If Pepsi watches are still very popular among watch enthusiasts, another evocatively named category is quite well-loved: “panda” watches.
Recognizable by their black and white dial, these models manage to be as endearing as they are sporty. And if, like the Pepsi, Rolex is recognized as the first brand to have designed a panda watch, many are those that have followed in its footsteps until today!
We therefore offer you in this article a selection of beautiful, affordable “panda” watches that you can treat yourself to in 2024.
What is a panda watch?
The red and blue two-tone bezel 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 this odd name?
A simple glance is enough to understand. A white dial, two black counters for the eyes, another for the mouth: the resemblance to the famous Asian mammal seems evident and the story goes 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 had made it his staple watch. This Rolex from the 1970s has since seen its value skyrocket, with it now trading between 500,000 and 1 million euros!
Unsurprisingly, the enthusiasm generated by this model has inspired other watch brands, with “panda” watches multiplying. Omega, IWC, Zenith have all reinterpreted the famous two-tone dial in turn, and even Audemars Piguet who has naturally adorned its iconic Royal Oak with it.
According to different versions, the panda has also been revisited, sometimes with only two black counters (but where is the mouth?), sometimes in a “negative” version, with white counters on a black background (also referred to as reverse panda). We will now see that this is still the case for some 2024 vintages…
Venetian Bucintoro
The Italian brand Venezianico embodies the essence of Venetian refinement and history through its timepiece creations, and the Bucintoro 42 model is no exception.
Inspired by the grandeur 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 adorned with refined details that catch the eye, offering perfect readability with this inimitable panda style.
Powered by a Seiko NE88A caliber, its array is complemented by a very pretty leather strap, “made in Italy” of course!
Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph
The years pass, but its success cannot be denied. The Powermatic 80 is one of the most popular models at the moment, notably awarded the price of “watch of the year 2022”. But in the PRX family, we also love this automatic chronograph that seems to come straight from the 1970s.
The satin steel case of 42mm is accompanied by the integrated bracelet unique to this collection. If we indeed find the panda design with the white dial and the three black counters, the gold hands and indexes add a very seductive “little something extra.” A detail that confirms all the good things we think about this Tissot PRX.
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono
Purists will cry scandal, with the absence of a third counter. But if we overlook this “detail”, we must admit that this Hamilton watch looks very handsome! Especially since the same purists can recall that the American-origin brand was one of the first to give in to the panda trend, with its Chronograph A launched in 1968.
55 years later, Hamilton perpetuates 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 around the edge, two silver hands and a black second hand: the ensemble is elegantly contrasted, powered by an H-31 movement (based on ETA 7753 Valjoux). Classic, timeless and devilishly effective… as is often the case with Hamilton.
Vulcain Chronograph 1970’S
Since its return to the forefront, the brand Vulcain regularly delves into its archives to reinterpret its most iconic models. In addition to the Cricket, the Skindiver and the Grand Prix, the 1970’s Chronograph has also made a comeback in a very successful neo-vintage version.
If the original model sported a blue dial with gray counters, the new Vulcain chronograph also comes in a pretty bi-compax panda version, with a 38 mm diameter step-case. Powered by a manual winding movement SW510 M BH, 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 this. This is particularly true for the Series A, to which this Elegance model belongs (and of which we had introduced you to the Stradale watch).
So here we find some of the features unique to Depancel watches, like the crown whose design is inspired by the vintage radiator caps. The panda watch face also hosts a red second hand, accentuating the sporty look of the model, while a flag inserted at 6 o’clock reminds us that this Elegance 24h is made in France.
SYE MOT1ON Panda Chronograph
Founded in 2019, SYE is a French brand experiencing growing… and deserved success. It also draws its inspiration from the automotive world, its 3 letters indeed stand for Start Your Engine.
If the dial of this MOT1ON watch is available in various colors, it is indeed in this panda version that it seems most successful to us, especially with the blue hands. It is also equipped with a fastback strap changing system and powered by the hybrid mechanical-quartz Seiko TMI VK64 movement, which is very fashionable at the moment.
After the Bicompax 001 in 2018, Baltic launched its Tricompax with 3 counters in “panda” and “reverse panda” versions that have 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, although very popular these days.