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Many of you who landed on this article probably already know what a sandwich dial is, especially if you just searched for the best sandwich dial watches on Google. But for those who don’t understand the terminology, no, a sandwich dial does not refer to a watch that incorporates bread or condiments into the design. Sandwich dial is a structural reference to a watch in which the dial and caliber effectively become the bread of an internal sandwich, with a luminous solid disc serving as the meat (or vegetable) in between. The use of cutouts on the dial gives the entire luminous disc beneath it a chance to shine, resulting in a brighter luminous experience than traditional coatings or fillings, at least in many cases. Still confused? Well…check out the best selection of sandwich dial watches below. Hopefully everything lights up.
Baltic Aquascape Classic Gilt Blue
Admittedly, the Baltic Aquascape Classic Blue Gilt is a subtle, partial sandwich, but you’ll recognize it as a Baltic Aquascape Classic Blue Gilt at first glance. The triangular quarter display is executed in a sandwich style, with each triangle acting as a window and revealing a solid nightlight underneath. I’m not saying this is a textbook example of a sandwich dial, but if you just want a bite instead of a whole sandwich, the Aquascape is not only a great dive watch, but also a very affordable watch. there is. . For those not familiar, the Aquascape has a 200 meter water-resistant case that measures 39 mm in diameter, 13 mm thick (including the double-domed sapphire crystal), and has a lug-to-lug length of 47 mm. The blue dial is framed by a blue sapphire bezel and is powered by a 42-hour automatic movement, and can be purchased on a strap or bracelet. Price: Starting at €580 (~US$595), available now at Time+Tide shop
Tuseno Shellback V2
On the Tusenö Shellback V2, the sandwich dial element becomes more obvious. Each hour index is cut out, and if you look at the date window at 6 o’clock, you’ll see that the date disc is subtly illuminated by cutouts made in the luminous solid disc below the dial. The shellback is a luminous Fiesta, and the bezel and Railroad Minute Track are also fully illuminated. The watch is powered by a 38-hour self-winding Sellita, has a stainless steel case, is water resistant to 200 meters, and measures 40 mm in diameter and 12.9 mm thick. Comfortably sized, reasonably priced, and generously lumed with luminescent details, including the sandwich dial. Price: $699
Wren Diver One Snow
Although Swiss-made, Wren was founded by American Craig Karger, who is also the founder of watch media Wrist Enthusiast. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Calger, a self-confessed enthusiast, strives to create a value-oriented dive watch with solid specs and desirable characteristics that make it a strong product for his audience and beyond. I did. His latest limited edition, the Diver One Snow, brings a winter feel to the summer category with an attractive smoked blue-white full sandwich dial. The 41mm stainless steel case is equipped with a blue sapphire bezel that matches the dial, and inside is a robust and cost-effective self-winding Sellita watch. The Diver One Snow has the bonus of coming with an interchangeable case-integrated FKM rubber strap and bracelet, and is limited to 100 pieces, so this isn’t a watch you’ll see every day. Price: $965
Bosel Sydney Diver Infinite Sunset Dusk Gold
As an Australian-born watch publication, Bausel will always have a place in our hearts, and luckily for this list and those in the market for quality sandwich dials, the brand also includes the Sydney Diver Collection There is. My personal choice is Infinite Sunset Dusk Gold. Its bright, solar-themed yellow color contrasts with the sandblasted and darkened stainless steel case. An interesting twist for Australians, or those lucky enough to visit Australia like me, is that the screw-down crown is filled with sand from Manly Beach, allowing you to take one of the most beautiful places in the world with you. That’s it. anytime. On a less romantic note, this 41mm watch is 12.5mm thick, has a lug-to-lug length of 47mm, and has an asymmetrical triangular shape on the crown side, resembling a Benrus military watch. Powered by an automatic Sellita, it comes with both rubber and leather straps with a quick release system. Price: $1,400
Oak & Oscar Olmstead 38
Back in our neck of the woods, American watch brand Oak & Oscar has introduced a sandwich dial format for its field watches, rather than the far more common diver. The Goldilocks 38mm sized 100 meter waterproof stainless steel case is 10.8mm thick and has a lug distance of 44.8mm for a more compact, vintage-like wrist presence. You can choose from a variety of dial colors. A full set of cut-out hour numerals reveals a luminous disc underneath. Inside is a 42-hour automatic ETA 2892A2 or Sellita SW300 movement. Of the bracelet and leather strap options, I would definitely recommend purchasing the bracelet. The brand list features 7 removable links and a 6-position quick-adjust clasp to fit wrists from 6.2″ to 9.1″. Price: US$1,575 (leather strap), US$1,775 (bracelet)
Omega Seamaster 300 Summer Blue
The watch on this list that I would definitely say is my favorite is the Omega Seamaster 300 Summer Blue. The entire Summer Blue series made a splash when it debuted in the summer of 2023, celebrating the Seamaster’s 75th anniversary. Omega tends to have rich configurations for each collection and model, but what distinguishes the Seamaster 300 from the Seamaster 300M is the removal of the controversial helium escape valve and the use of a sandwich dial construction (some stone dials It is a tradition-driven design that uses . The case measures 41 mm in diameter, 13.9 mm thick and 48 mm lug-to-lug width, and displays the in-house Co-Axial METAS-certified caliber 8912 with a 60-hour power reserve inside. You’ll save hundreds of dollars on the standard model, but Summer Blue is worth diving into, paying homage to the depth of blue the watch is made to traverse. To put it more simply, shades of blue are just “hot”. Price: $7,400
Panerai Luminor Quaranta PAM01371
Just as the unique crown lock is a Panerai signature, the sandwich dial is also a very common element of its design. Therefore, we knew that Panerai was a must-have addition to this list. The question is, which one? Having a smaller wrist, I shaved a few millimeters off the diameter and instead opted for the 40mm Luminor Quaranta PAM01371, which has a lower but respectable 100 meter depth rating. Inside is a 3-day automatic movement that’s perfect for weekends, and has the longest power reserve on this list. This isn’t the Panerai I’d wear with a suit, but its crisp white dial and compact size combine a more casual and elegant vibe, while still maintaining the spirit of a tool watch and the ruggedness needed for comfortable everyday wear. We offer the following specifications. . Price: $7,800
