Category: Watch Reviews

Designer watches have always had a bit of a stigma around them in the watchmaking world. For a while, admittedly, it was rather well-deserved.

Any good watch must be constructed with both an eye for its design and an eye for its mechanics. That’s what makes watchmaking totally unique: it’s a synthesis of art and engineering, of creativity in both forms. 

Old designer watches completely neglected mechanical advancement, for the most part. They looked beautiful or eye-catching from the outside, but on the inside was a throwaway quartz movement. Little wonder they were so rejected by the watch community!

However, times are changing (wink), and designer fashion brands have increasingly looked to beef up their watchmaking department with some serious mechanical chops.

Suddenly, those elegant watches that previously ticked on an ugly old quartz movement are running on gorgeous mechanical ébauches and even feature advanced complications. 

Brands like Louis Vuitton and their watchmaking manufacture La Fabrique du Temps are leading the charge, and it’s time to take notice. Allow me to introduce you to the 12 best designer watches of today.

History of Designer Watches

I touched on the rather dubious past of designer watches in my introduction, and I want to more fully flesh out how this section of the industry has drastically changed before we get into the best designer watches you can get your hands on today.

A quick Google or eBay search for “vintage designer watches” will get you a full list of rather inexpensive picks from brand names that we usually associate with the very heights of luxury: Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel, among others. 

Unfortunately, it’s not without reason that these watches are changing hands for so cheap. Many of them were practically cash-cow products for some of these brands, where simply slapping a logo on the dial was enough to make fashion obsessives buy them and wear them proudly.

Around the turn of the millennium, however, things started to change quickly. Louis Vuitton introduced their Tambour collection in 2002 and Chanel the Chiffre Rouge in 2004, among others. 

Perhaps most notable of all was Louis Vuitton’s 2011 acquisition of La Fabrique du Temps, a watchmaking manufacture started by Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, after working with them on several projects since their founding in 2007.

Now, you can find haute horlogerie offerings from almost any fashion brand, alongside beautiful mechanical watches with well-finished movements and elegant design. 

Suddenly, all their design expertise is married to mechanical prowess, and it makes for a killer combo that you really can’t miss.

The 12 Best Designer Watches

Without further ado, let’s get right into the very finest of these designer watches available today. We’re looking at all the best brands and all the best watchmaking offerings, so there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for the next watch to add to your collection or just reading for interest. Enjoy!

Gucci G-Flat 36mm in Steel with Black Dial

Not to be confused with its identical twin, the F-sharp (sorry, bad music pun), the G-Flat 36mm is a truly refreshing and new design from perhaps the most well-known name in fashion.

At $2,650, it’s a lovely, affordable sports watch with a customized automatic movement and case structure that clearly takes cues from its notable predecessors like the Cartier Santos and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

The black opaline dial at its heart is minimalistic and clean, and the color-matched date window is a great modern touch to build on the watch’s clean elegance.

The G-Flat collection was first introduced in the 1970s, making it a long-lasting style that has only grown in popularity and in watchmaking prowess since its inception. 

My only gripe is the rather limited 50m of water resistance: any true sports watch should be able to go anywhere and do anything (or, as watch nerds fondly term it, a GADA watch), and with such limited water resistance you’ll really need to be hesitant about taking it for a swim. Such is the price of fashion, I suppose.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Automatic 40mm Steel

At $18,900, the LV Tambour is a much higher-end sports watch than the G-Flat, but it sure does show in the quality of its movement and construction. Its iconic eponymous drum-shaped case is elegantly brushed to create a soft shine. 

The bezel bears another familiar Louis Vuitton signature—the brand name itself, in raised engraved letters that manage to not feel too in-your-face.

The dial has a lovely monochromatic blue-on-blue palette that accentuates the watch’s restrained style while providing a rich and legible surface on which to read the time. 

It also has a much richer depth than most other dials you’ll see: the applied numerals are rather tall, and really stand out proudly from the multi-leveled sector construction of the dial below.

Finally, the bracelet feels strongly neo-vintage, with a bold style made up of practically just single links seamlessly integrated into the case. It’s not for nothing that this watch is Louis Vuitton’s best-known.

Dior Chiffre Rouge Black Ultramatte Steel

The Chiffre Rouge is a totally different look from both of the other watches we’ve looked at already here, but no less eye-catching and horologically advanced.

Its 38mm blacked-out case is wearable and a serious attention-grabber, and the rest of the watch doesn’t let go of your eyes for a moment as you examine it. The 4:00 crown is drastically oversized, with bright red accents—it’s clearly unmissable. 

The dial has a fascinating cannage motif, which is so complex visually as to nearly defy any resolution into a consistent pattern. And imposed over this engraving is a soft gradient from that same bright red to a deep black.

All the while, the date window—bearing the eponymous red number, 8, on the eighth of every month—is proudly double-framed by eye-catching red lines. It’s not a watch for the faint of heart, to say the least, but its price is at least bearable at $10,500.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence Pink Gold

The vintage-inspired Tambour Convergence was one of the most eye-catching watches to be unveiled at Watches & Wonders in 2025, and it sure is a stunner. It’s inspired by vintage montres à guichet, watches that had a sort of digital-style display through just a few small windows in the watch.

Cartier notably just reintroduced their Tank à Guichets in the same style. The Tambour Convergence, however, manages to recreate this design in a manner that feels refreshingly modern. 

The hours and minutes are indicated by a small diamond shape between the two rotating discs that bear the printed time tracks. The lugs are gorgeous, sharply architectural and faceted.

The broad surface of the dial, where the windows aren’t, is radiantly mirror-polished, complementing the brushed caseband.

Lastly, I can’t help but comment on the gorgeous blue tone of the printed numerals, which pop subtly but beautifully against the slight rose tone of the case. At $33,500, elegance sure doesn’t come cheap, but you’ll have it in spades with this one.

Chanel J12 Bleu Caliber 12.1 38mm

Chanel’s J12 collection got a serious update with their new Bleu model, so-named for its gorgeous blue ceramic case. It’s got a lovely wearable 38mm diameter case crafted from such a unique shade of blue that almost looks black in some lighting.

On the dial, this dark blue melts easily into the full black of the Arabic numerals—or alternatively, you can get an extra monochromatic pop with blue sapphires as the indices. 

The bright white text proudly indicating the make and model of the watch stands out brilliantly against the muted tones in the rest of the case. For $10,500, it’s a great ceramic sports watch that can’t be missed.

Gucci G-Timeless Planetarium

And now for something totally different! The G-Timeless Planetarium is part of Gucci’s High Watchmaking collection, meaning it’s the crème de la crème of designer watches. This spectacular automaton runs on the GGC.1976.DS movement, which is named after the Orion Nebula 1976. 

It’s manual-winding with a central flying tourbillon, which is already enough to make your jaw drop, but Gucci’s watchmakers have tossed in there an exceptional automaton function to go with it, actuated through the crown.

The name is a bit of a misnomer—it’s not a true planetarium in the way that the Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planetarium is, but it is a representation of one with twelve exceptional gemstones that both rotate on themselves and around the dial. 

You can get this hunk of horology for a whopping 350,000 Swiss francs in white or rose gold with different gemstone options.

Louis Vuitton Escale Pink Gold

When I first read about the Escale—and some of the initially gushing reviews about it—I was dubious, to say the least. It’s just another time-only dress watch, I told myself.

I’ll be the first to say now that I could not have been more wrong. The watch is quintessentially LV in a way that shockingly avoids being overbearing. 

As the name suggests (French for stopover or port), it’s inspired by Louis Vuitton travel trunks, and every element of the design exudes the class and luxury associated with them. It’s the perfect modern size at 39mm in diameter and its textured blue dial complements the pink gold case flawlessly.

