7 of the best green dial watches that made a trend timeless

Borna Bošnjak

Just a few short years ago, you could still find people commenting on reviews of green-dialled watches as being difficult to pair with clothing, and that it should’ve just been black or blue instead. Those times seem ancient by today’s standards, when more and more new models launch in green, the colour that has cemented itself as a regular in most brand’s catalogues. Depending on the shade, a green dial can evoke the newness of spring, the optimistic energy of summer, or the muted reserve of autumn. This roundup of some of our favourites covers a wide range of verdant tones, proving it really is easy being green.

Baltic Prismic Stone Dial Jade

Though a recent release, the Baltic Prismic with its mottled jade dial is an easy shoo-in on this list. It combines the once-trendy green colour with the current hot trend that is stone dials for a mesmerising effect. Apart from the colour itself, the indices are wonderfully considered, and even the short, cut-off index at six gets a faceted, diamond shape rather than being just an afterthought. Price: €1,250 (leather, ~US$1,400), €1,310 (mesh bracelet, ~US$1,500), available from the Time+Tide Shop

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

If what you’re looking for is the most striking dive watch out there, don’t bother reading any further. The Omega Seamaster is an icon in its own right, especially in the wavy blue colourway, but this emerald green is just something else. Omega got the colour of the ceramic absolutely spot-on, and the choice to pair it with a green rubber strap just makes the colour stand out that much more. The movement is Omega’s METAS-certified, Co-Axial Calibre 8800, meaning magnetic resistance of 15,000 Gauss, a silicon balance spring, and power reserve of 55 hours. Price: US$5,600

Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph

Since 2017, when a private equity firm restructured Breitling after 100 years of family ownership, new CEO Georges Kern and company have set about reinventing the brand, drawing on their deep heritage for inspiration, while distancing themselves from some of their bigger, bolder, and blingier past. The stainless-steel, 40mm Premier B09 Chronograph is based on one of Breitling’s most-loved models, but the unique pistachio green dial is a shot across the bow of staid traditionalism in watch design. Breitling’s manually wound Caliber B09 is COSC-certified, and you can get a great view of the column-wheel movement through the sapphire caseback. A lovely gold-brown alligator strap on a deployant clasp completes the elegant package. US$9,000

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGH011 Green Birch

No list of amazing dials is complete without a Grand Seiko, and the same goes for the best green dials. The Birch family counts quite a few models these days, but the introduction of a new colour was a big deal when this watch released two years ago. Positioned as the summer equivalent to the snowy White Birch, the Green Birch is just as stunning with its vertical bark pattern of the forests surrounding Shizukuishi. The high-beat 9SA5 is tasked with timekeeping, and on display through the open caseback, featuring Grand Seiko’s dual-impulse escapement, twin barrels, and an 80-hour power reserve. Price: US$9,100

Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date

If there’s a retro watch that gets me, it’s the magnificent Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. With its TV case, a smoky olive degradé dial, and the expertly balanced layout of several complications, everything hits me right in the classic rock feels. I love the funky style of ‘70s watches, and Glashütte Original nails it here with its attractively integrated form. German engineering is in full effect with the movement, and it’s at least the equal of the beauty going on at the front of the watch. It sports a beat rate of 4Hz, and a 70 hour power reserve. Strap choices include leather, rubber, or a sleek, immaculately finished stainless bracelet. US$13,400

Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 Pine Green

The Alpine Eagle is a familiar sight in our best *insert colour here* dial round-ups. Whether it’s red, blue or green – there’s no denying that Chopard’s eagle’s iris dials are some of the best in the business. This one is particularly striking, as the texture of the dial blank and pine green colour make for an excellent interplay. Turning the watch around, you can hardly scoff at Chopard’s in-house 01.01-C, a COSC-certified automatic mimicking the texture of the dial with its decoration. Price: US$16,200

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-winding

Apart from creating the world’s most complicated watch with a never-before seen calendar complication, Vacheron Constantin’s commercially focused news was the introduction of green into the Overseas collection. If you know how good Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas dials generally are, you’d expect to see it here, given that it’s finally available in green. I’d like to point you in a decidedly more discreet direction, namely the VC Traditionnelle Manual-winding in pink gold. I may be biased, but isn’t this one of the most elegant watches you’ve ever seen? The sunburst texture of the green dial gives it a touch of gold to match the case, only interrupted by the miniscule grained texture of the small seconds sub-dial. Add the elegant dauphine hands with their bisected finish, and the Art Deco indices, and you get one of the most complete dress watches on the market. Price: US$23,700