In the northern hemisphere the first official day of Spring is March 20. Here in Canada however it doesn’t feel that way until well into April. With the weather starting to finally feel a bit more spring-like, here are my green dial watch picks to help you celebrate spring-like weather on the wrist.
Related: 5 tips for buying a pre-owned Rolex
Although 2021 definitely felt like the year of the green dial (like 2020 felt like the year of blue), there are still plenty of green dial releases in 2022 to capture your imagination this spring.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 38mm, Bay Green Dial, Ref# 220.10.38.20.10.002
Released this very spring, the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M and the subtle bay green dial is a perfect fit for spring. The dial is a nicely muted green in a sunburst finish. And the 38mm case in stainless steel makes it extremely wearable. It should be in stores in the near future.
Green dial watches: IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, Ref# IW388104
Coming in at a nice 41mm this would be my IWC green dial of preference. I do like the simpler look of the Big Pilot. But coming in at just of 46mm, the size alone makes it a pass for me. The chronograph 41 has classic chronograph looks, with an equally classic deep green dial. Highlights for me are the red subdial hand at 6 o’clock and the date plus day displayed at 3 o’clock.
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41, Ref# AB0139211L1P1
The updated but classic styling of the Navitimer B01 has always been a personal favourite. How can anyone deny the lasting power of the classic and iconic Breitling Navitimer? The soft green dial of this particular reference is a breath of fresh air and definitely has strong spring vibes. Nicely matched with a brown leather strap on a very wearable 41mm case.
Grand Seiko Ref# SBGW285
This Grand Seiko with its deep green dial is actually inspired by the greens experienced in late summer in the mountains of Japan. Grand Seiko knows how to make a simple three hander look like simple and refined work of art. With a manual wind movement and a 37.3mm case I could definitely make room for this in my spring rotation of daily wear watches.
Patek Phillippe Ref# 5270P-014
Part of the 5270 Grand Complication series from Patek Philippe, this watch is a 2022 release. Platinum 41mm case, manual wind, Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar, Day/Night indicator, Date by hand, Moon Phase, and leap year indicated in an aperture opposite the day/night indication. All of this housed in a very manageable 12.4mm thick case. Did we expect anything less from Patek? It’s a great dial for spring. But I’d wear this one any season.
Best watches for men: Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro ESteel Verde Smeraldo
With a gradient green dial and a matching green ceramic bezel in a 44mm case, Panerai has done a great job of hopping on the green dial bandwagon. The case is made from Panerai’s eSteel. They describe it as a next-generation material with the same properties of conventional steel but made of up of 95% recycled steel. I tend to be partial to metal bracelets, but happen to like the cloth strap, also in green.
Rolex Datejust 41, Mint Green Dial, ref#126334
I’m a big fan of the Datejust 41, and a proponent of its classic iteration with jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel. The Datejust is a classic piece. I think that you need to tread lightly when moving away from classic colours and variations. Rolex has done a great job here of providing something fresh for 2022 in this mint green dial. Sure, it is still a fairly conservative dial, but it’s different, new, just the sort of thing Rolex should do more of. And yes, it reminds me of spring.
Colin Potts is founder of Watch off the Cuff, a watch repair service based in Milton, Ontario, and a member of the Horology Society of New York in support of advancing the art and science of horology. Top photo via Breitling.
