5 of the best white watches

Cate Misczuk

With a slew of different lacquers, Stella and stone dials quite literally saturating the market, there has a been real affinity for colour amongst watch collectors in recent years. But with winter (in the Northern Hemisphere, at least) in full swing, I have white dials, white diamonds and white gold on my mind. Inspired by powdery European slopes and the exotic white sand beaches where we go to warm up, I wanted to choose a few watches with striking white features that might just make you forget about colorful Tiffany blue, mint green or Bijan yellow dials — at least for a moment.

Rolex Explorer II Polar

Whether you’re hitting the slopes, snowshoeing a trail or doing something crazy like snow-kiting, you’re going to want the Rolex ‘Polar’ Explorer II strapped to your wrist. A ruggedly handsome and durable companion, this watch has a white dial and matching white lume that’s adored by adventurers and collectors alike. The orange 24-hour hand is equally iconic, as is the signature Mercedes hand that graces so many of Rolex’s sports watches. But more than just looking the part this winter, the ‘Polar’ Explorer is plenty useful, too. The 24-hour complication of this watch is made for adventurers specifically, allowing those deep in the darkness of caves to keep from getting disoriented, or in the polar regions, where it’s extremely dark in winter and where the sun never sets in summer. The Oyster case is also water-resistant up to 100 metres, so if you happen to get off the white sand beaches and hop into the ocean, this watch is up for that challenge, too. Price: A$15,550, US$9,650

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in white ceramic

For those who need a stylish statement piece for their après-ski-and-beach activities, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar outfitted in white ceramic is the ideal companion. And while the glare-proof crystal allows you to read the dial clearly without your sunnies, I can’t guarantee the white-hot glare of this ceramic watch won’t blind those around you. Incredibly rare and cool, you obviously strap on this watch for the clout. But, AP has done an incredible job at making this watch look modern and refined, far from ostentatious. The slate blue dial with its signature Grande Tapisserie pattern is part of that balance, as is the balance of the silver-toned perpetual calendar dials. The white ceramic itself is also satin-finished with brushed chamfers, an impressive feat for a material that’s nine times harder than steel. Price: US$93,900

Omega Speedmaster Professional in Canopus Gold

Omega’s Speedmaster forged out of the brand’s exclusive Canopus Gold is an elegant spin on a sporty classic that can’t be ignored. Inspired by the fourth-generation Speedmaster style worn on the Moon (it was part of all six Moon landings, didn’t you know) this 42mm timepiece has all the favourites you know and love about this iconic watch, from the chronograph subdials to the anodised aluminium tachymeter bezel. Plus, I have to mention the sun-brushed, silvery step dial which is just absolutely iridescent against the black bezel and white gold case. But, what’s truly special about this Speedy is the use of Canopus Gold on the case and bracelet — an 18k gold alloy that is 100% noble due to its exclusive use of platinum, rhodium, palladium and gold. This combination not only ensures the white gold will stay brighter longer, but it creates an alloy that is overall whiter and more brilliant than other non-noble white golds. Just like the star it’s named after, this white gold watch truly shines brighter than all the rest. Price: A$89,875, US$54,200

Iced-out Piaget Polo Date

Piaget might call its Polo the pinnacle of casual chic, but this iced-out Date version is anything but informal. And for all the diamond-encrusted sports watches out there, there’s something about the Piaget Polo decked out in diamonds that is just utterly elegant. Unlike your Aquanauts and Royal Oaks that have sportier lines, the Polo was first and foremost designed for high society, and the way the diamonds grace the case, dial and crown just feels natural. Take a closer look and you can practically count the 80 brilliant-cut diamonds that circle the matching 18k white gold case. On the dial, a dazzling 352 brilliant-cut diamonds shine back at you while nine more brilliant-cut diamonds circle the crown as you spin it. Technically, they’re calling this a women’s watch; but clocking in at a very mid-size 36mm and featuring a super refined blue alligator strap, this watch will look brilliant on anybody. Price: A$106,000, US$65,600

Cartier Santos

Don’t call me boring, but I don’t think you can get any more classic than a Cartier Santos with a white dial. An all-around, everyday timepiece that always makes a quiet impression and never looks out of place, this famously square and screw-laden watch has been setting the standard since the beginning of wristwatch history. While the white dial and stainless steel case are a classic combination repeated across brands, there’s something about this refined, clean look on an icon like the Santos that feels timeless. With a history that started in aviation, this watch has continued to surpass the stratosphere of pop culture many times over, making it the perfect companion for the holidays and your holiday this winter. Price: A$11,500, US$7,050 (Santos Medium)