Candy” should get their heart pumping.

Oris offers this timepiece for $3,400.

Stowa Prodiver Mauritius Limited

Limited to just 100 pieces, the Stowa Prodiver Mauritius combines a turquoise dial with professional-grade design, resulting in a tool watch that delivers saturation-diving water resistance.

Stowa starts with a titanium case, ensuring both uncompromising strength and surprising lightness, a necessary choice given the incredible 1000m/3300f water resistance. And at 42mm, this big case feels a lot smaller due to the weight savings achieved by trading titanium for steel.

A ceramic bezel, clearly marked, frames the dial’s “clear sea blue” or “turquoise” color (Pantone 304), and white, luminous hour markers and simple sword hands make legibility a snap. Stowa’s dial design certainly harkens to the classic diver, but it’s been refreshed by the choice of color and small details like the inner ring and round date window at the 6.

Stowa employs the time-tested Sellita SW 200, upgraded to top (premier) performance by adjusting the watch in five positions to achieve ±4 to ±15 seconds accuracy per day. That’s more than sufficient for daily wear, and the SW 200 has demonstrated incredible reliability and ease of service, when needed.

The Prodiver Mauritius is a serious dive watch with outstanding water resistance and an eye-catching dial. It can be yours for $1,754.

Timex Legacy Day and Date

Unmistakable drawing aesthetic cues from the Rolex Day-Date, Timex’s homage to this luxury watch shares its tasteful minimalism and reserve, but at a price point that’s eminently affordable.

Timex’s Legacy Day-Date starts with a brushed and polished stainless steel case, including a polished bezel. Its turquoise dial darkens in low light to a greener shade, adding visual interest. And the clean dial design, featuring the day above the 12 and the date at the 3, and the choice of sleek, unadorned hands, makes this watch look considerably more expensive than it is.

And like Tiffany & Co.’s Union Square, the Legacy Day-Date uses a quartz movement, offering better resistance to shock, vibration, and daily use than almost any mechanical alternative. Effective, robust, and accurate, a quartz movement is everything you want in a watch that’s meant for your wrist rather than a case.

And while not a rival to the other watches on this short list per se, for watch aficionados looking for a Tiffany blue dial in an affordable, attractive package, Timex has all your bases covered.

Expect to pay $179 for this timepiece.

Conclusion

Turquoise, robin’s-egg, and Tiffany-blue watch dials trade not only on these beautiful hues themselves, but also share as well the luxurious connotation this color commands. Indeed, Tiffany’s legendary packaging ensures that this particular shade means something no other color can.

And whether it’s that color itself that attracts you, or the connection to Tiffany & Co., there’s a watch for every taste and budget on our shortlist today.

In markets across the Middle East, like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Egypt, “eastern Arabic” dials are immensely popular. Instead of the usual simple hour markers, and in place of the common Roman or western Arabic numerals, you’ll find the eastern-Arabic equivalents (١,٢,٣,٤,٥,٦,٧,٨,٩,٠) on the dial.

This makes them easy to read for Arabic speakers, and the unique dial design draws the attention of collectors the world over.

Unfortunately, the market for eastern-Arabic dials is underserved. Though brands like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin occasionally produce limited editions with these numbers, they sell almost immediately and typically must be special ordered from a regional boutique.

That said, there are a number of eastern-Arabic-dialled watches that are easier to find and more or less in constant production.

Let’s take a closer look.

Seiko 5 SNK REF. SNK063J5

Seiko’s commitment to quality is second to none, and the amazingly popular Seiko 5 SNK series benefits tremendously from the brand’s century of experience.

Designed in an era when watches were still used to tell the time, the SNK series reflects a winning combination of utility and style. Marrying form and function into a sleek 34mm case with a small crown tucked away at 4 o’clock, it wears comfortably no matter the occasion. Slim enough to slip under your shirt cuff without catching, and offering 30m/3ATM water resistance, you don’t need to worry about washing your hands or a sudden rain shower ruining your watch.

In short, this Seiko 5 is meant to be worn.

As you’d expect, the black dial highlights starkly-white eastern-Arabic numerals marking the hours. The day/date window, too, features Arabic day designations as well as English equivalents, with only the typical Seiko markings and date in an exclusively western font.

The luminous hour and minute hands, as well as a simple seconds hand, keep the dial immediately legible, a gesture toward the utility this watch was designed around.

Inside, you’ll find the time-tested Seiko 7S26 automatic movement, a solid, dependable choice that’s easy to service or repair pretty much anywhere in the world. Expect good accuracy, typically within –20 to +40 seconds per day – though in my experience, many SNKs run far better than that.

