The best yellow dial watches for a bit of sunshine on your wrist

Russell Sheldrake

Summer feels like a distant memory in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s getting harder to find some vitamin D. While our wardrobe might be shifting towards sombre greys and dark blues, we want to go for a sunnier outlook on the wrist to combat the vibes of the season – and there’s no more optimistic colour than a punchy yellow for banishing those winter blues. To help brighten these shorter days, here are a handful of my favourite watches that sport yellow dials that range from mellow to HELLO!

Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch Mission to the Sun

Thanks to the sheer number and variety of the MoonSwatch, it’s hard to have one of these lists without featuring one. And from the original release, the Mission to the Sun fits perfectly in this pursuit of a bit of vibrancy and colour during these darker months. The bright yellow case in Bioceramic matching the vibrant dial, and out of all the recent releases, we placed it 9th in our ranking. This is possibly the brightest watch on this list, and as its namesake suggests, will deliver more vitamin D than anything else below. A super fun piece that is almost instantly recognisable now thanks to the rise and rise of the MoonSwatch. Price: US$270

Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0150-81Z

Citizen’s Tsuyosa has been a sleeper hit ever since it tiptoed its way into Citizen’s lineup. Enthusiasts have relentlessly stoked the boiler of the hype train, praising its Rolex OP/Oysterquartz vibes on a budget, especially this vibrant yellow variant, and I’m inclined to agree. For under US$300, you’ll get a well-proportioned stainless 40mm case with that angled Oysterquartz look, the still ultra-hot yellow dial, an integrated bracelet that riffs on another Rolex icon (the President), and a reliable Miyota 8210 automatic movement. Budget balling, indeed. Laying hands on one outside of Japan has been something of a wrench, but recently, it looks like it’s becoming more readily available. Your best bet is to search the specific model number (NJ0150-81Z), and you should see some options in Asia (and now Europe), as well as a good selection of eBay listings. Happy hunting! Price: US$450

Doxa Sub 600T Divingstar

A steep departure from the cushion-cased aesthetic typically associated with Doxa, the 600T is an unapologetically brash throwback to the brand’s unique ‘80s offerings. The sharp, angular countenance of the stainless 40mm case recalls all those iconic ‘-80s supercars’ wedgelike body designs, but make no mistake, the Doxa Sub 600T is still a properly capable dive tool. Boasting 600 metres of water resistance, a reliable Sellita SW200 movement, and that super-legible dial popping with bright yellow, the Divingstar variant is my favourite of Doxa’s many colourways. Options include your choice of a stainless bracelet or yellow deployant rubber strap, and either a classic stainless or black ceramic bezel. My choice is the bracelet with stainless bezel for those old-school looks, but whatever you choose, this is a fantastically bold way to fly your colours all summer long. And Australian readers can get their own right here in the T+T Shop. Price: US$1,415

TAG Heuer Formula 1

I’ve always been a fan of the TAG Heuer F1, ever since the original fibreglass-cased version was unleashed in all its colourful glory during the go-go ‘80s. The modern 43mm steel iterations are larger and more refined-looking, but still offer those brightly coloured dial options for those that are looking for something a bit bolder than black or blue. Of course, the yellow is my pick, recalling the historic liveries of classic Renault, Lotus, and Benetton cars from back in the day. The sunray yellow panda dial is perfect for a racy chronograph, and pairs nicely with a yellow rubber strap. The black bezel makes for great contrast, but unlike the plastic originals, this one’s rendered in black PVD. Like the originals, it features a reliable and accurate quartz movement, and is water resistant to 200 metres, pretty stellar for a chrono. Price: US1,950

Breitling Superocean Automatic 42

Breitling is rightly known for its legendary Navitimer chronograph, but it has always offered a broad range of options, including some pretty capable divers. And flying in the face of the perception that Breitlings are too big for the average wrist, we have the Superocean 42, and this one comes equipped with a firecracker of a yellow dial. The dial is a contemporary take on the SlowMotion versions of yesteryear, but this is a thoroughly modern timepiece. Specs include a 42mm steel case good to 300 metres, a chronometer-rated Caliber 17 movement based on the venerable ETA 2824-2, a ceramic bezel insert, and your choice of a stainless bracelet or black rubber. And with a 22mm lug width, this thing’s a real strap monster, so go nuts with your favourite summertime looks. Price: US$5,200

Hublot Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic

Hublot is a master when it comes to materials, and it’s hard to deny its inventiveness when it comes to creating designs, too. While this watch technically lacks any dial whatsoever, the abundance of yellow on display here means it still makes its way into this category. Limited to 250 pieces, it can be hard to come across, but it’s just as hard to miss when you do spot one in the wild. The polished yellow ceramic shines brightly and goes straight into the structured yellow strap. This is certainly not going to be a watch for everyone, or to wear every day – but its will certainly brighten any day you choose to wear it on. Price: US$29,600

F.P. Journe Centigraphe S

The Linesport collection is perhaps the most controversial of all of F.P. Journe’s offering. But those who overlook it, do so at their peril. This is where Journe is able to express some of his most creative mechanics, and the Centigraphe S is proof of what the brand is capable of when it looks to branch away from the strict classical rules that dictate so much of its output. The lightweight, titanium case is super dark and contrasts the bright yellow dial and luminous sub-dials, allowing it to pop even more. While the classic Journe dial is gold, this yellow is a playful take on it, helping tie it into the rest of the collection. Price: US$77,600