Russell Sheldrake
With summer feeling like a distant memory in the northern hemisphere, vitamin D is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Our wardrobes may have shifted toward drab grays and dark blues, but we want to counter the seasonal vibe with some bright vibes on our wrists. season. To fight off the winter blues, there’s no more optimistic color than a punchy yellow. To brighten up these short days, here are some of my favorite watches with a variety of yellow dials, from mellow to halo.
If these yellow dials aren’t enough for you, check out these completely yellow watches.
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to the Sun
Due to the number and variety of Moonswatches, it’s hard to have one of these lists without featuring them. And from its original release, Mission to the Sun is the perfect fit to seek out a bit of vibrancy and color in this dark month. The bright yellow bioceramic case matches the vibrant dial. And among recent releases, it ranked 9th in the ranking. And this is probably the brightest watch on this list, and as the name suggests, it provides more vitamin D than the other watches below. It’s a lot of fun, and now instantly recognizable thanks to the rise of Moonswatch. Price: $270.
Citizen Strength NJ0150-81Z
Citizen’s “Tsuyosa” has been a sleeper hit ever since it snuck into Citizen’s lineup. Enthusiasts have relentlessly fueled the hype, praising the vibe of the Rolex OP/Oysterquartz on a budget, especially this bright yellow model, and I tend to agree. For less than $300, you get a well-proportioned stainless steel 40mm case with an angular Oysterquartz look, a still-super-hot yellow dial, and an integrated bracelet inspired by another Rolex icon (the President). , and the reliable Miyota 8210 automatic. movement. Granted, budgets change. It used to be a bit difficult to get this outside of Japan, but it seems like it’s becoming more readily available these days. Your best bet is to search for your specific model number (NJ0150-81Z). You should see some options in Asia (and now Europe) and a good listing on eBay. Happy hunting! Price: $450.
Doxa Sub 600T Diving Star
A significant departure from the cushion case aesthetic typically associated with Doxa, the 600T is an unapologetically cheeky throwback to the brand’s unique ’80s offerings. The sharp, angular look of the stainless steel 40mm case recalls the wedge-shaped body design of iconic 80s supercars, but make no mistake, the Doxa Sub 600T is still a well-functioning diving tool. Boasting 600 meters of water resistance, the reliable Sellita SW200 movement, and a very legible dial that pops out in bright yellow, the Divingstar variant is my favorite of Doxa’s many color options. Options include a stainless steel bracelet or a yellow deployant rubber strap, and a classic stainless steel or black ceramic bezel. I chose a bracelet with a stainless steel bezel for an old-school look, but no matter what you choose, this is a great and bold way to let the colors shine all summer long. Australian readers can pick up theirs here at the T+T shop. $1,415.
tag heuer formula 1
Go Go I’ve always been a fan of the TAG Heuer F1 ever since the original fiberglass case version was in all its colorful glory back in the 80’s. The latest 43mm stainless steel model is larger and has a sleeker look, but also offers a brightly colored dial option for those looking for something a little bolder than black or blue. Of course, I chose yellow, which reminds me of the historic livery of classic Renault, Lotus and Benetton team cars of the time. The sunray yellow panda dial is perfect for a lacy chronograph and pairs well with the yellow rubber strap. The black bezel provides a nice contrast, but unlike the original’s plastic, this one is rendered in black PVD stainless steel. Like the original, it has a reliable and accurate quartz movement, and is water resistant to 200 meters, which is excellent for a chrono. Price: 1,950 USD.
Breitling Superocean 42
Breitling is best known for its legendary Navitimer chronograph, but it has always offered a wide range of options, including some very capable divers. And, ignoring the perception that Breitling is too big for the average wrist, there’s the Superocean 42, which comes equipped with a yellow dial firecracker. Although the dial is a modern take on the slow-motion version of yesteryear, this is a thoroughly modern watch. Specifications include a stainless steel 42 mm case with a length of up to 300 meters, a chronometer-rated Caliber 17 movement based on the venerable ETA 2824-2, a ceramic bezel insert, and a choice of a stainless steel bracelet or black rubber. With a lug width of 22mm, this strap is a monster. Fall in love with your favorite summer looks. Price: $5,200
Hublot Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic
Hublot is a master when it comes to materials, and it’s hard to deny their excellence when it comes to creating designs. Although this watch technically doesn’t have a dial at all, the abundance of yellow on display here means it still enters the category. Limited to 250 pieces, they may be hard to come across, but just as hard to miss if you find one in the wild. The polished yellow ceramic shines brightly and perfectly fits the structured yellow strap. This is certainly not a watch for everyone or for everyday wear. But when I put this on, it always brightens up. Price: $29,600.
FP Journe Santigraph S
The Linesport collection is perhaps the most controversial of FP Journe’s products. But those who overlook it are at risk. This is where Journe can express some of his most creative mechanisms, and Centigraph S is where the brand seeks to diverge from the strict classical rules that determine many of its products. It proves what can be done. The lightweight titanium case is very dark, further contrasting with the bright yellow dial and luminous subdials. While the classic Journe dial is gold, this yellow is playful and helps tie it in with the rest of the collection. Price: $77,600.