If you’re looking for a watch that balances slender wrists and smaller hands, the Seiko 5 SNK is a great choice. And if you need a watch with an eastern-Arabic dial that’s readable, reliable, and understated, you simply can’t go wrong with it.

Expect to pay roughly $200 for this timepiece.

Rolex Day-Date 40 REF. 228206-0048

No name in luxury horology carries more weight than Rolex, and perhaps no eastern-Arabic watch is more highly prized than their Day-Date 40. And while there are many models to choose from, spanning a wide range of dial colors, materials, and embellishments, my choice would be the exclusive REF. 228206-0048.

The solid 950 platinum case, measuring 40mm without the crown, creates a radiant platform for a soft sage/olive green dial. Eastern-Arabic numerals mark the hours, and baton-style hands, as well as an unadorned seconds hand, leave the dial free from clutter and mess. An Arabic day window at the 12, combined with the cyclops-style magnifying lens over the eastern-Arabic date window, are iconic dial details of the Day-Date 40, here customized for the Middle-Eastern market.

Rolex supplies this masterpiece with the in-house Rolex Caliber 3255, a flagship movement that offers, among other things, superb accuracy. A Certified Superlative Chronometer, the Caliber 3255 keeps time to within +2/-2 seconds per day, and features innovative design details like its Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring, offering enhanced energy efficiency and durability, respectively.

An elegant statement on any wrist, this Rolex functions as much as a symbol of status and wealth as a timepiece. Meticulously crafted and exquisitely machined, from the movement to the dial, Rolex demonstrates why it’s at the top of its game.

Given the exceedingly high demand for these watches, expect to pay upward of $100,000 for the Rolex Day-Date 40 with eastern-Arabic numerals.

Cartier Santos REF. WSSA0055

Cartier’s unmistakable style sets it apart from its rivals, and this Santos’s distinctive sunburst green dial and black DLC coating set a new bar for casual chic.

Its 39.8mm case offers soft, sinuous curves that frame a square dial. Beautifully applied eastern-Arabic numerals, sword-style hands, and an eastern-Arabic date window at the 6 lend this watch an uncluttered look. And careful attention to details like the exposed screws, matching green alligator-leather strap, and faceted crown add visual interest while keeping the overall look sophisticated.

Inside, Cartier has chosen the in-house 1847 MC, an automatic-winding mechanical movement that is easy to service and uncommonly reliable. In my opinion, that takes this Santos to the next level by replacing Sellita- or ETA-based calibers with Cartier’s own design, reflecting the 

brand’s push for manufacturing autonomy.

For collectors or enthusiasts searching for an eastern-Arabic dial, the Cartier Santos is a tempting option. Perhaps no alternative on our shortlist today has numerals that are as stunningly applied or designed, and if you can’t resist a dark green dial, the look they create together is unforgettable.

When new, these timepieces retail for roughly $14,000.

Shinola “Habibi Edition”

To create the “Habibi Edition,” Shinola collaborated with Dan Elhosni, “The Big Habibi,” to honor his Lebanese heritage and the Arab community in Detroit. The result is an American-made timepiece with unmistakable charm and eastern-inspired good looks.

A large 45mm polished stainless case sets off a royal blue dial with applied eastern-Arabic numerals to mark the hours. The small seconds complication at the 6 also features these numerals, as does the date window at the 3. And a fluted, pumpkin-style crown reminiscent of pilot’s watches adds flair without detracting from the understated elegance of this watch.

To me, the result is simply gorgeous, and the generous proportions work especially well for larger men and thicker wrists that can balance this watch’s large case size.

Shinola equips the Habibi Edition with the Swiss-made Sellita SW260-1, a reliable and accurate workhorse that ticks away relentlessly, making it ideal for daily wear. Capable of real-world accuracy in the range of ±12 to ±30 seconds per day, the SW260-1 is easy to service and as hassle free as they come.

I can’t get enough of this Shinola, and if you feel the same way, be willing to spend $2,800 for an example of this limited-edition watch.

Paul Rich Star Dust II Shadow Oasis

Paul Rich is known for dials made from aventurine, creating a deep black background bespecked with shimmeringly bright stars. And for enthusiasts and collectors seduced by eastern-Arabic dials, the Star Dust II Shadow Oasis is a daily wearer with more than its share of panache.

Black aventurine glass isn’t particularly easy to manufacture, and Paul Rich leans into the look it creates on the dial. To keep the design simple and legible, only “Swiss Movement” and the Paul Rich logo and signature decorate the dial, accompanied by simple, elegant hands and eastern-Arabic numerals to mark the hours. Paired with a polished stainless-steel case with an angular, geometric bezel, this Paul Rich is on point with current style.

