Red, it goes fast. That’s what is said in the automotive world, at least. In the realm of watchmaking, it takes a lot for the second hand to always do a round of the dial in exactly 60 seconds… no matter what its color is!
But precisely, the shade of the dial is becoming increasingly important. After green or turquoise blue, red might well be in vogue in 2024.
From the most fashionable to the most luxurious, here is our selection of timepieces for all styles and all budgets, that will help you see life (and time) in red.
Nixon Time Teller Rolling Stones
It was said that there would be something for everyone, so we start with a real stylewatch! A watch that purists will undoubtedly consider as a simple fashion accessory… and which certainly does not lack style.
Nixon has chosen to pay tribute to the Rolling Stones on their 60th anniversary, with a collection inspired by the famous red tongue of the rock elders. The Californian brand has opted for a “total red look” for its iconic Time Teller, driven by a Miyota quartz movement. For fans of Mick Jagger and his band, it’s a must!
Yema Superman Heritage
Since its return to the forefront of the watchmaking scene, Yema can count on an iconic model: the Superman. And while lovers of beautiful mechanics will mainly turn towards the automatic model (powered by the new CMM.10), the mortuacian house also offers its icon in an affordable quartz version, powered by a Swiss Ronda 515 movement.
We find its design inspired by the 1960s dive watch with its 39mm case, its double dome acrylic glass, its unidirectional bezel and its bezel lock located at the base of the crown. Released in multiple colors these past few years (green, white, blue…), the Superman Heritage displays a very assertive character with its sunburst red dial.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200
We change the record (and the budget), but we stay in aquatic environment with this new version of the Aquaracer by TAG Heuer. Waterproof up to 200 meters, this sporty watch features a ruby red dial that inevitably catches the eye.
The visual effect is enhanced by the 100% steel design of the bracelet and case. With a diameter of 40 mm, it is topped by a 12-sided rotating bezel that brings structure to the whole. The back, engraved with a compass rose, houses the Calibre 5 Automatic movement which provides 38 hours of power reserve to this TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200.
Oris ProPilot GMT
We take to the skies with the ProPilot from Oris, a “pilot’s watch” comfortable on all terrains, even more so in this red version. More than aviation, the watch seems almost inspired by motor sports in this variant where the fiery red gradient dial contrasts with the black textile strap lined with red leather.
However, it is the relationships it has with “some of the world’s best aeromedical organizations” that guided Oris in the development of this ProPilot. This is evidenced by the presence of a pulsometric scale on the bezel (to easily determine heart rate), in addition to the GMT hand indicating the time in a second time zone.
Cuervo and Nephews Grand Prix of Cuba
We conclude this little overview of watches equipped with a red dial with a little-known brand… but one we really invite you to discover. Unusually, it was in Cuba that Cuervo y Sobrinos was born at the end of the 19th century.
After a turbulent history, it was relaunched in 2018… in the heart of Switzerland. The Latin spirit is thus invited into traditional watches, with a neo-vintage design that is certainly classic, but very successful. Thus, this chronograph from the Historiador collection, limited to 162 pieces, pays direct tribute to the Grand Prix of Cuba that took place on the island in 1957.
Powered by an automatic movement CYS8099 (built on a Valjoux 7753 caliber base), this watch is both sporty and elegant, colorful and stylish. All with an assembly and finishes that are second to none compared to some more popular brands…
From the darkest to the most radiant, red is still appearing among numerous brands. We can think, for example, of the indispensable Citizen Tsuyosa, the Cap Camarat d’Herbelin with its Bordeaux striated dial, the gleaming Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades or the Exagone of Pequignet… not to mention the dials of several Grand Seikos, which often dress in this shade as a poetic wink to Japanese landscapes.
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