If Pepsi watches are always very popular with watch enthusiasts, another evocatively named category also enjoys a nice popularity: “panda” watches.
Recognizable by their black and white dial, these models manage to be just as appealing as they are sporty. And if, like for the Pepsi, Rolex is recognized as the first brand to have designed a panda watch, many are those that followed suit up until today!
We propose in this article a selection of beautiful, affordable “panda” watches that you could treat yourself to in 2024.
What is a panda watch?
The red and blue bicolor glass of the Rolex GMT-Master gave its nickname to the Pepsi watches. The “panda” watches, on the other hand, were also popularized by Rolex, the Daytona ref. 6263 launched in 1963 is generally recognized as the first of its kind. But why did this reference inherit such a funny name?
A simple glance is enough to understand. A white dial, two black counters for the eyes, another for the mouth: the resemblance with the famous Asian mammal seems thus evident and the story tells that it was Italian collectors who were the first to mention it.
In addition to its “black and white” aesthetic, the Daytona also owes its popularity to actor Paul Newman, who made it his favorite watch. This 1970s Rolex has since seen its value skyrocket, it is now traded between 500,000 and 1 million euros!
Unsurprisingly, the enthusiasm generated by this model has inspired other watch brands, with “panda” watches having multiplied. Omega, IWC, Zenith have each in turn reinterpreted the famous two-tone dial, up to Audemars Piguet who has obviously outfitted its emblematic Royal Oak with it.
According to the versions, the panda has also been revisited, sometimes with only two black dials (but where is the mouth?), sometimes in “negative” version, with white dials on a black background (we also say reverse panda). We will see now that this is still the case on some vintages 2024…
Venetian Bucintoro
The Italian brand Venezianico embodies the essence of Venetian refinement and history through its watchmaking creations, and the Bucintoro 42 model is no exception.
Inspired by the splendor and majesty of the Bucintoro, the ceremonial galley of the Republic of Venice, this watch is a celebration of luxury and craftsmanship. With its 42mm case, it offers a perfect balance between presence and wrist comfort, while its design subtly evokes the iconic elements of Venetian maritime tradition. The dial is dressed in refined details that capture the eye, offering perfect readability with this inimitable panda style.
Powered by a Seiko NE88A calibre, its array is completed by a very nice leather strap, “made in Italy” of course!
Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph
The years go by, but its success does not fade. The Powermatic 80 is one of the most popular models of the moment, notably awarded the prize of “watch of the year 2022”. But in the PRX family, we also love this automatic chronograph which seems to us straight from the 1970s.
The 42mm satin steel case is accompanied by the integrated bracelet unique to this collection. While the panda design with the white dial and the three black counters is still present, the golden hands and indexes bring a “little something extra” that is very appealing. A detail that reaffirms all the good we think of this Tissot PRX.
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono
Purists will cry scandal, with the absence of a third dial. But if we exclude this “minor point”, it must be admitted that this Hamilton watch looks very proud! Especially since the same purists can remember that the original American brand was one of the first to yield to the panda trend, with its A chronograph launched in 1968.
55 years later, Hamilton continues its legacy with this model from the American Classic collection. A 40mm steel case, a beige dial with two black counters and a tachymeter scale on the edge, two silver hands and a black second hand: the set is elegantly contrasted, powered by an H-31 movement (base ETA 7753 Valjoux). Classic, timeless and devilishly effective… as often with Hamilton.
Vulcain Chronograph 1970’S
Since its return to the limelight, the Vulcain brand regularly delves into its archives to reinterpret its most emblematic models. In addition to the Cricket, the Skindiver and the Grand Prix, the 1970’s Chronograph has also been brought back in a very successful neo-vintage version.
If the original model boasted a blue dial with gray counters, the new Vulcain chrono also comes in a lovely bi-compax panda version, with a 38mm diameter step-case. Powered by a manually wound SW510 M BH movement, it can rely on a solid power reserve of 63 hours.
Depancel Elegance 24h Panda
DElage, PANhard, FaCEL Vega. The history of the Depancel brand is intimately linked to the world of automobiles and each of its watches proves it. This is particularly the case for the Series A, to which belongs this Elegance model (and we had presented you the Stradale watch).
So here we find some of the characteristic features of Depancel watches, such as the crown whose design is inspired by old-fashioned radiator caps. The panda dial also hosts a red second hand, emphasizing the sporty face of the model, while a flag inserted at 6 o’clock reminds us that this Elégance 24h is made in France.
SYE MOT1ON Panda Chronograph
Established in 2019, SYE is a French brand that is experiencing a growing success… and it is well deserved. It also draws inspiration from the automotive world, its 3 letters actually meaning ‘Start Your Engine’.
If the dial of this MOT1ON watch comes in various colors, it is indeed in this panda version that it appears most successful to us, especially with the blue hands. It also features a fastback strap changing system and is powered by the very fashionable Seiko TMI VK64 hybrid meca-quartz movement.
After the Bicompax 001 in 2018, Baltic launched its Tricompax with 3 counters in “panda” and “reverse panda” versions, which met with great success. We could also have highlighted a model such as the LIP Rallye, the Chronomaster from Nivada Grenchen or even the Rallygraf from Yema, but we had to make choices. One thing is certain: black and white dial watches are timeless… probably much more than those with a green dial or a Tiffany blue one, which are very popular these days.