It’s official. Pantone, provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions, has announced PANTONE 19-4052, Classic Blue, as the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2020. 

Emblematic of heritage but at the same time highly contemporary and versatile, it should come as no surprise that blue dial watches have been growing in popularity for the last several years.

Here are ten you might not have noticed over the past year but are certainly worth a try in 2020, according to Tom Mulraney.

(click here for recommendations one to five)

6. Victorinox Airboss Mechanical

Who says a practical tool watch can’t also be stylish too?

Inspired by the functional aviation watches of the past, the Victorinox Airboss Mechanical has been created with reliability and precision in mind.

Its bidirectional rotating bezel is equipped with a slide rule to enable pilots and enthusiastic mathematicians to perform complex equations at dinner parties, while the inner chapter ring in red displays military time.

The 42mm round case in brushed steel pairs perfectly with the blue dial, while the red highlights add a further touch of contrast. Ideal for legibility and sure to attract many an envious eye.

Responsible for keeping things precise is the Sellita SW200 automatic movement, visible through a sapphire caseback and offering a 38-hour power reserve.

Water resistant to 100m, the Airboss Mechancial is worn on a brown leather strap, completing the subtle vintage aesthetic.

7. Gucci G-Timeless watch, 38mm

 

 

As one of the hottest fashion brands in the world, Gucci knows a thing or two about what looks good. And this special model from the G-Timeless collection definitely looks good.

Not content with a more conventional blue painted dial, Gucci’s watch designers have opted for the naturally rich blue of lapis lazuli stone instead.

In the House’s typically over-the-top style, gold-toned indexes in the form of the Gucci bee adorn the dial, framed by an outer chapter ring also in gold.

All of this is housed in a 38mm polished steel case and powered by a Sellita automatic movement, visible through a sapphire case.

Worn on matching blue strap in lizard leather, the closure features a contrasting gold-toned Interlocking G detail.

8. Michel Herbelin Cap Camarat Automatic

 

 

I Kill two trend-setting birds with one stone with the Michel Herbelin Cap Camarat Automatic.

Inspired by the idyllic French Riviera destination of the same name, the Cap Camarat incorporates two hot trends into one watch.

Presented in a steel case with matching integrated bracelet it captures the popular luxury sports watch aesthetic perfectly.

Its blue dial meanwhile features a horizontal stamped pattern reminiscent of the stripes on a classic French sailor shirt.

Measuring a comfortable 40.5mm on the wrist, inside is a Swiss made Sellita 11 1/2 SW200-1 automatic movement, visible through a sapphire caseback.

Waterproof to 100m, time is displayed centrally, with the date shown via an aperture at 6 o’clock.

9. Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph 44mm

Last year Ulysse Nardin unveiled its newly revamped Diver Chronograph 44mm, presenting a more refined and understated take on its popular ocean-going sports watch.

Like its predecessor, the UN Diver Chronograph features a 44mm case rated water resistant to 300m and housing UN-150 self-winding calibre.

The warm hues of the rose gold case and bezel provide a pleasant backdrop for the rich dark blue of the dial, which is accentuated by rose gold highlights and white text and markings for improved legibility.

Utilizing a tri-compax layout for the chronograph indications, elapsed minutes and hours are shown at 3 and 6 o’clock respectively, with running seconds appearing in the third sub-dial at 9 o’clock.

Worn on a matching blue rubber strap with 18 ct rose gold elements and folding buckle, the case of each watch is individually numbered on the side.

10. Ahead Of The Trend: Bucherer Blue

 

 

Blue has been a symbol of Bucherer since the company’s beginnings in 1888.

So much so, that Europe’s largest watch and jewellery retailer has created a one-of-a-kind lifestyle collection centered around the color.

Now Simply called BLUE, the collection is a result of exclusive ongoing partnerships with 21 of the world’s top watchmakers.

To date, 41 timepieces have been created, all of which play on and experiment with the color blue, framing and highlighting it in very different ways.

From the surprisingly understated Hublot Classic Fusion Bronze Bucherer BLUE to the elegant yet eye-catching Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Automatic Chronograph Bucherer BLUE, each model offers a unique take on the original.

And with Classic Blue being named the Pantone Color of the Year for 2020, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn there are more exciting collaborations in the pipeline.

 

About the author: Tom Mulraney is a 10-year veteran of the watch industry. He is the publisher and editor of The Watch Lounge, a digital magazine with a unique take on the world of luxury watches. www.thewatchlounge.com