There’s just something about a white dial watch. It’s fresh. It’s clean.
In a world where most timepieces fade into the background with a classic black dial, white is a palate cleanser. The good news? Nearly all of the major watch experts offer their own take, from luxury to affordable, so there’s an option for every taste and budget.
Since many contemporary watches are descendants of those used by the military – including some by Hamilton, Tudor and Rolex to name a few – it explains why many dials are black (in the field, black blends in and helps with reading luminescent details after dark). Now, though, most of us wear them as an accessory rather than on the battlefield, so switching to white may just be the way of demonstrating your trend-setting chops.
This year, for example, one of the biggest red carpet timepieces is the Cartier Tank. Whether it’s on the wrist of Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, Jacob Elordi, Robert Pattinson, Michael Ward, or Jeff Goldblum (all of whom are loyal stans of the French maison, by the way), you’ll rarely see one without a white face.
And it makes total sense. Where black is great for understated day-to-day wear, white is an elegant alternative – there’s a reason most dress watches use light colours as the base instead of dark. Whether you prefer platinum, silver or gold, a leather strap or metal, Roman numerals or numbers, a white face will work no matter what.
We’ve covered all the bases in our list below. Keep scrolling for the best.
Sekonda Classic Men's Watch
If you’re in the market for wallet-friendly watches that span the entire range of sporty, modern, and heritage, Sekonda is the brand for you. This time, it’s a classic dress watch, with understated Roman numerals and a dark brown mock-croc strap. One for those who exclusively wear gold jewellery.
Buy now £44.99, Sekonda
Swatch Once Again
A label which boomed in the Nineties, Swatch has been a go-to for affordable time-keeping ever since. This monochrome Once Again is one of the brand’s classics featuring the classic numerical face and a date window. It has stood the test of time for a reason, it’s simple, clean and sophisticated.
Buy now £53.00, Swatch
Casio Unisex Gold Watch
Whether you’ve recently watched Saltburn or Back To The Future is one of your all-time favourite films, you’re sure to have seen a Casio watch at one point or another on the silver screen – more often than not with a digital face. Thankfully, the Japanese label makes a watch with a white analogue dial, too – and you can get it for less than £60.
Buy now £58.00, Casio
Mondaine Classic Brushed Case Black Vegan Grape Leather 40mm
Taking inspiration from classic Swiss railway clocks, the origins of Mondaine’s signature face date back to 1944, when Hans Hilfiker invented the iconic railway design - but it wasn’t until 1986 that the watchmaker created a wrist-ready version.
Simple yet impactful, the Swiss-red details lift the monochrome colourway for a stylish finish. Better yet, the strap is crafted using grape leather for a sustainable, vegan-friendly purchase that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Buy now £229.00, Mondaine
Hamilton American Classic Boulton Quartz
Another brand with strong ties to the movie industry, Hamilton watches have been spotted on the wrists of sophisticated male leads, most recognisably in Men In Black and Captain America. This one, in particular, was featured in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. An update on a classic from 1941, it’s no surprise it’s packed with vintage appeal.
Buy now £640.00, Goldsmiths
Certina DS-1 Day Date 40mm Automatic Men’s Watch
With a history that dates back over 130 years, Certina is considered an expert when it comes to watch craftsmanship – especially since it’s based in one of the most respected locations, Switzerland. This automatic design features an unusual day and date feature, a petrol blue leather strap and a metal butterfly clasp. It’s a unique take for those who like something different.
Buy now £735.00, Beaverbrooks
Longines Elegant Collection 39mm Mens Watch Stainless Steel
Given that Longines’ slogan is 'Elegance is an attitude', it’s no wonder the Swiss watchmaker is the purveyor of elegant timepieces as this watch so elegantly demonstrates. With a stainless steel band, Roman numerals and the classic white dial, it’s a timeless investment you’ll wear forever.
Buy now £2100.00, Goldsmiths
Ralph Lauren RL867 35 MM White Dial
Lean into this year’s #OldMoneyAesthetic with Ralph Lauren’s Art Deco take. A watch that we could see strapped to the wrist of perennially stylish JFK Jr, this self-winding design wouldn’t look out of place on New York City’s preppy set – it makes sense, then, that it’s named after the brand’s flagship on Madison Avenue.
Buy now £3800.00, Ralph Lauren
Cartier Santos de Cartier Automatic 35.1mm
Cartier’s classics go beyond the Tank. In fact, the Santos was actually the first men's wristwatch in history and is another strong contender. Crafted with 18-karat gold and stainless steel, this is a luxurious buy that’s a longtime investment. Better yet, it comes with an easily interchangeable strap too, so it’s basically two watches for the price of one. You can beat that maths.
Buy now £9850.00, Mr. Porter