Though sharing design cues with the likes of Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Paul Rich isn’t challenging haute horologie or offering an homage to a much more expensive timepiece. Instead, it’s offering a watch that’s distinctive in its own right.

Powered by a Swiss Ronda 763 quartz movement, exceptional accuracy and the occasional battery change are what to expect from the Star Dust II Shadow Oasis.

Priced at just $349, this Paul Rich is intended as a show-stopping daily wearer.

Conclusion

Eastern-Arabic dials can be hard to find outside regional-specific boutiques and small runs. But if you know where to look, there are excellent options for collectors and casual wearers at virtually every price point.

Whether you’re shopping with a caviar budget or have more modest amounts to spend, one of these beautiful timepieces is sure to be perfect for you.

When Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather debuted in 1972, it quickly cemented its place in cinematic history. And from the acting to the direction, the set decoration to the costuming, no detail was too small to demand careful attention.

That’s part of what makes it a masterpiece of modern film-making.

In fact, the prop team collaborated closely with Coppola to shape each character’s personality through wardrobe choices, including wrist watches. Thus, we can learn something about each of the important members of the Corleone family, and their trusted associates, by looking at what they wear on their wrist.

That said, The Godfather series isn’t a vehicle for product placement, and many of the watches featured in the films just peek out from a cuff, get just seconds on screen, or are largely invisible due to the accompanying wardrobe.

For instance, Vito Corleone, the original Don, wears a wristwatch, probably on a leather strap, but it’s impossible to identify on film. Speculatively, it might be the Hamilton Electric, but it’s really impossible to say.

Similarly, Tom Hagen’s reserved but rich gold dress watch, like those of many of the rival Dons and Cappos, was chosen to symbolize power, position, and judgment, but the make and model of each watch is impossible to discern. 

In short, only one watch is identifiable on screen, Michael’s Omega Constellation.

The Omega Constellation “Pie Pan” Ref. 168.005

The rightly famous wedding scenes that open The Godfather find Michael in his Marine dress uniform, wearing what looks to be a field watch from a brand like Hamilton.

Michael is clearly juxtaposed to his brother Sonny, and indeed the entire Corleone family, as an outsider charting his own course in life. By contrast, by The Godfather II, Michael is now the Don, and his wardrobe and watch reflect his ultimate-insider status.

There are plenty of fan theories about the watches Michael wears prior to taking control of the family business. What’s sure is that only one can be positively identified: the Omega Constellation he wears as Don.

When it comes to wearing wristwatches, women were first.

From the late 19^th century on into the 20th, there was an explosion in interest in watches from women whose attire didn’t usually allow the use of pocket watches. As a result, women of all socioeconomic levels began to wear watches as necklaces, brooches, and, eventually, on their wrists.

Wristwatches became such a fashion statement and status symbol for women that men at first balked at wearing them. Soldiers fighting in World War I and civilians as well had to be convinced by watch companies that wristwatches were both practical and “masculine” enough for gents to wear as well!

As a result of this head start, many vintage women’s watches from that era became fashion icons. Vintage styles included smaller, delicate watches and rectangular Art Deco-inspired pieces, precious metals and steel, and bejeweled cases, dials, and bracelets that exuded sophistication and charm.

Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage watches which often possess character, craftsmanship, and stories that set them apart from many modern offerings. Women attracted to classical styling and the charm of a bygone era are taking vintage and vintage-inspired pieces and pairing them with modern fashion to produce a striking juxtaposition that blends the best of old and new.

In this article, I’ll highlight some important considerations to keep in mind when shopping the vintage market and 10 popular women’s vintage watches that have endured the test of time.

Things to Know Before Buying Vintage

First, what age qualifies as vintage? While opinions vary, a watch that is 30 years old is generally considered vintage while one 20-30 years old usually falls more into the “neovintage” category. Interestingly, if a watch is 20 years old but has been discontinued, many collectors classify it as vintage.

Also, a vintage piece that is unpolished and has all its original parts (especially dials) is considered more valuable than one that has a freshly-polished gleam and/or has been restored with parts from other watches which are not true to the original reference (aka, “Frankenstein” watches).  Along that same line, it helps to have a reputable dealer to buy from, and it’s always advisable to seek the help of enthusiasts with experience in buying and collecting vintage pieces.

Remember, too, that a vintage piece is probably not going to be a “daily driver” but instead one worn more sparingly or for special occasions. Assuming that your vintage Rolex Submariner is going to be as water-resistant as it was when new is a recipe for disappointment and a hefty service and repair bill.