Both the indices at 3/6/9/12 and the lugs reference the iconic riveted corners of the suitcases in a way that makes me wonder why this design hasn’t been brought to the world of watchmaking yet, because it just looks so darn good. 

Plus, it’s all powered by the gorgeous caliber LFT023, a micro-rotor movement with stunning finishing and 50 hours of power reserve. It’s not cheap at $26,300, but for a precious metal dress watch, you could do a whole lot worse for the price.

Ralph Lauren 867 Rose Gold 32mm White Dial

There are a lot of watches today that take inspiration from art deco, the exuberant design period prominent in the Roaring Twenties, primarily using this theme as a justification for timepieces that are overladen with sparkly gems and garish color combinations. 

The Ralph Lauren 867 is a totally different side of the art deco spectrum, in a beautifully refreshing way. It’s classy, dressy, and simple.

It’s primarily constructed around a series of square frames that constrict as you approach the center—the outside of the case, the bezel, and several in the dial for the different printed tracks. Thanks to this, and to its small lugs, it wears simply and purely on the wrist, continuous in all its lines in a refreshing way. 

The Breguet hands and quintessential Ralph Lauren numerals (two different types, with one for 3/6/9/12 and the other for the rest) complete the classy and restrained look.

Plus, with just a 32mm case, it’s anything but obtrusive. And the $17,000 price tag is honestly pretty solid for a rose gold dress watch, especially one bearing the Ralph Lauren name.

Gem Dior Malachite Dial

Rarely do I see a level of design innovation in watches as the Gem Dior collection, crafted by Victoire de Castellane, a top jewelry designer. It’s one of the finest ladies’ watches to be found anywhere, thanks to its subdued 27mm diameter but stunning array of facets and construction.

It uses multiple sorts of metals and gemstones to create an exterior that feels not quite like a gem but rather something altogether new and brilliant. 

It looks like the distillation of wearable luxury—a bracelet and a gemstone, and a watch all packed into one in a nearly surrealist form. The rich banded malachite dial only adds to the effect.

The movement is a touch disappointing as it’s a rather uninteresting quartz, but considering the restrained size of the watch, that can be slightly ignored. This one will set you back a considerable $18,500.

Chanel J12 Automaton Caliber 6

This is Chanel’s haute horlogerie offering, of a very different sort than the Gucci we already looked at. In fact, almost the only thing the two have in common is their use of an automaton. This time, however, Chanel employs it to create the image of Gabrielle Chanel’s couture atelier.

The 20-second animation, triggered by the press of a button, features the movement of a couture dress and of Mademoiselle’s silhouette. 

While the case isn’t quite the rich blue of the J12 Bleu, you have in its place a very rich black that creates a deeply striking look with the monochromatic dial. It’s also shockingly wearable for an automaton at 38mm in diameter.

As a final touch, you get a 3-link bracelet also crafted in ceramic. Due to its serious watchmaking chops, this watch is limited to just 100 pieces and is priced on request.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Street Diver 44mm Skyline Blue

Most dive watches today are not worn for their intended purpose, that of aiding divers in calculating how long they spend underwater.

So then why not take the idea of a dive watch and make it something much more at home on land? Introducing the vibrant Louis Vuitton Tambour Street Diver, which sports a nearly Tron-esque color palette and beautiful lume. 

It feels like the essence of big city nightlife. It’s big, broad, legible, and striking in every way. More than any other watch I’ve seen, it makes a monochromatic appearance look like an explosion of color.

Even the caseband is dark blue thanks to a PVD process. It runs on a pretty solid movement too with 50 hours of power reserve and automatic winding. 

And at $8,015, you can have it for less than many other everyday wear watches like the Omega Speedmaster.

Ralph Lauren Western Round 45mm Engraved Sterling

The Western collection from Ralph Lauren is among my favorite watches ever, not just in the category of designer watches. To be fair, I grew up on old Westerns, so these watches definitely touch something deeper in me than just the watch lover—but these are some exceptional pieces by any metric. 

The defining feature of this watch is its antiqued sterling silver case, hand-engraved in New York City. It feels like exactly the sort of thing the most fashionable Western landowner would have had on his wrist… that is, if wristwatches were around back then.

If you’ve read my other articles, you know I often have a problem with 4:00 crown placements. 3:00 is where it should be, my brain firmly reminds me. But in this case, I can’t help but feel like the 2:00 placement is perfect. 

I can’t explain why, it just feels so right to me. Finally, the dial at the heart of it all is absolutely gorgeous: slightly off-white, with text that’s clearly been printed several times to add depth and glossy shine. Breguet hands complete the look. At $24,900, this is a watch that you can’t pass up for its price and style.

Conclusion

Designer watches have clearly come a long, long way. From cheap quartz-powered pieces to true horological powerhouses, they have quite possibly seen the most development of any watchmaking genre over the past 30 years. 

From “barely worth a second glance” to “you can’t take your eyes off them,” some of the finest watches in the world today are being made by designer maisons. Maybe it is time to pay them a second look!

There are two types of watches that make your heart happy. The first is pure haute horlogerie class: think A. Lange & Söhne-finished movements and Breguet guilloché dials.

The second class keeps your heart happy in a more literal way: health watches! Smartwatches are fantastic health companions, keeping track not just of your heart rate but also of your overall fitness and wellness.

Oh no, I hear you grumble, not another article about fitness watches! I’ve read a hundred of those already—they’re all the same! Never fear, intrepid reader: I’m not talking about fitness here. If you’re interested in that part of your health, I’ve written an article on the best fitness watches here! 

In this article, we’re going to talk about the best watches for your health. So, if you’re focused on keeping an eye on your health, tracking disease, and keeping it at bay, follow along for a breakdown to find the best watch for you!

History of Health Watches: The Watch Nerd Section

Health watches have come a really, really long way. And if you’re a bit of a watch fan like me and you want to learn about this fascinating past, this is the part for you. (Otherwise, feel free to skip to the list—I won’t be offended!)

The first big medical breakthrough in the world of watches was the introduction of a pulsometer in chronograph watches. Ever notice just how common heart rate sensors are in modern smartwatches? It feels like every single one of them has one. That all started here! 

The pulsometer enabled doctors to easily and conveniently track their patients’ heart rates, and it remains available today in modern mechanical wristwatches.

The pulsometer usually takes the form of a printed scale around the outside ring of your watch’s dial that says something along the lines of “graduated to 30 pulsations.” 

To use it, first actuate the chronograph with your other hand on your pulse (or your patient’s pulse!). Count out 30 heartbeats, and then stop it. Wherever the chronograph hand stops, take a look at the marking and read it off. That’s your pulse rate!

Okay, so it’s clear health watches have come far from their early days. Really, really far. A pulsometer may be poetic, but it’s not exactly the most useful tool for keeping an eye on AFib or tracking how your heart rate changes when you sleep—let alone pulse oxygen or stress levels! 

The ability of a little wearable device on your wrist to help you fully master your health is more advanced than it ever has been, and it continues to grow. Now is the time to take your health into your hands!

The 10 Best Health Watches

Okay, enough watch nerd rambling about pulsometers and mechanical chronographs. Now for the real deal: the very finest in health smartwatches on the market today, to help you track every aspect of your health and wellness. There’s something at every price point for every budget, with every feature imaginable in the health smartwatch world. Let’s dive in!

Garmin Venu 3S

For $450, the Venu 3S is a solid mid-range smartwatch with high-end features. 10 days of battery life, on-wrist texting, viewing photos, music, and more are all built-in, sure—but the best part of this watch is its health trackers. 

It’s great for any kind of cardiac or respiratory monitoring, with heart rate, pulse oxygen, respiration, and an ECG for keeping an eye on any heart problems that could be present.

