A timepiece is more than an ootd accessory. It tells more than just time. It is a subtle, yet resounding statement of the wearer’s confidence, personality and status.
The sophistication quotient of a timepiece extends beyond its shape, size, thickness or complications. Its colour speaks volumes. It determines versatility of wear, and channels style that underscores substance.
While blue dial timepieces have been around for decades, the recent trending of watchmakers presenting varying shades of this charming, yet masculine colour on their watches suggests that ‘blue’ is here to stay, for a while.
Blue is a colour that represents reliability, loyalty, intelligence, strength, wisdom and trust. It does not surprise that this timeless colour on timepieces has become insanely popular.
For the true gentleman, it is a must-have as part of the get up. If you are seeking a handsome and musculine blue dial timepiece to match any smart work suit and the weekend jeans, here are my top picks, not in order of merit.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time
The blue dial on the Overseas Dual Time features an intense character blue, drawing immediate attention to its dial design. What I appreciate about this timepiece is its innovative and seamless interchangeable straps that allows for strap change without any tools, on the move. This proposition not only allows the frequent jetsetter the convenience of the Dual Time, it also recognizes the need for versatility during travel through the ease of change of different straps to suit the occasion.
Most might expect an interchangeable watch strap to be loose or flimsy. Hardly. The interchangeable straps are sturdy, firm and solid; moreover, one can learn it in just one take. Not to mention, strap options are a-plenty, my favourites being both the leather and rubber ones in perfect matching blues.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
In 1994, A. Lange & Söhne introduced one of the most horological harmonies ever created: the Lange 1.
Over the past years, the watchmaker has thrilled collectors with limited edition renditions to this standout model.
As part of the #LangeBlueCrafts capsule last year, that Lange 1 perfect dial design – think golden ratio and the hidden isosceles triangle – with the iconic out-sized date, was fitted with a new blue-galvanised solid-silver dial.
The unique deep blue featured in this capsule collection (the other 3 models being the Lange 1 Daymatic, Saxonia, Saxonia automatic) is by far, in my opinion the most calm, serene and charming blue you would find in the market. Complete with an equally matching discrete blue leather strap, this already well crafted, exquisite and elegant timepiece is set to mesmerize and captivate its audience on another level.
Certainly, my Achilles heel.
Patek Philippe Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar
This reference 5207, first introduced in 2008 as the 5207P in honey gold, is a true and classic grand complication. The latest 5207G, a beautifully crafted tourbillon perpetual calendar features an exquisite, sunburst blue dial with perfectly matched crystal clear minute repeater acoustics. A timepiece with a soul, the minute repeater gongs telling, of a lively personality. I should add that the hand crafted repeater slide and lugs are superbly finished. This new model comes with shiny navy blue hand stitched alligator strap with squares scales that is secured with a fold-over clasp.
Patek Philippe Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar 5207G
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m
Blue is not a new colour in the family of Omega. The Seamaster was first introduced in 1993, and immediately the following year, it lands on the wrist of the MI-6 agent James Bond.
It has been an iconic timepiece for the 007 movies since. Most of the standard (time/date) models and the chronograph models include the helium escape valve at 10 o’clock position.
The Seamaster has evolved from the likes of the Seamaster Pro, Seamaster Planet Ocean, Seamaster 120 and the Seamaster Aqua Terra. This year’s 2018 release features a lovely appealing and polished blue ceramic bezel and dial.
The laser engraved wavy pattern on the dial is uniquely attractive. All indexes have been raised and filled with Super-LumiNova and the date window has been moved to 6 o’clock position.
The coming together of the ceramic bezel, perfect round number indicators, wavy dial pattern and the strong curves on the casing makes this timepiece both playful yet muscular in appearance.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph
A “Summer Twist for your Wrist”, IWC has recently revealed the very handsome and fashionable boyish, sailing blue Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (Ref. IW390507).
This blue dial with white sub-dial counters, has rhodium-plated hands and a red second hand on the chronograph; the charming white chapter ring that surrounds the blue dial provides an overall look that’s (deliberately) casual yet discreetly luxurious.
This calibre has a flyback function that indicates the measured hours and minutes together on a sub-dial at 12 o’clock, while the quarter-second scale that surrounds the dial allows for precise measurement of shorter time periods.
With the complementary resilient water-proof blue rubber strap, this timepiece would surely not only add a “twist on your wrist” but a skipped beat in your heart.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph World Time
Jaeger LeCoultre is a brand truly “made of makers”, it has withstood the test of time through generations of hard work and perseverance, with their preserved fine craftsmanship and innovative technologies throughout these 185 years.
From the makers of the torsion pendulum clock (the Atmos clock, 1928) that does not need to be wound manually, and gets its energy it needs to run from temperature and atmospheric pressure changes in the environment, running for years without human intervention; Jaeger LeCoultre has done it again, introducing another legendary timepiece, the Polaris Chronograph World Time.
For the frequent jet setter, this in-house chronograph with the useful world time complication is perfect for the world traveller.
This timepiece not only features two chronograph pushers, but it has an additional crown at 10 o’clock to control the rotating city disc, which one can set to the local city, and immediately see the time in 23 other cities around the world. Time to concede that this watch packs the strongest punch by Jaeger LeCoultre in its 2018 Polaris collection.
Related links:
Why Mechanical Watches will always have Prime Time
Vacheron Constantin: Overseas, the Traveller Collection
Jaeger-LeCoultre: The New Polaris
