Laurent Ferrier Galet Ice Blue
As the watch-buying community has demonstrated, brightly colored dials are more popular than ever. Whether it’s social media posts, online reviews or brands’ actual releases, it seems brighter is better when it comes to these splashy products.
But is it the right choice for you?
Fleeting Fad or Permanent Staple?
Upon initially seeing brands drop a colored dial version of one of their tried and true references, it can be exciting to imagine owning one. What’s not to like? They stir emotions and lift one’s spirits. Instead of drab, they’re debonair. They’re cheerful and light-hearted. But actually buying one should take some careful consideration, depending on where you’re at on your watch collecting path.
Lessons From Cars?
The popularity levels of certain car colors might not seem to be a good comparison versus colored dial choices, yet there are lessons to be learned. When you’re driving, it’s natural to divert your eyes from the road when an exotic red Ferrari or ferocious yellow Lamborghini blazes past you on the highway. Though the stylings of the cars are a factor, the bright paint hues can and really do turn heads.
But despite glossy images of dazzling colors, most car buyers choose to buy on the conservative side. Many studies come to the same general conclusion: Over 65% of buyers choose either white, black or gray as their exterior car color. While that might be boring, it’s not surprising.
Practical Doesn’t Mean Boring
As with cars, watch color choices are often made along practical lines. It might be fun to be bold, yet most people prefer to have that style choice be the exception, not the rule. How many outfits does a white or black dial watch work with compared to a bright green one?
As watch enthusiasts, it’s important to recognize where we’re at in our collecting journey. The first watch we buy is rarely the last. Unless you have unlimited funds, building up a collection takes time and a learning process that can only happen organically.
What To Choose?
Colored dials can speak to your watch soul. When you’re wearing one, it’s common to spend more time taking sneak peeks at your wrist more often than if you’re sporting a less brash color scheme on your dial.
But the journey to watch nirvana is a long one. Don’t hesitate to start with more traditional black, white or silver dial colors. The hot color of the moment will come and go, and you may more easily fall out of love with that special hue. Balance your short-term and long-term watch ownership goals and you’ll always be in the collecting sweet spot. Most importantly, find the beauty in whatever you own!