Petrol, a color that can be described as an elusive blend between blue and teal, captures the essence of the deep sea, the mystery of an inky starry night, and the serene tranquility of a calm lake. When encircled by gold or steel it also serves as one the biggest dial trends in new timepieces this year.
Courtesy of Grand Seiko
Tentagraph, Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko’s first mechanical chronograph pulls its name from its technology—ten beats per second, three-day power reserve, automatic chronograph. The dial pattern is inspired by the contours of Mt. Iwate with a gentle blue hue drawn from the night sky above the mountain. $13,700
Courtesy of Rolex
Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, Rolex
The bright blue dial available exclusively on the Sky-Dweller watch enhances the color’s desirability. A deep red rectangle in one of the 12 windows around the dial indicated the current month, a striking characteristic of the Saros annual calendar. $15,650
Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179, Jaeger-LeCoultre
The gyrotourbillon cage of this timepiece completes a full 360-degree rotation every 16 seconds beneath a polished dark blue lacquer
dial. By flipping the watch, a second time zone is revealed. This watch is limited edition, with only 10 pieces available.
Courtesy of Alpina
Extreme Automatic Blue, Alpina
A blue dial with triangle pattern is contained in a three-part brushed stainless steel case for the Alpiner Extreme Automatic Blue. The timepiece takes a step away from the rugged and into the refined with an integrated steel bracelet. $2,095
Courtesy of Patek Philippe
Annual Calendar Chronograph 5905R, Patek Phillipe
A new rose gold case encases a sunburst blue dial with gold faceted hours. The watch automatically adjusts to the months and is presented on a hand-stitched alligator strap with a rose gold prong buckle. $75,110
Courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen
Ingenieur Automatic 40, IWC Schaffhausen
The iconic ’70s Ingenieur SL by Gérald Genta has been reissued with modern upgrades, including a 5mm fine adjustment in the butterfly clasp and an aqua dial with grid detailing. Rhodium-plated hands and luminescent appliques guarantee effortless legibility. $11,700
Courtesy of Piaget
Polo Perpetual Calendar, Piaget
A dark emerald-green dial with a gadroon pattern, superluminova indexes and hands, and a moonphase complication is wrapped in stainless steel for the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar. $58,500
A version of this article originally appeared in Sixtysix Issue 10 with the title “Petrol Powered.” Subscribe today.
