zach blas
On our Time+Tide Instagram profile, we often ask you questions and it’s great to see so many responses. why? It’s not because we’re too cocky about metrics. Rather, as the home of watch culture, we want to give you the opportunity to have your voice heard and be featured on our site. Therefore, be sure to take part in the survey and leave your feedback in the comments section. One of the latest questions we posed was: “What do you think is the most underrated watch with a dial?” Here are five of your picks that stood out to you.
We should be back soon with Time+Tide Team Picks, where myself and the rest of us will be announcing our personal recommendations.
Blancpain Villeret Collection
“Blancpain Villeret. Criminally underrated.” -@colincragin
Colin, I strongly agree with this statement. The Villeret line is full of classy watches with clean white dials and varying levels of complications, at least on the surface, and as neo-vintage models flood my IG feed. It is best known for one thing. But if you take a closer look on Blancpain’s website or visit a boutique, you’ll find dials in a range of top-notch colors and textures. And when you consider the fact that the rose gold Ultraplate pictured above on the left costs $22,700 and has an elaborately decorated movement with a 100-hour power reserve… Who is Calatrava?
Citizen Eco Drive Black Washi Dial Limited Model
“The Citizen’s Japanese paper dial is nice and probably more structurally interesting than the Grand Seiko Snowflake.” – @benrhphoto
Of course, the aforementioned Grand Seiko is known as an industry leader in gorgeous dials, but fellow Japanese watchmaker Citizen has a fair amount of flexibility on the subject as well. As @benrhphoto mentions in the comments, the black Japanese paper dial is a sight to behold. It is made using sand mulch and sprinkled with gold leaf, and no two pieces are exactly alike. You might also want to check out the dial I recently featured on the Atessa Layers of Time Limited Edition in partnership with Fujifilm.
Artya Depth Gauge
“The Artya Depth Finder has the most genius diver dial ever, and lets you explore its scientific basis.” – @persian_watch_critic
I have to confess that I’m more familiar with the incredible spectrum of materials used in Artya’s cases. Particularly striking are the colored sapphires, which react to light and completely change their hue. I also knew about sapphire-cased diver’s watches, but this looks like Artisans de Genève did their own thing with the Submariner. But thanks to @persian_watch_critic, the Artya Depth Gauge caught my eye. I often like the rainbow element on depth gauges, but I don’t really like how it makes the dial busier. Artya’s semicircular solution is very clean, preserving the colored radial lines and not only showing rainbow colors on the dial, but also revealing a true rainbow shape. For those who don’t know, certain colors are only visible at certain depths. Therefore, as each colored semicircle disappears from view, you can determine how deep below the surface you are.
omega seamaster railmaster
“Current lineup of Omega Railmaster! These brushed dials look absolutely stunning when the light hits them 😍” – @wildbezel
I’ve always thought of the Seamaster Railmaster as Omega’s direct competitor to the Rolex Explorer, but as @wildbezel points out, the Railmaster is much more interesting when it comes to dial options (while Explorer I is available strictly in black). While it is a very functional and robust watch, a dial like the brushed version above further enhances the look, giving the professional watch a high fashion, perhaps ‘rugged elegance’. As we reported earlier this week, brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne can be seen wearing this Railmaster among other Omega models in his new series ‘The Day of the Jackal’. can.
Straum Jan Mayen
“Straum Jan Mayen. I will continue to sing its praises 🙌🙌.” – @watchrunner80
I also recently sang the praises of Straum Jan Mayen @watchrunnet80. This was the piece that I fully nominated during my collection-building battle with Andrew at the New York Windup Watch Fair. These stainless steel watches cost less than $2,000, but feature water resistance to 100 meters, a comfortable 39 mm case size, a 68-hour La Joux Perret automatic movement, and, of course, stunning designs that add interest in both color and color. It boasts a beautiful dial. texture. Straum also introduced an on-the-fly micro-adjustment system to the butterfly clasp, allowing both sides of the clasp to be extended or retracted as needed. It’s a great value for money watch and the dial is definitely a conversation starter.