On top of that, you get a great holistic picture of your overall wellness thanks to a huge suite of sleep-related features as well as stress and mindfulness. This watch does it all at a great mid-range price.

Amazfit GTR 4

If the Venu 3S does it all at a mid-range price, the GTR 4 does quite a lot at a ridiculously low price, retailing at just $110. It even beats out the Venu in battery life, with a solid two weeks of continuous running time.

You get heart rate and pulse oxygen from the key sensors, coupled with a specialized algorithm to reduce inference from any arm movement that could get in the way of accurate tracking. Sleep and stress monitoring are there too, for a well-rounded picture of your health. 

To be honest, however, this watch is more suited for those of us who don’t have serious health concerns and who are looking to stay healthy through fitness, thanks to its variety of sports modes and other fitness algorithms.

This article isn’t for the dedicated fitness gurus among us, but if that’s an important part of your health regimen, this might be the watch for you.

Fitbit Charge 6 Tracker

I have a soft spot in my heart for Fitbits—they’re so under-the-radar and iconic at a glance, making them ideal for someone who’s not looking for a large dedicated smartwatch.

At $160, the Charge 6 hits all the right Fitbit buttons with a great suite of health features: heart rate and pulse ox in particular, but also the interesting inclusion of device temperature. 

The latter allows you to track your skin temp in the Fitbit app, which can provide a heads-up as to whether you might be getting sick—or getting over it! The Charge 6 mostly stops here in terms of its health trackers (you also get VO2 max if you’re into fitness), but for just $160, it’s pretty darn good.

Garmin vívoactive 6

At $300, the vívoactive 6 is just great. It’s just a solid watch that checks all the boxes. Bright AMOLED display, stress tracking, morning report, hydration, respiration, energy monitoring, pulse oxygen… the list goes on, but I won’t bore you. 

I struggle to find any fault to comment on here, but I also struggle to find stellar features that I can break down for you in particular. It just checks all the boxes without going over the top, like the quietly studious middle child of the Garmin family.

And honestly, that really might be the best kind of watch for many of us who are just looking for something to quietly do it all.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

AI is the big headline for the Galaxy Watch Ultra—you can find the word plastered all over Samsung’s website for the watch, and with good reason.

Their Galaxy AI is here to enhance all of the data taken in by the watch’s suite of sensors, so you end up getting a lot more out of it than almost any other smartwatch would—others mainly use algorithms, which are less complex and analytical. 

The battery life isn’t anything to write home about (60 hours), but the AGEs Index tracker sure is: it’s the first example I’ve seen of tracking metabolic health and diet from any smartwatch, period. Add in all the other standard health features and while the $650 price tag isn’t too pretty, it does feel reasonable.

Garmin vívomove Trend

As a mechanical watch fanatic first and foremost, I can’t help but love that the vívomove Trend really does just look like a normal watch. All the smartwatch features are your secret, because at a few paces, this hybrid smartwatch just has a standard pair of hands and a lovely colored dial. 

Deep down, however, it’s a health-watch stunner. 5 days of battery life, a hidden touchscreen display that appears on tap or swipe, and all the most important features: energy monitoring, heart rate, pulse oxygen, respiration, stress, women’s health, and some fitness tracking.

My favorite detail? There’s a chronograph timer function that actually uses the watch hands, not the screen. Just for the watch fans like me. And at $300, it’s got a great mid-range price to boot.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Ultra 2 may have a bit of an ultra price tag ($799), but it’s also got one of the most formidable suites of health trackers on this list. The Vitals app keeps an eye on heart rate, wrist temperature, and sleep tracking, while the ECG app gives you notifications for any detected heart issues. 

You’ve also got women’s health tracking and sleep apnea notifications (something very few other smartwatches are able to do). Unlike all the other watches here (except the Galaxy Watch Ultra), however, this is a smartwatch first and foremost.

It’s not about the health like all the others are: it’s a fully functioning smart device on your wrist. If you’re looking for health but also for a watch that can do much more, this is the one for you.

Withings ScanWatch 2

Withings calls this “the watch that changes lives,” and they just might be right. The 30-day battery life means you’ll have a 24/7 look at your health for an entire month, which can definitely be key for some of us.

Plus, like the vívomove Trend, it’s a hybrid smartwatch, so it’s got real hands and real class. But the headliner here is its health features. 

Withings claims their built-in ECG, for one, is medical-grade: a full 30-second assessment of your cardiovascular health. You also have skin temp tracking to indicate the onset of disease. Pulse oxygen, and an advanced heart rate tracker called a PPG.

Finally, the ScanWatch will automatically detect and alert you about AFib detections. In other words, it’s the watch for you if you’re worried about your cardiac health: almost all of its features are targeted towards that domain, and it covers it really well. For $350, it’s really not too bad for a little heart health peace of mind.

Garmin vívosmart 5

Like the Fitbit Charge 6, the vívosmart 5 is small and unobtrusive, and also very accessibly priced despite its full suite of health options. It’s got all the works: heart rate, energy level, sleep quality, pulse oxygen, and stress tracking. 

Nothing exceptional like the ScanWatch ECG, sure, but if you’re looking for something low-key to accompany you on your wellness journey, it’s hard to beat out something as simple as the vívosmart 5 for $150.

Fitbit Sense 2

The Sense 2 is a very different sort of smartwatch from the Apple and Samsung watches we looked at earlier. At $250, it’s a great way to get all the health features you want, and then some. Heart rate and pulse oxygen, skin temperature, ECG and EDA, and even an altimeter! 

Fascinatingly, the Sense 2 also has an electrical sensor to measure your skin conductance. This keeps an eye on your body’s emotional response throughout the day by measuring physiological cues.

Were you dealing with a low level of stress for most of the day without even knowing it? Your Sense 2 can relay that information and help you deal with your emotional response after detecting it. Plus, it comes with Amazon Alexa built-in for hands-free function!

Conclusion

Health watches are a wide and wonderful world, with a huge variety of styles and features. Thankfully, this means that whatever your needs may be, there’s something out there for you. 

Looking for a tight grip on your cardiac health? There are plenty of watches out there with ECG functionality that can notify you if things are awry. Looking for an everyday companion to help improve your overall wellness?

High-end craftsmanship is meant to come at a cost. Think of the priceless material and the tedious attention to detail it requires to craft a piece that stands the test of time and ascends to the top of the market.

These big-name brands have earned their title for a reason. You are paying for all of their class, all of their style, and all of their heritage.

That being said, there are some outliers in the market that offer the same level of elevated engineering at a fraction of the cost.

If you are new to the luxury market space or want to learn more, my best advice would be to start small. Or, more specifically, look for high-quality quartz watches as they are notorious for being moderately priced. 

My goal for today is to provide you with extraordinary pieces that guarantee you are getting the luxury experience, all from a price pool that you wouldn’t expect.

These are the kind of watches that have been tested and reviewed, with high ratings across the board, ensuring that as we dive in, the features and qualities presented will prove to satisfy your needs as a consumer.

Pay attention to the pieces discussed and be thinking about what your dream watch could look like. Who knows, it could be hiding in this list.

What to look for 

Wondering how to choose the right watch for you? Think of your favorite qualities from your favorite watches. It could be the shape, material choice, dial design, or perhaps the brand itself.

Whatever your preference is, out of the 22 watches we will look at today, there is bound to be something you will enjoy. Look out for those qualities, and any other standout feature you can think of.

I hope this list finds you well and I hope you’re able to narrow down your favorite luxury pieces to make your journey through the market all the easier. 

