In the world of watchmaking, there are plenty of traditions and age-old manufacturers who rest on the laurels of tried and true styles. But then, there are the creators who love to take a risk, try something new, and premiere designs that turn heads and change the horological sphere forever. While we can certainly admire tradition and the iconic looks that have shaped the face of watchmaking, we also hold a place in our heart for more inventive and unusual timepieces.
One of the best ways to add a splash of innovation, style, or color to your watch collection is by selecting a luxury timepiece with a bold dial. You get the best of both worlds: a timeless silhouette paired with an unusual face that adds some personality and flair to your look. Check out our top picks if you are looking for a watch with a dial that’s anything but boring.
Richard Mille RM 65-01, Skeletonized Dial
When we talk about watches with interesting or unusual dials, we would be remiss not to mention Richard Mille. One of the newer Swiss watch brands on the market, Richard Mille launched in just 2001 – but the company’s relatively recent arrival on the horological scene has not made its creations any less desirable. Most Richard Mille watches feature striking skeletonized dials that give their wearers an inside look at the artistry and machinery housed inside the case.
The RM 65-01 is a split-seconds chronograph model that embodies the innovative and tech-savvy spirit of Richard Mille while adding some eye-catching pops of color throughout the watch. The exposed screws on the bezel give the watch a rugged, sporty look… but there is no denying the precision craftsmanship housed on the titanium baseplate.
With a carbon bezel, blocky Arabic numeral hour markers, and numerous chronograph dials on the watch’s face, the RM 65-01 is a timepiece like no other. Bright splashes of yellow and blue only add to this creation’s one-of-a-kind look, which is sure to be the subject of conversation in any room you walk into.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Dial
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut, often seen as the sportier younger sibling of the classic Nautilus line, is elevated to new levels with this intricate gem-set dial. This timepiece offers a versatile 38 mm silhouette crafted from luxurious 18K white gold. Strap it onto your wrist and feel the cool metal rest there, and you will be immediately transported to a tropical vacation, an island where the water sparkles like the countless blue sapphires adorning the bezel of this unique watch.
The dial is likewise set with numerous blue sapphires, including twelve sapphire index hour markers on a background of pave diamonds. The center of the dial showcases a chessboard pattern with alternating baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires. The royal blue gem lends its calming yet vibrant hues perfectly to the distinguished, elegant appearance of this timepiece.
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut stands out as a perfect example of the watch that has it all. Its blue rubber strap makes it incredibly versatile, wearable, and comfortable, no matter what adventure you’re embarking on. However, the unique pave dial makes it clear that you’re not just any luxury lover – you are a timepiece connoisseur who would never settle for anything less than the absolute best of the best.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Blue Ceramic
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line might be a hallowed classic, but this blue ceramic edition is a welcome departure from the traditional stainless steel look. Not only is the dial a masterpiece, showcasing the perpetual calendar complication with dials to display the day of the week, month, date, and moon phase – but also, the entire watch is draped in blue ceramic, adding an unexpected monochromatic flair to a well-loved silhouette.
The blue ceramic Royal Oak comes with a price tag of nearly half a million dollars… but I think we can all agree that it’s well worth the investment to get your hands on this exclusive timepiece. This model marks the first time the brand has crafted a watch with both case and bracelet made from the same ceramic material. In other words, it’s an aesthetic marvel as well as a historical milestone from a brand that has an unparalleled legacy.
SOLD! We recently sold this iconic timepiece to none other than music legend DJ Khaled, who rocked his brand-new blue ceramic Royal Oak to celebrate the beginning of the new year. In DJ Khaled’s own words: “Those that know me know when I get a new watch, just know more greatness is coming.” We can’t wait to see what incredible innovations this icon’s new watch inspires! Check it out in his recent Instagram post:
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Colorful Dials
Rolex watches are a staple of any horological enthusiast’s collection – but finding a timepiece that departs from more traditional styles can be a challenge. Luckily, the Oyster Perpetual line combines the best of a classic design with a modern flair in the form of colorful dials. (Don’t worry, you can also find these timepieces with more understated silver or black faces.)
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Celebration Dial offers a playful aesthetic with bubbles of bouncing around its turquoise face. Index dial markers make it easy to tell the time even with this busier look. The circles on the face showcase other dial colors you can find: golden yellow, coral red, rosy pink, and forest green.
Many people consider the Rolex Oyster Perpetual a sort of “starter” Rolex, as it is one of the brand’s more affordable lines. If you are hoping to start your watch collection off on the right foot or add a versatile, wearable piece to your repertoire, the Oyster Perpetual line is an excellent place to begin.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Mother of Pearl Dial
The Rolex Daytona is a classic watch line, and its dials are incredibly recognizable with their three chronograph subdials. This timepiece diverges slightly from the usual Rolex Daytona look by introducing a mother of pearl dial that adds a somewhat ethereal shimmer to this hefty watch. The 18K yellow gold case perfectly complements the effervescent appearance of this striking dial, complete with Roman numeral hour markers. The tachymeter bezel and Oyster bracelet complete the look.
With a 40 mm case, this mother of pearl Rolex Daytona is ideal for wearers of any gender. The size is not too large for men with a smaller wrist, and for women wearers, it is perfect to embody the trending “boyfriend watch” look. We love the Rolex Daytona for its tradition-steeped history, and this model ups the ante by diverging from the classics with a dial that can only be described as extraordinary.
Patek Philippe Twenty~4, Rectangular Dial
These days, it seems like circular watch faces are all the rage – but that doesn’t keep some brands from departing from the norm. We’ll be the first to say that angular watch faces are making a comeback, especially those with even straighter edges than the octagonal Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches or the cushion-shaped Patek Philippe Nautilus.
The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 line launched 25 years ago, back in 1999, and it offers watch faces in both rectangular and circular profiles. This 34 mm watch is the perfect petite size for ladies to wear – and in fact, this line is marketed specifically toward women. With a dial of rich, eggplant purple and a gem-set bezel encrusted with 34 brilliant-cut diamonds, there is much to love about Patek Philippe’s fashion-forward creation.
The dial is embossed with a wave pattern, over which layers of purple lacquer have been applied to create a subtle depth, an almost hypnotic feature that is hidden in plain sight. Complete with luminous rose gold hour markers, this timepiece is simple yet classic, and the rectangular dial is a striking feature that will certainly turn heads.
Hublot King Power Oceanographic Diver, Black Carbon Dial
This unique Hublot King Power watch was fashioned with diving in mind and boasts an incredible 4,000 meter water resistance (over 13,000 feet). Its matte black dial is crafted from black carbon material and showcases a subtle tone-on-tone checkerboard pattern. The watch’s oversize crown makes this a bold piece of wristwear, measuring a whopping 48 mm.
For anyone looking to make a big statement, the Hublot King Power diver’s watch is an excellent choice to turn heads without relying on bright colors to do the job. Plus, this watch is part of a limited run with just 500 pieces in existence, making it a coveted collectible in addition to an aesthetically attractive timepiece.
Make a Statement With Avi & Co. Watches
If you’re looking for a watch unlike any other, look no further than Avi & Co. We are a trusted secondary market reseller of the world’s most desirable luxury watch brands. Step into one of our three upscale showrooms, located in New York, Aspen, or Miami, to experience luxury wrist wear firsthand.
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