Blue dial watches have seen an increase in popularity in recent years, but the concept is far from new. While in decades past watchmakers have mostly produced watches with white, silver or black dials, a few blue-dialed timepieces managed to make their way out of the factory, but compared to their more austere counterparts, the color is still rare on the vintage market, aiding in their collectability and making them all the more desirable.
Grand Seiko 5646-7010
What we like: Clean, vintage Grand Seiko’s are relatively rare beasts as it is, but blue dial variants are next level. In fact, according to The Grand Seiko Guy, the 5646-7010 only came in white and blue dial variants, with the former outnumbering the latter 30 to 1. In addition to that, the watch has a stunning, sharp case design that was archetypal Grand Seiko back in the day, and an accurate movement ticking at 28,800 beats per hour. Also, the watch features a faceted crystal, though the seller notes that it doesn’t seem to match the watch reference number.
From the seller: This is an absolutely beautiful watch in stunning close-to-NOS condition. It comes complete with its original box, certificate, and GS buckle that is attached to a Seiko strap (we have no way to authenticate whether the strap itself is original). On a timegrapher in the dial-up position, the watch is running at around +/-0 seconds per day.
Omega Seamaster Chronograph (Ref. 145.029)
What we like: The Speedmaster is not the only classic Omega chronograph out there; various chronograph versions of the Seamaster have become increasingly desirable on the second-hand market. This reference 145.029 is a great example, pairing a bright blue dial, orange accents and a cushion-shaped case into one well-rounded tool watch. Inside the watch ticks away the venerable Omega 861, the same movement used in the Speedmaster produced contemporaneously with this watch.
From the seller: Super condition case and dial. Just fully serviced and guaranteed genuine, offered with our one-year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation.
Tudor Submariner Ref. 94110 “Blue Snowflake”
What we like: Before today’s well-received Black Bay models and Pelagos, there was the Tudor Submariner, which is becoming an increasingly expensive beast on the vintage market, and it’s not hard to see why. The Blue Snowflake” model was worn by divers in the French Nacy back in the day, and the funky hour markers and hands inspired the look of Tudor’s modern divers. This example from the late ’70s appears to be in solid condition but features some awesome fading along the bezel.
From the seller: Excellent blue snowflake dial with creamy markers and matching hands. There is some spidering near the center post of the dial. The watch is running at COSC spec.