Whether we’re window shopping at our favorite watch store, browsing our marketplace, or seeing what’s new at Watches and Wonders – everywhere we go, we see color. While black and white dials once dominated watch design, today’s watches are full of color. After the relatively subdued blues and greens of last season, we’re seeing more and more red on wrists.Red isn’t just the color of fire, love, and passion. It’s now also adorning the dials of many fascinating watches. As a color, it lends its wearer a special presence. (Anyone who’s ever worn a red dress knows what I’m talking about.) At the same time, red is incredibly versatile. Bright red communicates self-confidence, and darker shades convey great elegance. The watch industry is taking advantage of this flexibility to deliver watches with red dials that can be playful and summery, true statement pieces, or pure elegance. Our favorite watches with red dials also reflect this range, so let’s get started.
Seiko Presage Automatic
All the watches in the Cocktail Time collection from Seiko’s Presage line are inspired by different cocktails – this one by a Negroni. Not only does the dial capture the red of the drink, but the structure of the dial makes it look like you’re looking into a cocktail glass from above. The red-on-red date display is also a nice touch and works beautifully with the rest of the dial. In typical Seiko fashion, great attention to detail creates a harmonious whole. With a diameter of 40 mm, this watch is suited to wrists of various sizes. And it might be the most stylish watch with a red dial for under $1,000.
Longines Legend Diver
Longine’s remake of a diving watch from the 1960s, the Longines Legend Diver, is a trip to the past. And not only is it water-resistant up to 300 meters (30 bar, 984 ft), but it has a wonderful wine-red dial – a shade that’s also picked up by the Bordeaux-red strap. The watch’s 36-mm diameter not only aligns it with its vintage heritage, but also makes it a perfect unisex watch. And indeed, such a timeless shade of red will suit wrists of all sizes.
TAG Heuer Carrera
This TAG Heuer Carrera with a red dial is limited to just 600 pieces. It’s a chronograph that houses an impressive movement with an 80-hour power reserve. It’s also a looker, with a great vintage design and a diameter of 39 mm. The Carrera’s slightly domed crystal makes the red of the dial stand out even more. It’s definitely a collector’s piece that’s sure to appreciate in value, and you’ll appreciate the joy of having it on your wrist, too.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
With its reversible case, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most well-known and versatile watches in the world. The red dial of this model highlights that versatility, as this art deco piece looks just as stunning in burgundy red. The cool silver indices and hands make for a remarkable contrast to the red, and show that the clear lines of the watch are accentuated all the more by a splash of color.
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
The Tank Louis Cartier is proof of how elegant a red dial can look on a gold watch. Since its launch in 1917, this watch has been one of the most sought-after watches in the world. Since 2023, the Tank Louis Cartier collection also includes a model with a lacquered Bordeaux dial, which is made all the more elegant by the absence of dial elements. Its Cartier DNA shines through in the classic sword hands and the blue crown set with cabochons. At the same time, the red dial gives it that air of extravagance that we fashion-conscious women love.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Rolex’s 2020 launch of the Oyster Perpetual in five vibrant colors has certainly contributed to the proliferation of color in the watch world. The red dial of the Oyster Perpetual positively shines with color. This watch is a sporty all-rounder that attracts everyone’s attention. At the time, you might have said, “That doesn’t look like Rolex.” But looking back, we can say that it was the start of a new trend – and that looks a lot like Rolex.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59
At Audemars Piguet, the Code 11.59 is somewhat overshadowed by the Royal Oak. But there are so many masterpieces in this collection! Like this watch, for example. It is without a doubt technically perfect. But it’s also a visual achievement. So much so that I hope you will one day get your hands on this watch and take it into the sun. The sunburst, the gradient from dark red to black – with a bit of light everything comes to life and draws you into a world of perfection and beauty that’s almost otherworldly.
Summary
The world of watches with red dials is diverse, and encompasses a variety of different shades and price points. But you can’t really discover that world until you’ve chosen one for yourself. Only then will you be able to see how a watch with a red dial can add color to your life, attract admirers, and throw fuel on your fire for watches.
