How to Style Colorful Dials Like a Pro

We all know, color can be intimidating. Yes, mint-green and acid-yellow are not the easiest to style, but, this summer, we say it’s time to leave these nonsensical fears behind. So, as your forever loyal advisors, we present you with this straightforward guide – pick a colorful watch you like, and we shall go from there.

Here are the five ways of styling colorful dials:

Go Green

Breitling Navitimer was originally launched in 1952 as a tool for pilots, and with it, the model carries a storied legacy. Yet, this watch has also proven to be incredibly versatile. If you would like to test the limits of such versatility, then keep reading. We looked at the Valentino Spring/Summer 2024 show for inspiration, in which we found this tailored look fit for the summer. The top part of this ensemble does have something about it that resembles a flight jacket. So, starting with a base of a mint-green shirt (preferably with a sash to create a sense of movement) and a pair of tailored burgundy shorts for contrast, you would want to build the volume up with a slightly elongated taupe blazer with a strong shoulder – Jil Sander would be the perfect place to look at. It’s also best to go for simple brown leather loafers, like these Boss ones, and avoid anything too bulky or anything that goes past the ankle. A white Bottega Veneta messenger bag and a black Dior Homme brooch should complete your couturian Top Gun moment. 

Nothing Mellow About Yellow

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has a rather firm grasp on pop culture. A true watchmaking pioneer, the maison has created some of the most memorable pieces, including this Royal Oak Offshore Diving Chronograph with a retina-busting yellow dial. A sports watch as unique as this deserves to be styled with a look of comparable impact. So, instead of going with athleisure, we chose this set from Diesel’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection made from a layer of cotton that’s been dramatically burned away to reveal color-splattered technical jersey. Complete this look with a spike-chain necklace from Ambush, GmbH riding boots with a metal detail on the heel, oval sunglasses from Gentle Monster’s latest collaboration with Maison Margiela and a classic distressed Balenciaga cap. 

True Blue

Now that summer is in full heat, the weather calls for a day spent on your uncle’s yacht or by the pool of that beach club you were, at long last, allowed to join. While, of course, you’d want your taste to shine through with the help of Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in stainless steel, the rest of your outfit needs to be on par with the high-class resort culture. So, working your way up, you’d want to start with navy-blue Brunello Cucinelli sneakers and Dior Bermuda shorts in gray silk twill. A simple polo shirt could work well with this look, but a pointelle-knit one from NN07 would make for a far more interesting choice thanks to its texture. And, yes, yacht trips and beach days usually call for a canvas tote bag, but why not switch it for this buttery-soft leather backpack from Marsèll? To mimic Octo Finissimo’s dial shape, we strongly suggest going for sunglasses with a defined geometry, like this rimless Cartier pair. But wait, there’s more, no poolside look is complete without some sort of a reference to the island of Bali, and this ring with lapis lazuli and mother of pearl from John Hardy will certainly do the trick.

Red Scare

There’s something so cool and utilitarian about Omega Speedmaster, so, naturally, we immediately went to Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons to lend us inspiration – and those two rarely disappoint. Because most utilitarian pieces are rarely made from materials with interesting textures (silk, velvet or lace, for example), it’s important to choose those that play up on their color or proportions – and this Prada vest does both. Unless you want to look like a firefighter, you’d want to avoid going head-to-toe red, and, instead, wear low-rise boxy jeans from The Row with an oversized white shirt (like this new one from Alexander Wang). Such a trick will allow you to have your watch stand out despite the bright vest. Once paired with patent leather Margiela tabis, the look should be complete, but if you like experiments, throw this adorable Prada robot earring on and a Marc Jacobs tote over your shoulder. 

Kaleidoscopic Vision

Generally, when it comes to styling watches covered in gemstones, especially if your timepiece of choice is as exceptional as Roger Dubuis Excalibur The Knights of the Round Table, it’s best to keep the silhouette simple and youthful so that the watch doesn’t seem overbearing or gets lost in the outfit. While this Excalibur would no doubt look fantastic with a simple white shirt, we decided to play on its unique color palette in a look that tells a cohesive story. Start with a silk shirt. It can be a short or long-sleeved one (although the latter does usually look more elegant) – our choice is this Versace number in baby blue, fresh off the Spring/Summer 2024 runway. If its plunging neckline seems a bit too daring, throw a tank top under. Then, go for bulky black trousers (these from Jil Sander should do the trick) and make sure they have a mid-rise cut to preserve the proportions and a slouchy silhouette. Footwear-wise, we chose combat boots from Rick Owens, but, really, any bulky shoe with a round toe would do. And, finally, because you’d want the watch to be the protagonist of your style story, go easy on the accessories – a subtle pendant necklace and a messenger or a clutch with golden accents will be your allies here.