The watch industry has been in a blue period for a very, very long time. That’s because the color is incredibly versatile. Depending on the hue, blue can be bold and punchy or understated and elegant, hence why it so often appears on watch dials. A blue dial often offers more visual interest than a straight black or white face, but still has a classic feel. And it makes a statement without any garishness, creating a subtle focal point on the wrist. That’s why it’s long been catnip for certain collectors. Blue dials came to prominence in the late 20th century, with two legendary Swiss maisons and their game-changing Gérald Genta-designed sport watches driving the trend. In 1972, Audemars Piguet unveiled the revolutionary Royal Oak, introducing the now-famous blue tapisserie dial. Four years later, Patek Philippe launched the iconic Nautilus with a black-blue dial that would go on to become legendary...