Orient Bambino 38mm

Beginning our list is the simple sophistication of the Orient Bambino. This Japanese watch gives off a vintage appeal that mixes well with the blue dial hands, enriching the case with a faint splash of color.

My personal favorite model of the Bambino is the beige-colored dial with a dark brown crocodile strap to further implement that dated look. The stainless steel isn’t too flashy, and it provides an ample view of the F6724 automatic movement, which powers the watch with a reserve of 40 hours.

This is a rather slim piece, measuring 38.4mm in diameter and only weighing 54 grams, so it will appeal to those who prefer smaller dimensions. 

The Orient Bambino costs $250-$300.

AX Armani Exchange Chronograph

Armani is unapologetic for making pieces that some will enjoy and some will not. Their designs are bold and stylish, appealing to some who enjoy that extra flavor while deterring others who prefer a much more moderate tone. One thing everyone can agree on, however, is their affordable prices.

The Armani Exchange is a standard Armani piece equipped with stainless steel and measuring 45mm in diameter. It has a sleek, silvery dial, with hands of the same tone, all complementing one another, with three subdials adding more texture to the layout.

Inside, the Japanese quartz powers the piece with a surprising amount of accuracy for the price. Not everyone is expected to gravitate towards the design, but it is an extraordinarily made watch; there’s no debating that.

It’s a different style than the majority of luxury watches you’ll see on the market, and that’s ok. Armani watchmakers are experts at their craft and the level of precision needed to engineer something of this caliber is enough to make me respect them. 

The AX Armani Exchange Chronograph costs $139.

Citizen Tsuyosa Automatic

Coming in with a colorful splash is the Tsuyosa Automatic. This debut from Citizen comes in a 40mm case and a wide variety of colorful dials with a three o’clock date aperture and elegant-looking baton markers.

Inside, the watch features the Citizen in-house caliber 8210, visible through the open case back so that its wearer can view the 21,600 vph beauty that houses 40 hours of power reserve. It’s obvious that colorful variety is what Citizen was going for here, and they did not disappoint.

Wearers get five variations of dials (black, blue, green, yellow, and turquoise), each providing their unique flavor aesthetic to spice up the rest of the piece.

Overall, this is a very simple watch that seems like it was made for everyone. The multitude of colors will attract fans of all different styles, and the straightforward structure of the dial will satisfy most Citizen fans. 

The Citizen Tsuyosa Automatic costs $360. 

Bulova Marine Star

The Marine Star aims to capture a very modern appeal with its deep blue face. Upon first glance, you are immediately enthralled with the high-detail aesthetic brought forward by the three different subdials and the pointy sword hands that demand their own level of attention.

The stainless steel is smooth, and the bracelet is tight, but this watch measures rather large, with a diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 13mm.

The chronograph features really serve the watch in terms of symmetry, giving a well-rounded, polished look that will appeal to many diver fans, as the textured sides complement the design to perfection. 

The Bulova Marine Star costs $330.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

In 2017, Seiko came out with the Presage Cocktail Time series, offering an expanded collection of cocktail-inspired 40.5mm dress watches with bright, sunburst dials.

Seiko is no stranger to making gorgeous dials that steal the show; these intricate dial patterns are reminiscent of a cut-glass cocktail tumbler (which was the intention), and the unique colors catch your eye almost immediately, with a glossy finish to completely change the entire look depending on your lighting conditions.

The hour markers are simple, serving the purpose of complementing the dial even more, and the large, plain numbers blend nicely with the diamond-esque shape and pattern. 

The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time costs $340.

Timex x Todd Snyder MK-1 Amalfi

Timex and Todd Snyder continue their wonderful partnership to deliver us the MK-1 Amalfi, a 36mm beauty with a cream dial and gold-hand indexes that make for perfect everyday wear.

This is a sporty watch through and through as it looks to be meant to be worn on the green, hitting golf balls with business associates.

It has a very conservative and laid-back aesthetic, as it is supposedly inspired by Mediterranea vacations. The hand-wound mechanical movement further testifies to that casual vibe, as those who prefer a more casual, less demanding presence on the wrist will undoubtedly be drawn to this piece. 

The Timex x Todd Snyder MK-1 Amalfi costs $239.

Hamilton Khaki Field Watch

The history of field watches is highlighted by the Hamilton Khaki. This rugged, durable, accurate, and good-looking watch is a certified classic, as its simplicity has transcended the years, continuing to satisfy customers no matter what is in style.

There is no date window; this watch doesn’t need one. There’s only the time with 24-hour “military time” markers which is a callback to the military heritage this watch hails from. The measurement is simple as well, coming in at 38mm, and the hand-wound movement is easy and precise, prioritizing utility as well as style. 

The Hamilton Khaki Field Watch costs $488.

Tissot T-Classic PRX

Tissot has become world-renowned for producing top-tier, authentic Swiss watches for a marginal cost. This PRX, for example, comes in a perfectly balanced 39.5mm case, affirming a modest taste while being bold enough to appear fresh.

The steel and navy color scheme is fit for any attire, serving as an everyday piece and as a true luxurious statement.

Where the piece shines is the quartz movement, which is why Tissot is able to list these kinds of pieces at the prices they do. The simple winding doesn’t demand any high-tech intricacy, allowing Tissot to focus on the quality and style of the aesthetic, giving that iconic Swiss-made apparel. 

The Tissot T-Classic PRX costs $350. 

Seiko Presage SRPG05

This sleek piece is part dress watch and part dive watch, combining the best features from both, throwing in a sleek vintage look that is easy to style with suiting and also looks great with casual attire. This is one of those pieces that will compliment anything you wear, giving no real reason to ever take it off.

It comes in a traditional 40mm diameter, giving a familiar ruggedness that reminds you of its diver roots, with a waterproof edge that lets you feel safe while wearing it. This is Seiko at its best, producing a piece fit for everyone with an objectively elegant aesthetic. I wouldn’t be able to tell you somebody this watch isn’t for. 

The Seiko Presage SRPG05 costs $374

Citizen Promaster Dive

Funny enough, the Citizen Promaster Dive is technically marketed as a women’s watch, but men will have no problem fitting this beauty on, it may just wear a little tighter.

Measuring 37mm, this watch isn’t even the smallest piece on this list, and it has a 200m dive rating, which is very rare for a standard women’s piece.

The soft, flexible band is very appealing to those who enjoy aquatic adventures, and the Solar Quart movement gears this piece up for the ultimate outdoor experience. The design is beautiful as well, with a navy blue dial and stubby sword hands that blend nicely with the larger indices.

The face is highly visible, which causes hardcore divers to love it. Both men and women can enjoy this watch while sailing the seas or traveling beneath them. It’s something everyone can appreciate. 

The Citezen Promaster Dive costs $300

Invicta Pro Diver Quartz

Here we go. The Invicta Pro Diver is one of those pieces that make you go “wow.” This thing is bold; it’s out there, and you either love it or you don’t. Seeing that two-tone watches were out of fashion for an extended amount of time, their triumphant return has been very welcome, and Invitca has taken advantage.

A richly colored blue dial brings together this gold and silver look, giving a royal essence to the aesthetic. The quartz movement is solid, and the 43mm case size makes every feature stand out even more.

If I could describe this piece in one word, it would be “fun.” That’s it. It’s not for everyone, but those who it is for will very much enjoy it. 

The Invicta Pro Diver Quartz costs $149.  

Frederique Constant Classics Quartz

Another Swiss-made watches to add to this collection, the Frederique Constant comes in a beautiful, inky black dial with silvery-white hands that blend perfectly with the silver case.

The leather strap matches the tone of the dial, all held together by a simple quartz movement that is yet again the reason for the extremely affordable price.

