Beyond white and black dials, blue dials are probably the most popular on the market. And in recent years, we have seen an abundance of new blue dial watches hit the market. And while some watches with blue dials may be cost-prohibitive. There are many that are actually affordable. In this article we take a look at most affordable options, as these 8 blue dial watches all come in stainless steel cases.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711
Price: $85,000-$95,000, Case Size: 43mm x 38mm, Thickness: 8.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46.8mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 120M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
When Patek Philippe discontinued to the stainless steel Nautilus 5711 in 2021, we all waited with baited breadth for what would replace the iconic model. 3 years later, we finally have the answer. The Cubitus has a lot of Nautilus inspiration but it’s square (hence the name). While we are sure the Cubitus will have a loyal following, we much prefer the original Nautilus. The 5711 is just an iconic, almost perfect, stainless steel sport watch. It’s so iconic that many brands use it as inspiration for their collections (including Patek apparently). With it’s unique blue dial, it doesn’t get better than Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref.16202
Price: $70,000-$80,000, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 50M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
You’re either a Nautilus person or a Royal Oak person. Okay, okay, you can be both. And that’s because both Genta-designed watches are so iconic. And the Ref. 16202 in stainless steel is the purist modern Royal Oak. Closest to the original released in 1972, this piece is 39mm in diameter, with blue dial and no seconds hand. It is also just 8.1mm thick. We have to say, the Royal Oak Ref. 16202 is the perfect integrated bracelet stainless steel sports watch, if you can get your hands on one.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 126000
Price: $12,000-$15,000, Case Size: 36mm, Thickness: 11.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
If you are looking for a wide range of blue dial options, it is easy to look at Rolex. And one of the most affordable options is the Oyster Perpetual Ref. 126000. This beautiful piece is really Rolex’s most entry level model, but there is a lot to like. Not the least of which is the baby blue dial. After the Tiffany Dial Patek Philippe Nautilus sold at auction in 2021, the price of this watch skyrocketed due to the similarity in dial color. It has come back down to earth a bit, but is still trading above retail.
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334
Price: $11,000-$13,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 11.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47.6mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 100M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
If you want something a little flashier, but still on the affordable side for Rolex, the Datejust 41 Ref. 126334 is a personal favorite. This piece is a little more ornate than the Oyster Perpetual, featuring a jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel. But it is the dial that is the true star of the show. The dark blue sunray dial makes this watch one of the most sought after Datejusts on the market. And we can surely see why.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Ref. 6000V/110A-B544
Price: $87,000-$90,000, Case Size: 42.5mm, Thickness: 10.39mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.5mm, Lug Width: 18mm, Water Resistance: 50M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
The first true heavy hitter on this list comes from holy trinity brand Vacheron Constantin. Yes, we could have chose the standard stainless steel Overseas with sunray blue dial, but where would be the fun in that. The Overseas Tourbillon Ref. 6000V/110A-B544 is everything the standard Overseas is and much more. The 42.5mm case features the same sunray dial, but also a tourbillon at 6 o’clock with a cage inspired by Vacheron’s own logo, the Maltese Cross. You don’t often see tourbillons in stainless steel, but this Overseas surely stands out.
Make sure to read our review of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon 6000V/110A-B544 here.
Czapek Antarctique Passage De Drake Deep Blue
Price: $15,000-$17,000, Case Size: 40.5mm, Thickness: 10.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45mm, Lug Width: 26mm, Water Resistance: 120M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
In the past few years Czapek has grown in popularity in independent collector circles. And the Antarctique is definitely their most popular model. While the Rattrapante Chronograph is their most flashy model, the Passage De Drake Deep Blue is a more understated option. It features a Genta-esque case shape and a deep blue dial with large indexes. It’s a great touch of vintage and modern for someone who wants something a little different.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III Ref. 5008 11B40 NAOA
Price: $18,000-$20,000, Case Size: 40.3mm, Thickness: 13mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 300M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
It is fitting that the only dive watch on this list would belong to the brand that (arguably) produced the world’s first modern diver. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III features a beautiful dark blue sunray dial with matching blue bezel. It is everything you would want from a Fifty Fathoms, plus sales of the watch originally supported Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment program focusing on conservation. Not to mention it is just a good looking watch.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph
Price: $18,000-$20,000, Case Size: 29.9mm, Thickness: 11mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.4mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 30M , Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manual Winding, Material: Stainless Steel
One of our favorite watches released in the last few years, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph is almost like having two watches in on. On one side is a traditional dial featuring a beautiful yet subdued light blue dial. But flip the case over and you are greeted with a beautiful skeletonize dial with time display, chronograph function and retrograde chronograph minutes. If you want something truly different, check out the Reverso Tribute Chronograph.
Check out our full review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph Ref. Q389848J here.