Trend Focus: Green vs. Blue Dial Watches – Is Green the New Blue?  

A trend is emerging among luxury watchmakers, who are increasingly offering green dial watches and finding plenty of buyers for them. Whether it’s Rolex, Patek Philippe, or one of the other great Swiss watchmakers, green has become one of the most in-demand colors for dials. Green might even rival blue dial watches in popularity.

From Blue to Green: How Dial Trends Evolve

Blue is a popular color that works well for virtually all occasions. The color’s nearly universal popularity and appeal have helped make blue dial watches among the most sought in the world of luxury watches, whether it’s a Rolex Submariner, a Patek Philippe Nautilus, or another terrific watch. Blue dial watches also go well with just about any clothing style or color, but green is challenging blue as the color of choice among buyers and watchmakers alike.

Rolex: Setting the Standard for Color Trends

No color is more popular for Rolex dials than blue, although there are many close competitors, including green. Whether wearing a Rolex Submariner dive watch, a Rolex Daytona chronograph, or another great model, a Rolex blue dial works very well for reading the time and any complications that might be added.

Green works equally well, though. That’s why Rolex was the first Swiss watchmaker to offer a green dial on its watches, starting with the Submariner, Day-Date, and Datejust models. A green dial also offers a unique and attractive alternative to blue and other colors.

Audemars Piguet & Patek Philippe: Redefining Classic Hues

Audemars Piguet makes iconic Swiss watches, none more so than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which it introduced in 1972. The Royal Oak is a very sporty chronograph watch that lasts a very long time due to its exceptional components and craftsmanship. Two decades after its debut, Audemars Piguet added the Royal Oak Offshore model in 1993.

Patek Philippe is another classic watchmaker that spent the past century firmly establishing itself as one of the best Swiss watch brands. Many of its classic models fetch very high prices at auctions and in private sales. Whether you prefer an Audemars Piguet or a Patek Philippe, you can find models with blue or green dials, and other colors that ensure you get the perfect wearable timepiece.

Richard Mille & Vacheron Constantin: Statement Through Color

Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watchmaker and has been in business since 1755. It’s lasted that long because of its dedication to meticulous watchmaking and producing elegant designs that include green dial watches. Richard Mille is a relative newcomer that was founded in 2001 and specializes in clockwork watches that show their internals. A quality Richard Mille watch looks very modern and even futuristic, which offers a nice contrast to the more traditional models produced by Vacheron Constantin and several others.

What Makes Green the “New Blue”

The green dial watch is the new blue due to its more unique appearance that does not compromise the look, function, or style of a first-rate Swiss watch. Green comes in many hues and offers a great background that contrasts nicely with watch hands and complications, like day and date functions. Green works terrifically in a variety of settings and on many styles of watches. Today, virtually all quality watchmakers offer green dial watches, but Rolex started the trend and set the standard.

What Collectors Should Watch For

Pantone in 2020 ranked the colors Biscay green and chive among its top 12 colors for the year, and the demand for those and other green hues has risen over the past few years. Odds are that trend will continue. Collectors should keep an eye out for new green dial watch versions of classic designs that represent a new innovation. They also should watch for new models that come in green that stand a good chance of growing in popularity and value over several decades.

A Glimpse Ahead: Where Innovation Meets Legacy

The world’s best watchmakers introduced new innovations and debuted new models during the four-day Geneva Watch Days 2025 event in September. The showcase reaffirms Geneva’s status as the heart of luxury watchmaking and the nation’s continued global dominance. Swiss watchmakers have always been at the forefront of continual evolution by combining timeless watch design with modern technology.

When you want a Swiss watch that is a true modern classic, you can contact our watch specialists at Wolvyn for expert help.