This watch also has subdials, which add a little more detail to the pallet, and the Roman numeral indices will appeal to those die-hard Cartier fans who want to feel like they’re getting a similar experience. With a 39mm diameter, this piece screams simplicity, with nothing too wild sticking out, adding to the appeal all the more. 

The Frederique Constant Classics Quartz costs $650

Oris Divers Heritage Sixty-Five Automatic

Switching gears to an elevated price pool, we have the Oris Divers Heritage, a much more traditional luxury watch at a price you would expect.

While these next few watches will be more expensive than the ones previously discussed, please keep in mind that everything on this list is relatively “cheap.”

This is a very expensive industry, and when you’re dealing with pristine materials and flawless engineering, the price will absolutely reflect that.

With that being said, the Oris Divers Heritage Sixty-Five Automatic rounds out to about $2,000. It holds onto the iconic high-quality craftsmanship that Oris is well known for, and it is powered by the Swiss automatic Orient caliber 733 with a power reserve of 38 hours.

The classic dial will please long-time Oris fans as its simplicity breathes a sporty essence into the already refined aesthetic, and the bezel takes a classier approach that rounds out the entire design. 

As I said before, the Oris Divers Heritage Sixty-Five Automatic costs $2,000

Omega De Ville Prestige

This classic is a fundamental beauty that ranks among my absolute favorite dress watches of all time. It features a very preserved and laid-back aesthetic, with a silvery-white theme that checks all of the boxes.

The dial is sleek, the hands are elegant, and the 40mm case is beautifully polished to give it that nice shine.

It also boasts an extremely powerful 27-jewel COSC-certified movement with co-axial escapement to give it a healthy power reserve of up to 55 hours. What can I say? I’m a sucker for steel on steel and for Omega in general. This watch just speaks to me.

The Omega De Ville Prestige costs $4,900

IWC Pilot’s Automatic 36

IWC is world famous for its pilot watches. First developed over 80 years ago with the goal of providing a reliable instrument for airborne navigation, IWC has only evolved its design, bringing us masterpiece after masterpiece.

This version features a jet-black dial with a stainless steel bracelet. Nothing too extreme, but the aesthetic is very neat and orderly, providing a very compact appeal that goes quite nicely together.

As the name suggests, this is a fairly thin watch, measuring only 36mm in diameter, so those of you who gravitate toward smaller measurements will most likely find this more appealing than previous IWC Pilot designs. And, of course, what is a Pilot watch without the iconic plane symbol engraved on the case back? This watch is a beauty. 

The IWC Pilot’s Automatic 36 costs $5,600

Cartier Ronde Must De Cartier

With Roman Numerals, blue apple-shaped hands, a winding mechanism with a sapphire crown, and a rail-track minute circle, The Ronde Must De follows the classic staples of a Cartier design. The case is made of stainless steel, and the dial is a smooth white, serving as a beautiful contrast to the dark blue hands.

This piece is electrifying and is one of the cheapest Cartier pieces I have ever seen; it is seriously worth considering if you’re in the market for a prestigious watch.

Cartier saves money with a traditional quartz movement, but that doesn’t take away the fact that they’re the second highest-selling Swiss watch brand in the world, so if you find a piece like this with a price this low, it’s seriously worth taking a closer look at. 

The Cartier Ronde Must De Cartier costs $3,300

Grand Seiko Snowflake

This list would feel incomplete without adding the cheapest watch from Grand Seiko’s luxury brand, the Snowflake. With the distinct snowflake-like dial that gives the piece its name, this is truly one of the most underrated gems of the watch world and is an absolutely breathtaking work of art.

The gorgeous dial is made even better by the pair of silvery hands that slice along the white surface and—my favorite part—the light blue second hand that perfectly contrasts the entire pallet.

This is another silver-on-silver watch, and as you know, that’s right up my alley. It is a clean, elegant design made by some of the most genius minds in the watch world.

The Grand Seiko Snowflake costs $4,000

Tag Heuer Carrera Date

The Tag Heuer Carrera Date is engineered to satisfy both luxury sports watch fans and those who love dressier pieces.

The stepped bezel fiddles with the light, causing the watch to take different shapes depending on your lighting conditions, and the sunray brushed surface of the dial makes you intently study the impressive display.

A very silvery aesthetic, this time with a black crocodile leather strap that elevates the look, and with a measurement of 39mm in diameter, you’re getting the perfect size for a watch of this caliber. 

The Tag Heuer Carrera Date costs $3,300

Tudor 1926

Often considered Rolex’s direct relative, it makes sense that Tudor would have pieces of the same quality but at a far cheaper price.

The 1926 is well known for its “Rolex-like” features and its miniscule price. What catches my eye the most is the waffle pattern on the dial that provides an extraordinary texture and feel to the entire piece.

I like how it catches the light, and the blue indices were a genius design choice, as they pair well with the detailed layout.

Measuring 39mm, this watch feels much thinner than it actually is, which does wonders for the aesthetic as well. I can’t imagine anything bigger complimenting the design nearly as much. It’s a reserved style. Very beautiful indeed. 

The Tudor 1926 costs $2,225

Tissot Excellence

The slim case of the Tissot Excellence is made possible by the ETA 2892 movement that can be admired through the open caseback. This makes the watch extraordinarily comfortable around the wrist with a timeless wear that perfectly represents Tissot’s commitment to excellence.

The 40mm case is made of 18k gold, which is very surprising for the price, and the symmetrical roundness of the design combined with the gorgeous crocodile leather strap will appeal to almost everyone.

The Roman numerals on the dial are true stunners as well, complimenting the golden shade with an equally elevated presence that embodies an extremely luxurious tone. 

The Tissot Excellence costs $2,895

Breitling Endurance Pro 

This technical marvel is designed to perform in the harshest environment as the thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement serves as the heart of this gigantic unit. As you would expect, this piece is far from subtle, but the quartz chrono feature is too special to leave out of this list.

Fans of sporty watches go crazy for this kind of thing, and it’s easy to see why. The 44mm case is engineered for any obstacle, any environment, and any condition. It can also dive into 100m deep waters, providing high efficiency and sustainability for all of your sporty needs. 

The Breitling Endurance Pro costs $3,400

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34

Finally, rounding out our list, we have Rolex in its most simple form, the Oyster Perpetual. This watch is well-loved and well-respected, as it’s the cheapest in Rolex’s catalog, but it also delivers that same swagger and authenticity that this legendary brand is known for.

The Oyster case, Oyster bracelet, and Perpetual no-date movement have become staples in and of themselves, deeming this watch as an all-time classic.

The key to saving money is going for the 34mm, which is technically classified as a women’s watch, but small to medium-wrist-sized men will have no problem slipping it on. 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 costs $5,800

Conclusion

As our list concludes I cannot recommend enough that if you’re in the market, seriously consider picking up one of these pieces for yourself so that you can take advantage of these incredible prices.

These brands have stood against the test of time and have emerged as staples in the industry that continue to innovate and excite with every new release.

I hope I could help you narrow down your search, and if you’re new to the watch world, I hope you have a deeper understanding of what true luxury looks like and what to expect from masterful watch designers such as these.

Dive watches are some of the best all-around watches you can own. They usually have strong cases and are built to handle a lot of water. These watches work great in many situations and can even be worn with a suit and tie. 

Today, we’re looking at some of the top dive watches you can buy right now. Watch brands know that dive watches are a favorite for many collectors. Some brands like to take risks and try new things, while others stick to classic styles with just a few small changes.

So, what’s the right dive watch for you? That’s a tough one—because I’m not you. But I’ll walk you through how I think when I’m looking for a new watch, and maybe it’ll help you on your own watch journey. 

