Don’t Worry, There Are Plenty of Other Tiffany-Blue Watches to Look For

It seems that the world has gone mad… In just a month, the watch world has been talking almost exclusively about one thing, the last batch Patek Philippe 5711 and its ‘Tiffany Blue’ (or light blue) dial. Over the past 5 weeks, this has become THE trend to follow. And then consider that any attention for light blue dials was almost non-existing. In all fairness, if you ask me, I don’t even think the watch looks good… The dial itself (the only thing that actually matters) is not what I’d expect from Patek and don’t get me started on the caseback. Since that 5711 with its Tiffany Blue dial sold at auction for a bizarre price, some watch enthusiasts are looking for watches with a Tiffany-blue dial. And now we are seeing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual with its light blue dial for sale for bizarre prices, we thought it was about time to look for alternatives. Today, it’s all about very serious (irony-mode activated) consumer advice! Here’s our selection of watches with a light blue that should (or maybe shouldn’t) consider!

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 (not) Tiffany-Blue 124300

Let’s start with the obvious… As soon as the Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany-Blue dial was presented, and knowing that availability was completely out of question, some out there decided to look after an alternative. Good for them, it existed already, and it is made by Rolex. Everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds! Sure, it’s everything you’d expect from a Rolex – greatly manufactured, reliable, well-designed – and it has a light blue dial. And, on paper, it’s even quite a bargain (relatively speaking) as it retails for less than EUR 6,000. Well, in reality, things are rather different. First of all, the Oyster Perpetual 41 124300 does NOT have a Tiffany-blue dial. Second, Tiffany has nothing to do with this watch. But, that doesn’t mean some are not trying to benefit from this situation. And here we are, a few weeks after the 5711 Tiffany broke a record, and sellers all over the web are trying to sell these light blue Oyster Perpetual 41 for about 10 times (or more) the retail price… Would you put 50k on the table for what’s just a simple automatic Rolex? Not me. But, as we said, we have some good consumer advice coming…

Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor Ice Blue

For about the same price as an overly-premiumed entry-level Rolex, you can have this, an 18k white gold haute horlogerie watch made by one of the most revered independent watchmakers, with an innovative and superbly finished movement, a case with supreme elegance and, considering today’s matters, a highly attractive “ice blue” sector dial. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I know where I’d put my money (my real, hard-earned, not crypto-something money). When it comes to watchmaking content, overall quality, soul, and passion, there are only objective reasons to consider this Laurent Ferrier over the Rolex above… but objectivity doesn’t seem to be a common thing these days.

Bovet Monsieur Bovet Turquoise

In the same vein, and for about the same price (so yes, as much as you’d have to pay for a 3-hand Rolex), you can have this watch by Bovet with a turquoise dial. Surely, you have to be a bit more adventurous but if you’re able to assume this watch, you’ll end up with something that has quite some arguments under its sleeve. For starters, it’s a Bovet, meaning a watch made almost entirely in-house with great attention to detail and dedication to haute horlogerie. Second, its in-house movement is nothing simple and has two faces. Finally, for the price of one watch, you’ll get multiple combinations, as it can be worn on the wrist, and on both sides, but you can also use it as a desk clock or as a pocket watch, in full-dandy style! More seriously, this 60-piece limited edition might not be everyone, but the execution is certainly something special. More details here.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 38mm Ice Blue

Continuing, for now, in the high-end category, this could be a great alternative… if ever you’re able to get your hands on an example. Being a Royal Oak surely means that availabilty will be an issue, but this is nevertheless a path to explore. There’s a lot to like about this watch. First, its 38mm 18k white gold case is easy to wear for both genders and it pairs well with the lightly-coloured dial. Second, it is a Royal Oak, with everything it means, such as a perfect execution, an insane amount of details on the case and the dial, and that integrated look that has made the watch famous. The dial, an ice-blue version of the petite tapisserie, sure looks the par and will make this watch far more than just a consolation prize. And it will retain its value over the years, if not increase in price. If ever you manage to find one at retail price. More details to be read here. And if you want something bolder and bigger, but still with a light blue dial, you can also consider the recently-launched Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm.

Kurono Tokyo Seiji

I certainly hesitated a bit before listing this watch by Kurono Tokyo, for the simple reason that it’s not available anymore. But considering the madness around these Tiffany-blue watches, this could still be considered a great alternative… I must say, it hurts me a bit to say that. What you’re looking at is the first (initially) female-oriented model created by the accessible independent watchmaker from Japan. Originally released in a limited edition of 500 pieces priced at about EUR 1,800, it sold out in the blink of an eye – like everything launched by Kurono – and has been regarded as one of the brand’s most desirable watches ever since. Even though not in production anymore, you can find some examples on a well-known pre-owned website, for about 4 to 5 thousand euros. Not cheap, way above the RRP but still acceptable if you really want this watch.

Grand Seiko Blue Snowflake SBGA407

Let’s stay in Japan, with a watch that is not only readily available but also packed with qualities. Simply, it’s a Grand Seiko and as such, it’s superbly detailed, refined and ultra-precise both mechanically and for its execution. Walking in the footsteps of the praised Snowflake SBGA211, it brings back the same dial texture in a sky blue colour that feels surprisingly elegant. Inside the “Elegance” case of 40.5mm is the brand’s signature hybrid Spring Drive movement. And at EUR 5,900, it is worth every penny. And did I say that it was available without waiting list and at RRP already?

Oris Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy

Moving to more accessible options, you can possibly consider this watch by Oris… I mean, you’ll have to assume it, because the combination of a light blue dial with a bronze case is, how to say it, relatively striking. But, it’s also a way to enter the Tiffany trend at a relatively fair price, with a watch that has nothing in common with the rest of the production. A full bronze dive watch, bracelet included, with a baby-blue dial is not something you’ll see every day. Maybe for the best… But who am I to judge tastes and colours.

Doxa SUB 300 Aquamarine

If there’s one brand to mention when it comes to turquoise or light blue dials, it has to be Doxa. The entire collection is available in this colour, which might not have the same aura as the orange-coloured models, but still is a signature tone for Doxa. And you’ll have a lot of watches to choose from, including the brand new SUB 600T, the accessible SUB 200 or, the most iconic models of the lot, the SUB 300 with its unmistakably Doxa style. The looks are great, the movement is certified COSC, the design is emblematic, the Aquamarine dial is rather cool, it’s available and the price is fair…

Batavi Architect Turquoise Blue

Released just a couple of days ago, the Batavi Architect Turquoise Blue is typically a watch that you could buy just for the fun of it. At EUR 419, it’s not going to break the bank and the overall quality is certainly impressive regarding the price. Surely, some will say that it surfs on the vibe of current trends, with its integrated design and its new dial colour that mimics that of the Patek, but since it’s not playing in the same category at all, we’ll forgive this. The brand is now out of stock but since this turquoise edition is not limited in production, it should come back soon on the brand’s website. More detail in this article.