Color is definitely having its moment in the watch world right now. High-end luxury watches have been breaking out of their comfort zone for a few years now, throwing vibrant splashes of color on their dial features or going all-out with solid block colors. There’s something confidence-boosting about wearing a watch with a colorful dial, and like so many things Rolex does, the brand executes its brightly colored dials exceptionally well.
Colorful Rolex watches range from Professional collections like the ocean-ready Deepsea Sea-Dweller to classically-styled, everyday timepieces like the humble Oyster Perpetual. In this guide we are highlighting some of our favorite colorful Rolex watch dials. There’s a little something from everyone…
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller ref. 126660 – D-Blue Dial
That striking blue-to-black fade dial you see on this Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller is not easy to achieve. A complex process is performed in-house by Rolex to obtain this smooth color-graduating effect, which mirrors the beautiful shades of the deep ocean as light and color disappear the deeper you go beneath the surface.
This Rolex Deepsea is a commemorative timepiece developed in celebration of director, James Cameron’s successful solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The D-Blue dial is completed with the ‘DEEPSEA’ name in bright green letters (the same color as Cameron’s submarine) along with Chromalight luminescent details for enhanced legibility. The watch also offers features like a unidirectional rotating Cerachrom ceramic bezel for monitoring elapsed time underwater and a clasp with both Fliplock and Glidelock extension systems for attaching over the top of heavy diving gear.
Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116718 – Green Dial
Pilots can enjoy a touch of color on their wrist too, and this GMT-Master II plays with shades of gold, green and black in the most unique way. Instead of being classic black or incorporating the vivid blue colors of the sky, this anniversary edition of the iconic pilot’s watch presents the time on a rich green dial with gold text and luminous hour markers.
The dial is framed by a black Ceramic 24-hour bezel with engraved numerals filled with 18k gold. The gold accents on the vibrant green anniversary dial and bezel are complimented by its solid 18k yellow gold case and Oyster bracelet. If this GMT-Master II wasn’t desirable enough already, this rare and daring green dial makes for the perfect brightly-colored luxury timepiece for travel, work, and leisure.
Rolex Air-King ref. 114200 – Blue and Orange Arabic Dial
Breaking away from the norm, this unapologetically beautiful variation of the Air-King series is presented with a highly unique blue dial as opposed to the more familiar black or silver variations. It’s an unusual and slightly more contemporary design that not only nods to Rolex’s playful side but also the brand’s ability to constantly evolve with the industry.
Engraved concentric circles occupy the center portion of the dial, while contrasting bright-orange Arabic hour markers are placed around the perimeter. At the 6 o’clock location there is an applied marker in 18k white gold to offset the white gold Rolex coronet at the 12 o’clock position. This colorful Air-King dial looks like nothing else out there and will certainly appeal to you if you’re already a fan of the Air-King series but want something edgy and bold.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 ref. 114200 – Red Grape Dial
This time-only Rolex Oyster Perpetual certainly packs a punch on the wrist despite the simplicity of its design and its unimposing 34mm case diameter. Its dial is executed in a rich red grape color, making for a unique addition to any watch collection.
Regardless of whether or not you normally stick to the more reserved colors of Rolex’s catalog, this colorful dial still looks classic enough to pair with professional attire or your best suit. Powered by the chronometer-rated Cal. 3130 movement and offering a sturdy stainless steel case with 100 meters of water resistance, this colorful Oyster Perpetual is also tough enough to go anywhere that you can.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 ref. 177200 – Blue Roman Dial
Celebrating all the signature design features of the classic Oyster Perpetual, this 31mm ‘midsize’ Rolex watch will appeal to men with a slender wrist as well as women. Its mesmerizing blue dial is penetrated by crisp Roman numeral hour markers in a unique shade of light blue with applied markers in 18 white gold at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions.
Completely devoid of luminous material, the two shades of blue and white gold markers are complimented by a set of polished white gold baton-style hands. This mid-size Oyster Perpetual is a watch you can wear everyday for both work and leisure. Its elegant and easy-to-read display is protected under a scratch-resistant offering a clear and unobstructed view of this unique and colorful Rolex dial.
Rolex Daytona ref. 116508 – Green Dial
A deep sunburst green hue acts as the perfect backdrop for bright red accents and a trio of chronograph counters in this sporty Rolex Daytona. Crafted entirely from solid 18k yellow gold, this brightly colored watch offers a remarkably different aesthetic compared to the black and white color profile of the classic stainless steel Daytona watches.
If you’re a fan of gold Rolex watches, this unique twist on the motorsport-inspired Daytona certainly belongs in your collection. Currently considered to be one of the most desirable Rolex watches available, this particular version of the ref. 116508 Daytona sells for significantly more than its comparable solid-gold counterparts, simply because of its unusual green and red dial.
Rolex Milgauss ref. 116400GV – Z-Blue Dial
This colorful edition of the Rolex Milgauss enrobes the wrist with a dramatic electric-blue dial pierced by zesty orange injections of color and a green-tinted sapphire crystal. The signature orange lightning bolt hand pays tribute to the legendary anti-magnetic technology that defines the Milgauss collection and which can be found inside every Milgauss watch that Rolex has ever produced.
Without a doubt, this is the most colorful Milgauss watch that has ever existed. It swaps out the black dial of the original ref. 116400GV for the vibrant ‘Z-Blue’ dial, but keeps the bright orange accents and green sapphire crystal, for a truly unique and vibrant luxury timepiece. Appealing to those working in highly magnetic environments in addition to those with a fondness for the Rolex’s daring play with color, this Milgauss is a worthwhile addition to any collection.
From the expertly crafted blue dial of the Sea-Dweller to the red grape Oyster Perpetual, colorful Rolex dials are the ultimate way to stand out and express a sense of individuality while always looking stylish. So, which colorful and edgy timepiece will you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