One of the first things I ask myself is: does the watch have an easy-to-adjust clasp? That’s important for me because my wrist size changes in the tropical weather where I live. Then I ask, does the watch make me feel something when I see it? Does it make me look at it twice? If I get the chance to try it on, I’ll check how it fits on my wrist. 

And finally, I ask myself if I can see this watch fitting in with my everyday outfits and lifestyle. For me, dive watches usually match well with how I live and what I want in a watch. So, let’s get into some of the best dive watches out there.

15 Best Luxury Dive Watches

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is the most well-known and popular luxury dive watch out there. It’s instantly recognizable and has become a symbol of status. The latest version of the Submariner has a water resistance of 300 meters, a 41mm case, and a starting price of $10,400 for the model with a date feature. 

You can spot this watch from across the room, and it’s easily one of the most talked-about watches ever made.

There are tons of videos and articles, like this one, that praise how great and nearly perfect it is. The Submariner has set the gold standard for what a luxury dive watch should be. Some watches come close, but they don’t quite reach that same level. 

Sure, some people will say other watches have fancier movements, better water resistance, or smaller sizes that fit smaller wrists better. But none of them is the Rolex Submariner. That’s why we’ll use it as our guide to compare the rest.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is a strong runner-up in popularity, right behind the Rolex Submariner. My in-laws know I’m really into watches—it’s one of my favorite hobbies. My mother-in-law always brings up that scene from the James Bond movie where they’re on a train, and a woman asks James Bond (played by Daniel Craig) if he’s wearing a Rolex. He simply replies, “Omega”. 

People have heard of Omega, but many don’t know what the brand actually offers. Omega has several dive watches in its lineup, and some of them have built a huge fan base. There are a lot of versions of the Diver 300M, but my personal favorite is reference 210.30.42.20.04.001, which has a clean white dial and a black bezel. 

This watch has 300 meters of water resistance, a date feature, and an easy-to-adjust clasp. It’s 42mm wide and 13.6mm thick, which makes it pretty comfortable to wear compared to other dive watches. The bracelet is 20mm wide all the way through and doesn’t taper. The Seamaster Diver 300M also has a 55-hour power reserve and a price of $5,900.

Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M

Let’s keep riding the Omega hype train with the next watch—the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M. The first time I saw this watch, I honestly thought Omega had teamed up with the Spy Kids movie franchise—but they didn’t. 

For a long time, it was hard to find one of these in an Omega boutique, but I finally got to see one in person. And wow—this watch is wild. It definitely takes a certain kind of person to wear this. I personally loved how it looked, but that’s as far as it went for me. On the wrist, it’s a massive 55mm, and it has an insane 1,200 meters of water resistance. 

This is a serious dive watch, and if you can pull off wearing something that big, this one might be for you. Right now, it comes in two versions: one in summer blue and the other in full titanium. The titanium version even has a titanium bracelet that Omega says is “sharkproof.” With a price tag of $13,800, this is definitely a watch that grabs attention.

Panerai Luminor Submersible

Staying with the theme of bigger watches—but not too big—next up is the Panerai Luminor Submersible 42mm. This one has a price of $11,700 and is one of the rare Panerai models that you can actually get on a bracelet. It features Panerai’s signature crown protector and has a date window at the 3 o’clock position. 

With 300 meters of water resistance, it’s more than ready for your next trip to the bottom of the local beach. One thing that really stands out about this Submersible is how easy it is to read. Thanks to the bright lume and large dial, you’ll be able to tell the time no matter the lighting or conditions.

Glashütte Original SeaQ

Glashütte Original has been around since 1845 and has made some well-known watches over the years. I want to highlight the SeaQ for two main reasons: it’s easy to read and has a very wearable case size.

Most dive watches tend to be on the bigger side and really stand out on the wrist, but the SeaQ is a bit different. It has a case diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 12.15mm, with a price of $10,300. 

Those dimensions make it a great fit for a lot of people and hit that sweet spot many collectors are looking for. The SeaQ comes in several styles—you can get it on a rubber strap, a fabric strap, or a stainless steel bracelet.

You also get to choose between a closed steel case back for a more classic look or a sapphire crystal case back so you can see the movement inside. Dial colors include green, black, and blue, and all versions come with a date window. Each color really pops in natural light and looks even better in person.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique

Blancpain has been around for a long time—almost 300 years, to be exact. In my opinion, their Fifty Fathoms is one of the best-looking dive watches out there.

One thing that really stands out is the bezel. It’s made of sapphire, which gives it a totally different look compared to other dive watches. It almost feels like you’re looking at a smooth, bubble-shaped piece of plastic—but in a good way. 

The watch comes in a 42mm case, and since it’s Blancpain, you know they’re only using top-quality materials. You can see that clearly through the open case back, which shows off the Caliber 1315 movement with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. This is a great choice for people with slightly larger wrists. 

It has a black dial, a date window tucked at the 4:30 position, and comes on a steel bracelet. With a price of $18,000, it’s definitely a luxury pick—but it brings a lot to the table.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date

This is honestly one of my favorite watches—and the more I write about it, the more tempted I am to get one for myself. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date comes in a few dial colors: grey, blue, green, and black. Each one has a date window at the 3 o’clock position, but for me, the green dial is the one to go for. 

JLC says each dial has 35 layers of lacquer, which makes it one of the most readable dials on any dive watch. The Polaris Date has a price of $11,100 when paired with the rubber strap and uses JLC’s Calibre 899, which offers a solid 70-hour power reserve.

But since JLC holds itself to such a high standard, let’s step things up and look at their higher-end version—the Polaris Perpetual Calendar. This version is priced at $36,100  and is still super wearable, with a 42mm case and a slim thickness of just 11.97mm. 

Even though it only has a 100-meter water resistance, this watch still brings a lot to the table. It even comes with both a steel bracelet and a rubber strap to switch things up. Wow.

Tudor Pelagos FXD

Tudor has really made a name for itself in the dive watch world over the past few years, and we’ll be talking about a couple of their standouts in this list. First up is the Tudor Pelagos FXD, reference M25707B/25-001, also known as the Marine Nationale version.

This watch has a 42mm case and is 12.75mm thick. The dial is a rich navy blue, and it features fixed lugs made specifically for a matching navy blue fabric strap. 

And let me say—Tudor’s fabric straps are some of the best in the game. No question about it. Now, because of the fixed lugs, you won’t be able to wear this watch with a steel bracelet or any two-piece strap. But honestly, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying such a great watch.

It has 200 meters of water resistance and comes in at the more affordable end of the luxury dive watch scale with an MSRP of $4,325. And if blue isn’t your thing, don’t worry—the Pelagos FXD also comes in matte blue, black, or matte black options.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Diving Professional 300

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer got a recent update that gave it a more modern look and made it more appealing to buyers. It has a 42mm case and an 80-hour power reserve.

There are several color and movement choices available. One version is the GMT model, which features a black and blue bezel, a date window, and a magnifier over the date. 

It’s a sharp-looking watch, although it might remind some people of designs from other brands. The light blue GMT hand pops against the blue sunray brushed dial. This watch sells for $4,600 and includes a quick-adjust clasp, perfect for fitting over a wetsuit. 

Tudor Black Bay Monochrome

When the Tudor Black Bay Monochrome was released, it made a big splash in the watch world—and after seeing it in person, it’s easy to understand why it’s been such a hit.

The blacked-out design looks sleeker and slimmer than before, making it more appealing to a wider audience. The case is 41mm wide with a solid thickness of 13.6mm, which wears well on the wrist. 

It’s a strong addition to any watch collection, but what really makes it stand out is the bracelet. The jubilee-style bracelet looks amazing in person and feels incredibly comfortable, hugging the wrist better than most others out there.