10 Popular Women’s Vintage Watches

The following are 10 popular women’s vintage watches which have aged gracefully through the decades.

1. Cartier Tank, any reference, 1919-onward

It’s ironic that the Cartier Tank, originally produced for soldiers and designed with lugs that resembled the tracks (“brancards”) of the Renault FT-17  tank, would become one of the most desirable women’s vintage watches, but here we are.

The Cartier Tank’s rectangular shape launched the Art Deco style trend, and its smaller case sizes, iconic white dial, Roman numeral indices, “tank tread” minute track, blue sword-shaped handset, and signature blue cabochon-cut sapphire crown have made it a highly sought after vintage watch among women, as well as many men.

There were more precious metals than steel models produced over the years. A vintage solid gold Tank can be had in the 5K-10K range, but steel ones are available in the 2K and up range.

2. Must de Cartier Tank, ref. 1613, 1970s-1980s

While we’re on the subject of Cartier, we should also consider the massed-produced Must de Cartier Tank which was intended as a more affordable entry-level option than the luxury model and a response to the Quartz Crisis of the time.

Instead of precious metals, cases were made of “vermeil”, or 18K gold-plated sterling silver, and in place of a mechanical movement, the less expensive Caliber 057 quartz was used. The classic Art Deco style case persisted, but the dial design ranged from the classic Roman numerals to variations that used lacquered, bold colors and designs. Instead of sapphire, a synthetic spinel cabochon was used on the crown.

A vintage ref. 1613 will run in the 2K-3K range.

3. Rolex Datejust, ref. 6917, 1970s-1990s

Of course, no women’s vintage watch list would be complete without a representative from “The Crown”. While the smallest case diameter of a modern Rolex Datejust is 31mm, there was a time when it came in 26mm, making it ideal for many women looking for a more elegant and refined look. The fact that the ref. 6917 had both all 18K yellow gold and two-toned, steel/gold versions helped make it an instant classic.

Dial variations included gemstone-set mother-of-pearl and also stones, such as lapis lazuli, malachite, and onyx, which produced one-of-a-kind patterns. Bezels were typically fluted, but also included some diamond-set references. Indices included batons, as well as Roman numerals and gemstones. Both President and Jubilee bracelets were common.

These days, this reference brings between 3K-10K, depending on the amount of precious metals and gemstones used.

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) Caliber 101, 1929-onward

While Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) is probably best known for its Reverso, the company’s  Caliber 101, introduced in 1929 and still made today, is the world’s smallest watch movement (14mm x 4.8mm x 3.4mm) and represents just as powerful a horological breakthrough.

The miniature size of the Caliber 101 allowed JLC to produce pieces that deemphasized the watch by embedding it within delicate, precious metal and gemstone-set pieces of jewelry, typically bracelets, and sometimes even rings. Among the designs were “secret” cocktail watches with hidden dials concealed by elegant bracelets but viewable discreetly to the wearer. The Caliber 101 was also the beating heart of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation watch worn in 1953.

Vintage Caliber 101 pieces were not standard production, but instead bespoke, so prices fall in the “If you have to ask, then . . .” range seen at exclusive auctions.

5. Piaget Polo, ref. 761 (27mm, round) and ref. 8131 (20mm, square), 1979-1990

The Piaget Polo, worn by celebrities such as Andy Warhol, Robert DeNiro, Brooke Shields, and Sylvester Stallone, is arguably in the same ranks of the Cartier Tank as a cultural and fashion icon.

The Piaget Polo is ultra-integrated, with a bracelet and case so blended that if it weren’t for the handset, it would be hard to tell where the bracelet ends and the case starts (especially with the square ref. 8131). Adding to this effect was a crown hidden on the caseback that added to the symmetry. Cases and bracelets are solid, 18K satin-finished yellow gold with polished gadroons between the links. The watch is powered by svelte quartz caliber 7P, considered revolutionary at the time, which enhanced Piaget’s reputation for producing ultra-thin timepieces.

When released, the Polo was considered so chic and exclusive that it retailed for $20,000 ($70,000 in today’s dollars). Today, the main value is in the gold, and on the vintage market they command 15K-20K.

6. Omega Ladymatic (1955-1970s)

In 1955, Omega cut against the gender-stereotyped grain of the time by producing a ladies watch acknowledging that women, too, were perfectly capable of appreciating accuracy, technology, and “how mechanical things work”.

