Key takeaways
- Blue is one of the easiest dial colours to wear: more character than black, almost as versatile.
- Blue and steel is the classic pairing; blue and gold or rose gold looks warmer and dressier.
- Blue works with navy, grey, white, beige and brown, from jeans to a suit.
- Our picks: Caspian, Santos, Baretta, Chronometer and Prague in Ocean.
A blue dial watch goes with almost everything in your wardrobe, which is why it is such a popular choice for a first or second watch. It has more character than black or white, yet it never feels like a risk. This guide covers how to choose the right one and what to wear with it.
In this guide
Why blue is so versatile
Most of us wear a lot of blue already: jeans, navy jumpers, light blue shirts, suits. A blue dial picks up those colours and makes the whole outfit look considered. It also sits well next to grey, white, beige and brown.
Blue changes with the light too. A sunburst or textured blue dial looks deep indoors and bright outside, which keeps it interesting to look at.
Choosing the metal
The case and bracelet colour decide how formal a blue watch feels:
- Blue and steel: crisp, cool and easy. The pairing to start with.
- Blue and gold: a classic contrast that looks dressier and warmer.
- Blue and rose gold: softer, and a nice change from yellow gold.
| Look | In-stock blue versions |
|---|---|
| Blue and steel | Caspian Ocean, Santos Ocean, Wraith Ocean, Fortuno Ocean, Baretta Ocean, Brone Ocean, Eclipse Ocean |
| Blue and silver | Chronometer Silver Ocean, Prague Silver Ocean, Atlas Silver Ocean, Valois Silver Ocean, Forge Silver Ocean, Regent Silver Ocean |
| Blue and gold | Chronometer Gold Ocean, Prague Gold Ocean, Brone Ocean Gold, Forge Gold Ocean |
| Blue and rose gold | Atlas Rose Gold Ocean, Voyager Rose Gold Ocean |
| Blue and black | Baretta Ocean Noir |
| For women | Lyra Ocean, Thea Silver Ocean, Thea Gold Ocean |
Our blue dial picks
The modern one: Caspian ($79.99)
The Caspian in Ocean has a horizontally textured gradient dial in a 40 mm cushion-shaped case of 316L stainless steel, on an integrated bracelet. Clean and contemporary.
The dressy one: Santos ($129.99)
A fluted bezel, a sunburst dial and day and date windows in a 40 mm stainless steel case on a three-link bracelet. The Ocean version is an easy match for a navy or grey suit.
The sporty one: Baretta ($129.99)
Dive-inspired styling with a bold bezel in a 41 mm stainless steel case. Choose Ocean, or Ocean Noir for blue with black.
The statement one: Chronometer ($89.99)
A chronograph-style dial in a 44.5 mm 316L stainless steel case, in Silver Ocean or Gold Ocean.
The detailed one: Prague ($89.99)
A three-subdial dial layout in a 40 mm 316L stainless steel case, 10 mm thin. Available in Gold Ocean, Gold Ocean Steel and Silver Ocean.
Blue dial picks
How to wear a blue dial watch
- With denim: a blue dial and jeans is an effortless match. Add a white shirt or T-shirt.
- At the office: navy or grey suits and light blue shirts all pick up the dial. Steel keeps it sharp.
- With earth tones: blue contrasts nicely with beige, camel and brown. Gold or rose gold makes it warmer.
- For occasions: a blue dial with a fluted bezel works well with a suit at a wedding. See What watch to wear to a wedding.
For more combinations, read How to match your watch to your outfit.
A note on dive-inspired blue watches
Blue is a classic colour for dive-style watches, but a dive-inspired look is not the same as a dive rating. The Baretta, for example, has 3 ATM water resistance. Always check the rating before you take a watch near water: Watch water resistance explained tells you what each rating means.
Prefer a warmer colour? Have a look at Green dial watches, or at Gold watches for men if you like blue with gold.
Frequently asked questions
Is a blue dial watch versatile?
Very. Blue goes with navy, grey, white, beige, brown and denim, so it works for casual outfits as well as suits.
Does a blue dial go with gold?
Yes. Blue and gold is a classic contrast that looks warm and dressy. Try the Chronometer or Prague in Gold Ocean, or the Brone in Ocean Gold.
Can I wear a blue watch with a black suit?
You can, though blue is at its best with navy, grey and lighter colours. With black, a steel case keeps the look clean.
Is there a blue dial watch for women?
Yes. The Lyra comes in Ocean, and the 27 mm Thea comes in Silver Ocean and Gold Ocean.
Can I return a watch?
Every DIFFRNT order comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. See our refund policy for the conditions.