This watch hits the sweet spot for anyone into dive watches, offering 200 meters of water resistance and a solid 70-hour power reserve—all for $4,700.

Grand Seiko SBGA463

Grand Seiko has been gaining a lot of attention lately for their textured dials and impressive movements. When you look through their collection, you’ll notice they don’t make many dive watches.

But one of the few they do make, the SBGA463, really stands out. It was clearly designed with divers in mind. The watch is made from titanium, and its hands are shaped to be easy to read, even in tough conditions. 

That said, this is a big watch—it could give some of Panerai’s oversized models a run for their money. It has a case diameter of 44mm and a thickness of 14mm. If you ever stop by a Grand Seiko store, you’ll quickly see that every detail feels intentional.

The SBGA463 is a great-looking watch with the smooth, mesmerizing motion of its Spring Drive hands, and it comes in at a retail price of $7,300.

Breitling Superocean Automatic 42

One thing I really like about Breitling is how they offer their watches in a bunch of different sizes. The Superocean, for example, comes in 36mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 46mm. If you’ve got smaller wrists, the 36mm is probably the best fit, but I think the 42mm hits the sweet spot.

A great version to check out is the A17375E71G1A1—it has a clean white dial, a blue bezel, and comes on a stainless steel bracelet. 

The case is pretty slim at just 12.5mm thick, and it’s built to handle water with a 300-meter resistance rating. One thing I really enjoy about this Superocean is the strap options. You can swap in some colorful straps that give off major summer vibes for beach days, or just keep the bracelet on if you’re going for a more classy, Casino Royale-type look. The 42mm model on a steel bracelet is priced at $5,400.

IWC Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month

A lot of dive watches kind of look alike, but each one still has its own style. I think IWC picked up on this and dropped something pretty unique—the Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month. Just in case you find yourself stuck at 100 meters underwater and really need to know the date, this one has you covered. 

It’s got a beast of a case at 49mm wide and 19.4mm thick—that’s almost as thick as the thickest part of a Rolex Submariner’s bracelet.

This one definitely stands out in a crowd. It’s made of Ceratanium, which is a mix of ceramic and titanium, so it’s tough and lightweight. If you’re rocking this, people will know you’re serious about IWC. It comes with a hefty MSRP of $57,600.

Rolex Sea-Dweller

If you’ve got bigger wrists and want something larger than your standard 41mm watch, the Rolex Sea-Dweller might be calling your name. With a name like “Sea-Dweller,” it’s pretty clear what this watch was made for. It measures 43mm across and has a massive water resistance of 1,220 meters—probably the highest on this list. 

Inside, it’s powered by Rolex’s Caliber 3235, which it shares with the Datejust and Yacht-Master. There are a few different versions of the Sea-Dweller, but I’m a fan of the 126600—the all-steel version with a classic black dial. If you’re bold enough to pull off the two-tone version, more power to you. Let that gold shine while you dive deep.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

First off, that reference number looks more like a Wi-Fi password—but that’s part of the charm. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver has a 42mm case and is water-resistant up to 300 meters, so it definitely holds its own as a real dive watch.

It comes on a rubber strap, so it’s ready for all your water adventures. The dial is black with a cool texture, has a date at 3 o’clock, and there’s even an extra crown at 10 o’clock.

That crown controls the inner rotating bezel, which is tucked inside the case instead of outside like most dive watches. The case is 13.75mm thick—not too chunky.

I’m not usually a huge fan of the Royal Oak lineup, but this one feels different. Knowing it was built more for diving than showing off at a club makes me appreciate it more. On the secondary market, this model usually goes for around $16,000.

Conclusion 

I’ve mentioned “diving” a lot when talking about these watches, but let’s be real—most of them will never actually see 200 or 300 meters underwater.

That’s not really the point, though. I like dive watches because they’re super versatile, can handle everyday bumps, and they’ve got enough water resistance for everyday stuff, like washing your hands without worry. 

They just check a lot of boxes, which is why I think so many people who only want one watch often go for a dive watch. If I had just three seconds to pick one for myself, I’d go with the JLC Polaris Date. It’s not the flashiest or most famous dive watch out there, but something about it just clicks for me. It gives me that little spark. So, find the watch that gives you that feeling. That’s the one worth wearing.

Looking for some greener grass? Found it! Okay, well, it’s not really grass… but I bet you’re not interested in lawns anyway so much as the very finest in watchmaking if you’re here reading this blog. 

We’re here to talk watches, and this list of the best 12 green watches is the most vibrant and verdant that you’ll find. There’s a bit of everything here, from budget-friendly picks to supreme haute horlogerie. Interested? Then let’s jump right in and start mowing through this list! (Sorry. It was right there. Couldn’t help myself.)

Green Watches: The Modern Trend

Everyone says green watches are taking over these days. Heck, even GQ wrote about it. All of the top brands are releasing green watches right alongside the much more commonly seen blues, whites, and blacks that are staples of most catalogs. Why?

It’s hard to say exactly what the reason behind it is, but I think the real question to focus on is why not. Watch dials have been pretty limited in color and scope for about a century now in just the wristwatch world, and longer than that if you include pocket watches.

For a long time, blue was just about the only real color that you’d see offered by most brands. Now, the world of color is exploding. 

Rolex, notorious for their restraint and reserve, offered a shocking puzzle-piece Oyster Perpetual with emojis on its date window and colorful text instead of the day of the week. It’s a wild time to be a watch lover, and green watches are a great part of that trend. 

They’re more subdued and wearable than other colors that could be featured on a dial, like bright reds or yellows. Green is a cooler color, easy on the eyes, and matches a lot of the world around us. It looks great in a colorful but not too overwhelming way. In a sense, it’s perfect.

The 12 Best Green-Dial Watches

So without further ado, let’s get right into the list. We’re only looking at green dial watches here, to be specific, so don’t be upset if you don’t see your favorite Hublot SAXEM in lime green on the list (it has a mostly black dial, to be clear, so it doesn’t quite count. Believe me, I’m disappointed too.). 

All of these watches are highly wearable and most are pretty understated, making them lovely green companions for your summer days or touches of nature and color in the bleak winter ones.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Green Dial

The Carrera Chronograph is arguably the third most well-known and important chronograph, preceded only by the very illustrious Speedmaster and Daytona. For many, though, it ranks first in charm and class. In a lot of ways, it’s exactly what modern collectors are looking for. 39mm case?

Check. Chronograph functionality with prominent and elegant pushers? Check—and on that note, I think they’re my favorite pushers of any of the big 3 chronographs. 

The dial is the best part of this show, though. Circular brushing and a beautiful teal green color make for an eye-catching but not overbearing light show every time you wear this one out and about. 

Finally, I love the applied indices and hands that float above the dial: they’re complex and multifaceted, making for a really fascinating experience when you choose to dive a little deeper and really examine the subtleties of the dial shielded behind your watch’s crystal. For $6,700, it’s also a lot more affordable than its competition. Win-win!

Trilobe Les Matinaux Vert Soleillé

Trilobe is one of those brands that mostly just does one thing, but they do it so incredibly well that they’ve enjoyed a serious cult following since their first release in 2018. The Vert Soleillé, or Green Sunray, is one of their finest pieces, for just shy of $10,000 (9,000 euros). 

You get a good bit of customization with this watch, as you can pick either a 38.5mm or 40.5mm case size (both are fantastic options) and can also order the right strap size for your wrist (goodbye, annoying extra strap length!).

One of the things I love most about this watch is that it’s so classy in the way it only tells the time, but completely reinvents the way it does what it does. 

That is true innovation, something that we don’t see often in the traditional watch world. As for that green dial, it fades beautifully between a rich green and a more aqua blue-green hue depending on the light. Gorgeous.

