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5 of the best green dials 5 of the best green dials

5 of the best green dials

D.C. Hannay

A green dialled watch can be a welcome tonic from an endless parade of black and blue. A considered choice. A statement that says you’re not afraid to stray from the beaten path. 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 following roundup of five of my favourites covers a wide range of verdant tones, proving it really is easy being green.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Ceramic Compression Diver Automatic

Zodiac’s never been afraid to play with colour, and their newest Super Sea Wolf releases are some of their wildest yet. Last year’s menacingly cool black Super Sea Wolf Ceramic sported a deep blue gradient dial, but the newest references verily pop off the wrist with their bright white cases. One of a trio of new white ceramic versions, the bright green and orange colourway evokes the beloved “watermelon” Zodiacs so popular with collectors. The 41mm glossy white ceramic case is built with a steel core for added structural integrity, and features a matching white crown. Behind the orange-accented minty-fresh dial beats the in-house STP 1-11 automatic, which has been chronometer-certified, and being a bona fide dive tool, water resistance is rated at 200 metres. A supple tropic-style strap in matching green completes this very summery package, and as always, Zodiac offers a tremendous value play in a competitive field. The Time+Tide Shop is the exclusive Australian dealer for Zodiac. By the way, the Boldr Odyssey Freediver 40 is another option to consider if you love mint green. It’s a great alternative to the in-demand Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. US$1,795

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 yes, bling-ier past. The stainless-steel 40mm-cased Premier B09 Chronograph is based on one of their most beloved models, but the unique pistachio green dial is a shot across the bow of staid traditionalism in watch design. Breitling’s in-house 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$8,750

Zenith Chronomaster Revival Safari

Another legendary name in chronographs, the Zenith Chronomaster, looks great in its boutique edition Safari Green guise. The 37mm Revival harkens back to their glorious El Primero past, but the deep green panda dial is a modern twist. Another contemporary touch is the matte microblasted finish on the retro-styled case, as seen on the Shadow edition. It renders the colour a deep charcoal, which is surprisingly not a coating, but a result of the blasting process itself. And we would be remiss without mentioning the hi-beat El Primero 4061 movement, humming along at 36,600 VpH. A green Cordura-effect rubber strap coordinates with the dial perfectly, down to the tan stitch accents matching the aged lume on the hands and applied indices. US$9,000

Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date

Man, 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 timepieces, and Glashütte Original nails it here with its attractively integrated form. And it’s not just a looker: this dual-register flyback chrono also offers a 30-minute counter at 3, a panorama date at 6, a power reserve indicator that integrates perfectly into the running seconds at 9, and a unique 12-hour counter that sits just below 12. 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. Its decoration is on par with the best of Switzerland, and 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

Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition

If you’re looking to make a statement, there’s little else that will wake up the room quite like the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition. The teal green case and full ceramic bracelet cut an avant-garde profile, perfectly matching the iconic Aston Martin green of two-time F1 champ Fernando Alonso’s company car. This Laureato’s 38mm case (also available in 42mm) brings a great fit to a wider audience, and offers a worthy challenge to any integrated ceramic hype piece. The crosshatched dark green sunburst dial recalls the “AM” logo from early in the automaker’s history, and the bright white lume on the handset and indices offer great contrast. The caliber GP03300 runs at 4Hz, and offers no less than five different finishing techniques, on view through the sapphire caseback adorned with the Aston Martin logo. US$25,000