Borna Bosniaks
Just a few years ago, you would often see reviews of green dial watches with comments about how they were hard to coordinate with an outfit, and how they should have gone for black or blue instead. But those days seem like a distant memory, as new models in green are released one after another, a staple in most brands’ catalogs. Depending on the hue, a green dial can evoke the newness of spring, the optimistic energy of summer, or the calm and understated nature of autumn. This list of our favorite watches covers a range of green hues, proving that being green really is easy.
Baltic Prismic Stone Dial Jade
Though a recent release, the Baltic Prismic with its speckled jade dial easily makes it onto this list. It combines the once-fashionable green color with the currently trendy stone dials to mesmerizing effect. Aside from the color itself, the indices are wonderfully thought out; even the short cut-off index at 6 o’clock is a faceted diamond shape rather than simply an afterthought. Price: 1,250 euros (leather, approx. 1,400 USD); 1,310 euros (mesh bracelet, approx. 1,500 USD); available from the Time+Tide shop
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
If you’re looking for the most striking dive watch, read no further. The Omega Seamaster is an icon in its own right, especially in its wavy blue colorway, but this emerald green version is in a league of its own. Omega has perfected the color of the ceramic, and pairing it with a green rubber strap makes it stand out even more. Powering the watch is Omega’s METAS-certified, Co-Axial caliber 8800, which is antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss, has a silicon balance spring, and a power reserve of 55 hours. Price: USD 5,600
Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph
Since a private equity firm restructured Breitling after 100 years of family ownership in 2017, new CEO Georges Kern and co. have set out to reinvent the brand, drawing inspiration from its deep heritage while distancing itself from its bigger, bolder, more flashy past. The stainless steel, 40mm Premier B09 chronograph is based on one of Breitling’s most beloved models, but its unique pistachio green dial is a warning against stiff traditionalism in watch design. Breitling’s manual-winding caliber B09 is COSC-certified, and the sapphire caseback offers a spectacular view of the column-wheel movement. A beautiful gold-brown alligator strap attached with a deployment clasp completes the elegant package. USD 9,000
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGH011 Green Birch
Any list of great dials would be complete without Grand Seiko, and that includes the best green dials. The Birch family has had quite a few models recently, but when this watch was released two years ago, the introduction of a new color caused quite a stir. Positioned as a summer version of the snowy birch, Green Birch is just as stunning, featuring vertical bark patterns from the forests that surround Shizukuishi. The high-beat 9SA5 handles timekeeping duties and can be seen through the open caseback. It features Grand Seiko’s dual impulse escapement, twin barrels, and an 80-hour power reserve. Price: USD 9,100
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
If there’s one retro watch that really gets me, it’s the stunning Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. The TV case, smoky olive gradient dial, and the expertly balanced layout of the multiple complications all appeal to me with a classic rock feel. I love the funky style of ’70s watches, and Glashütte Original’s attractive one-piece form does just that. German engineering is fully reflected in the movement, which is at least as beautiful as the front of the watch. It boasts a 4Hz frequency and a 70-hour power reserve. It’s available with a choice of leather, rubber, or a sleek, perfectly finished stainless steel bracelet. USD 13,400
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 Pine Green
The Alpine Eagle is no stranger to our roundups of the best *insert color here* dials. Whether it’s red, blue or green, there’s no denying that Chopard’s Eagle iris dials are some of the best in the business. This dial is particularly striking, with a wonderful interplay between the texture of the dial’s blank and the pine green color. Flip the watch over and you’ll be greeted by Chopard’s in-house 01.01-C, a COSC-certified automatic whose decoration mimics the texture of the dial. Price: $16,200 USD
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual Winding
Besides creating the world’s most complicated watch with a never-before-seen calendar complication, commercial news for Vacheron Constantin is the introduction of green to the Overseas collection. If you know how good Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas dials are in general, you would have expected to see green here too, given that they finally launched in green. I would like to take a more modest direction, namely the VC Traditional Manual Winding in pink gold. I may be biased, but I think this is one of the most elegant watches I’ve ever seen. The sunburst texture of the green dial gives it a touch of gold to match the case, interrupted only by the minuscule granular texture of the small seconds subdial. Add the elegant dauphine hands with bisected finish and Art Deco indexes, and you have one of the most accomplished dress watches on the market. Price: USD 23,700