The Ladymatic featured the Caliber 455 which had a rotor and was the smallest automatic movement made at the time. Not only was it self-winding, but the Caliber 455 was also a certified (COSC) chronometer. The Ladymatic was small and elegant and came in a variety of materials such as gold, steel, and gold-filled. Some were made into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry by famous designers of the time. Leather straps or cords and bracelets gave the watch enough versatility for both evening cocktails and “daily driving”.

In 2010, Omega relaunched the Ladymatic with both a retro vibe and modern specs. If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive vintage one, they will run about $500.

7. Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, ref. 3548, 1968-1976

Women are often spotted wearing vintage Patek’s signature models such as the Calatrava and the Nautilus. But an often overlooked one is the Golden Ellipse released in 1968.

Created by Patek’s head of design at the time, Jean-Daniel Rubeli, the Golden Ellipse featured an elliptical case which has a longer side that is approximately 1.618 times the length of the shorter one, aka, the “Golden Ratio”, which is associated with aesthetic harmony and “pleasing proportions” present in nature and often used in art and design.

The first 3548 had a striking blue dial and was 18K gold with a matching mesh bracelet. While the watch met with a muted response, it gained favor over the years as Patek went on to launch similarly shaped popular accessories such as cufflinks and keychains. The ref. 3548 retailed for $1,700 in 1968 ($15,727 in 2025 dollars). Ironically, that’s about the average cost of a vintage one today.

8. Hamilton Ventura, 1957 onward

The triangular, shield-shaped Ventura was Hamilton’s futuristic vision of a “watch of tomorrow” and the world’s first with an electronic movement. It is also strongly associated with men in movies, namely Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii, and the alien-chasing agents in the Men in Black.

But I have a sneaky suspicion that designer Richard Arbib knew it would be a hit with women, too, and sure enough it is regarded as “unisex” today. Case in point, my wife picked out a new one last year at the Hamilton boutique in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, birthplace of the brand.

Venturas are readily available on the preowned and vintage marketplace, and prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on age, condition, materials, and provenance.

9. Bulova Rubaiyat, 1917 onward

It’s fitting in 2025, Bulova’s 150^th anniversary, to highlight a brand that was ahead of its time in recognizing the importance of creating timepieces for women. A well-known one is the Art Deco design “Lady Lindy”, launched in 1928 launched to honor Amelia Earhart’s solo flight across the Atlantic, which was the ladies counterpart to the Charles Lindbergh-inspired “Lone Eagle”.

But Bulova had already launched its first line of women-focused watches in 1917, the classic Rubaiyat, named after a 12^th-century book of Persian poetry.  In contrast to the popular boxy, Art Deco-themed women’s watches of the early 20^th century, early Rubaiyats were oval or around, but they still retained the popular options in materials, dials, gemstones, straps, and bracelets that allowed for versatility across a variety of occasions.

Bulova relaunched the modern Rubaiyat in 2017, 100 years after its introduction. There are vintage Rubaiyat references in good working condition available for under $500.

10. Ernest Borel Cocktail Watch, 1953 onward

We’ll finish our list with a fun and quirky example of an iconic vintage women’s timepiece, the Ernest Borel cocktail watch. Small, dainty watches with funky geometric dial designs have been around since the 1920s, inspired by that decade’s high-fashion emphasis and reputation for lavish parties and risqué jazz clubs.

But in 1953, Ernest Borel upped the ante by adding motion to the picture. Using two transparent, patterned discs, one containing the handset that stays stationary, and the other a rotating disc, the watch produced a constantly changing “kaleidoscope” effect. Initially launched as a women’s watch, men soon wanted their own version as well. In the 1960s, these models, along with accompanying rings, desk clocks, and pendants, were very popular among “hippies” and “flower children” who perhaps enhanced the watches’ psychedelic effects with a few, um, “mind altering substances” of their own.

Ernest Borel closed during the 1970s Quartz Crisis but was relaunched in 1997 and continues to produce their famous cocktail watch today. There are many vintage ones still available for as little as a few hundred dollars to over a thousand for ones in excellent condition.

Conclusion

Vintage ladies’ watches are a reminder of a past era when companies gave women the kind of decorative and dainty timepieces they thought they wanted. The modern watchscape, however, is much different.  

While women still want the option of small and elegant watches with orthodox feminine design cues, the modern vibe is one of increasing numbers of unisex designs and size, along with growing numbers of men and women wearing the watches of “the other”.

This trend extends to traditionally women’s vintage watches as well. Case in point: Consider actor Timothée Chalamet in a New York Yankees baseball jersey, eating pizza, while rocking his tiny Cartier Panthère!