Patek Philippe Cubitus 5821/1A-001

The Cubitus has gotten a lot of hate lately from collectors, and I would adamantly say that it’s completely undeserved. The case is extremely elegant and has so many dimensions, with an overall square shape marked with rounded lines and corners that break up what could have been a harsh and industrial silhouette. 

The horizontal embossing on the sunburst olive green dial is sporty but elegant, as all Patek should be. The Cubitus is one of the finest luxury sport watches to be made and is likely the greatest not to be designed by Gerald Genta (which rules out the Royal Oak and Nautilus). Plus, at just 8.3mm thick and 45mm in diameter at its widest point, it’s extremely wearable. 

The $41,240 price tag might cause a bit of sticker shock, but it is Patek, and one glance at the gorgeous movement (cal. 26-330 S C/430, if you care) should soothe that shock for any passionate watch nerd.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Green Dial

One of my close friends absolutely swears by this watch, and having seen it quite a few times on his wrist, I’m inclined to agree with him. The green dial with tapisserie finishing (that’s the little squares you see, much like the dial on the Royal Oak) works so well to catch light in some settings, but for the most part remains subdued yet textured. 

As the Powermatic 80 name suggests, the movement supplies a whopping 80-hour power reserve. Plus, you get an exhibition caseback and custom engraved rotor. The case itself is restrained but spot-on, with a 40mm diameter and polished bevels to contrast with the main brushing over the lugs. 

With all this, you’d probably expect to hear a $2,000 to $3,000 price tag. Good news! This PRX is available for a retail price of just $725, making it a great budget green-dial pick.

Grand Seiko SBGJ259

I love Grand Seiko dials. Setting aside enamel, they’re probably the best in the industry, and the SBGJ259 is no exception. It’s inspired by a Japanese garden path, and the gorgeous dial reflects that with vertical striping much like the texture of Côtes de Genève, with a broad variety of green hues to create the effect of bamboo. 

Thanks to the diversity of its green color palette and the texture of the dial finishing, it plays magnificently with all forms of light.

Rest assured, though, this watch isn’t a one-trick pony: it runs on the superb caliber 9S86, which is a high-beat movement (10 beats per second!) with the great accuracy level of -3/+5 seconds per day. Oh, and did I mention it’s a GMT? You can pick one of these garden path beauties up for $7,300.

H. Moser Endeavour Concept Centre Seconds Lime Green

The Concept series by H. Moser is a really admirable idea, in my opinion. They strip away all branding, all text, and allow the watch to speak for itself. And speak it does, through a megaphone.

Just look at that hammered dial, covered with a gentle coat of fumé green enamel for a gradient of color and texture, all while staying within a monochrome palette! The SBGJ259 sure has a run for its money here. 

At 40mm, it’s easy to wear and comes on a strap made of Kudu leather. If you flip the watch over, you’ll find the reverse end to be just as pleasing as the dial, as it’s one of H. Moser’s finest, the calibre HMC200 with a 72-hour power reserve, blued balance cock, Côtes de Genève, skeletonized engraved rotor, and double hairspring. All that watch comes for a lot of cash—$27,600—but boy is it a lot of watch.

Maurice de Mauriac Racquet Rallymaster III

This watch makes me wish I played tennis just so I could have an excuse to buy it. It’s just so darn fun. While many of our other listings here have stayed within a monochromatic green palette, the Rallymaster III works in a full rainbow of playful colors that all work together shockingly harmoniously. 

It’s a watch that barely takes itself seriously, if at all. And yet you’d be wrong to think it’s merely a joking affair: it runs on the Landeron 24 (a Swiss ETA 2824 clone, so it’s pretty solid) and is limited to just 100 pieces.

Plus, it was designed by Carlton DeWoody, a noted interior designer from Los Angeles. Tennis fans, this one’s for you with love from Maurice de Mauriac for $2,400.

Ressence Type 3 EE

Ressence, like Trilobe, has completely pioneered the way we see and read time. The Type 3 EE, like most of their other watches, features the special Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) module, which is, as they say, the reason for the season—er, watch dial layout. That eucalyptus green dial is subdued but elegant, and will really pop at night with blue-emission Super-LumiNova. 

Displayed in the watch’s many dials are hours, minutes, day, date, oil temperature, and running seconds. Wait, oil temperature? You bet.

This puppy is filled with oil from the dial to the crystal, which creates a stunning optical illusion where it looks from many angles like the dial is pressed up right against the crystal. Wallets be warned, however: at $44,200, all this innovation doesn’t come cheap.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 42mm – Moonshine Gold with Green Dial

This mouthful of a Speedmaster is one of Omega’s dressiest options, and boy does that combo of green-on-gold work well for it. The movement, Omega’s calibre 3861, deserves some serious attention in this review, because it’s one of the best parts of the watch. It ticks away on George Daniels’ famous Co-Axial escapement, one of the very best in the industry (if not the best altogether). 

Thanks to this little contraption, it’s achieved certification as a Master Chronometer for prodigious accuracy. This involves 8 tests over 10 days, with every possible attribute examined (magnetic and water resistance, accuracy in all six positions, etc.), applied by METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. 

In other words, it’s pinpoint-accurate mechanical timekeeping with a gorgeous exterior and a long history of mechanical innovation. The gold won’t come cheap, though: you can pick one of these up for around $42,600.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata

Whenever I do an article like this, I can never resist the temptation to throw an absolute horological stunner in there just for kicks. This is that watch. The Fiery Heart Automata is a ladies’ watch with a total of 7 animations and a flying tourbillon to boot. I’ll give you a second to pick your jaw up off the ground before we move on to the rest of it. 

It also features 107 hand-set diamonds (0.53 carats total), and an 18K pink gold case. But we’re just getting warmed up, because the dial is the real show. It features enamel and miniature painting and hand engravings, so a wide variety of crafts have been brought to bear to bring each one of these works of art to reality. 

The colors are bright and vibrant, and almost as eye-catching as the animations, which you’ll have to see for yourself to really appreciate. You’ll have to fork over $490,870 to put this little beauty on your wrist, but man, what a trade-off that would be.

Dennison Malachite Dial

Dennison is a relatively new revival that is known for one thing and one thing only: making affordable watches with quartz movements and gorgeous stone dials.

Typically, malachite dials go for a lot more than what Dennison demands at just $690. Many people love to write this type of watch off as “too ’70s”, but I’m a firm believer in the exquisite beauty of showcasing a gemstone in all its imperfection, yet with completely natural elegance. 

The case does a great job of putting the dial at the heart of everything, and it’s actually taken right from Dennison’s old catalog as the last case type they created before they went bankrupt originally. Sure, it’s not a mechanical work of art—but man, for $690 for a stone dial, I’d more than willingly overlook that.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot x Kermit Edition

I love fun watches, if you couldn’t tell by my crazy Fiery Heart Automata pick. The Swiss mechanical watchmaking world takes itself so seriously sometimes, and it’s refreshing when a brand like Oris creates something completely off the cuff and wild.

Petition to inaugurate “Kermit Day” as the official first of every month? Oris sure is pushing for it: the frog’s little face will pop up in your date window as a delightful reminder to relax, to find joy in the moment, and to not take yourself too seriously. 

It’s got a fun mid-range price too, at $4,900. Oh, but allow me to mention just how serious Oris is about having fun. They equipped their Kermit Edition with the calibre 400, which has two barrels and an insane 5-day power reserve with an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day. Don’t mess with the frog.

Conclusion

I hope you had as much fun as I did exploring some of the best green dials out there. From those that give the dial their all to those that turn it into a beautiful accentuation of the overall layout, there’s a wide diversity of options out there. 

Whatever your budget, whatever your style, there’s something here for you.