"Tiffany" dials: the color no one can resist.
The list of current trends capable of significantly shaking up modern watch collections includes dials in a radical robin-egg shade of blue, associated with the trademark hue used by the iconic jeweler Tiffany & Co.
A year and a half ago, this "Tiffany Blue" helped sell one of Patek Philippe's simple automatic three-hand ref. 5711/1A-018 in steel cases for a staggering 6.5 million US dollars at auction. Limited to 170 pieces, the watch was launched to celebrate 170 years of partnership between the watchmaker and jeweler.
Sure, "Tiffany Blue" wasn't the only reason, but this color has begun to be associated with success in life, where many not only appreciate being able to afford indulging in every whim, but also like the feeling of belonging to the world's elite few. That's why many have taken an interest in "Tiffany Blue".
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise
Rolex was one of the first with a finger on the pulse of "Tiffany Blue" when the demand suddenly shot up for their most simple models with dials in a very similar shade to Tiffany's referred to as "Turquoise". Not only have these models disappeared from display cabinets in watch boutiques, prices for them on the pre-owned market have tripled.
It goes without saying that there was a simultaneous increase in the number of orders placed for these models. The marketing specialists at Rolex clearly perceived which way the wind is blowing, and decided against scarcity marketing.
They swiftly launched three versions of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise in cases measuring 31 mm in diameter (Ref. 277200), 36 mm (Ref. 126000) and 41 mm (Ref. 124300), priced hovering from around USD 11,000 to 27,000, respectively.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise / Source: www.quillandpad.com
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise / Source: www.quillandpad.com
The models' 904L steel cases which house the automatic manufacture movements cal. 2232 (Ref. 277200) and cal. 3230 (Ref. 126000 and Ref. 124300). All of them are equipped with Oyster bracelets.
Their dials are coated with the trademark luminescent compound Chromalight that completely lights them up blue in the dark, further coated with a protective layer of lacquer on top. However, you still can't say these editions have significantly alleviated the scarcity of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise. That's the power of trends for you!
Grand Seiko "Skyflake"
If default brightness and color settings in Japanese TVs are anything to go by, residents of the Land of the Rising Sun adore bright colors to the point where they're almost acidic. Yet the à la Tiffany dial on the Grand Seiko "Skyflake" Ref. SBGA407 model is more subdued, with a softer cool blue tone.
It's the Japanese watchmaker's blue dial version of the Grand Seiko Snowflake, where the textured dial is reminiscent of a blanket of snow. This dial really foregrounds the shine of the applied markers and hands.
The watch is equipped with the proprietary hybrid 9R Spring Drive movement combining mechanical and quartz mechanisms, famous for the high level of precision it delivers. The model is currently only available on a navy crocodile-leather strap. This also makes its price a pleasant surprise at USD 5,800.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Sky Blue Arabic Dial Limited Edition
This model intended to compete with Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak isn't doing as well as its manufacturer would like. But you could say it came out of nowhere.
The Laureato with an à la Tiffany dial referred to as a "Sky Blue Arabic" dial at Girard-Perregaux was actually launched as a limited edition for clients from the Middle East.
The series was an instant sellout, and the watchmaker had to release another limited series in 34-mm cases instead of 42 mm and a gem-set version. The watch has an automatic manufacture movement and comes with a steel bracelet that owners can replace with an integrated rubber strap if they wish.
These models sold out just as quickly, and can only be obtained on the pre-owned watch market for a minimum of twice the initial retail price, fluctuating from around USD 10,000 to USD 30,000. It's important to note that the shade of blue by Girard-Perregaux turned out awesome.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Sky Blue Arabic Dial Limited Edition / Source: www.phillips.com
Grönefeld 1941 Principia Automatic Light Blue Dial
Small independent watchmakers don't want to miss out on this fashionable trend either. The company Grönefeld is one example, which launched a model with a Tiffany-style dial: 1941 Principia Automatic Light Blue Dial. Grönefeld's tone turned out similar to the one used by Grand Seiko, even a little brighter.
The company offered a range with as much variety as possible from the get-go. Cases measuring 39.5 mm in diameter come in steel, red- and white-gold.
The three-hand model is equipped with the exceptionally finished in-house automatic G-06 movement, which has a frequency of 21,600 vph and a 56-hour power reserve. Prices have been set at EUR 36,900 for the steel edition, EUR 47,750 for the red-gold edition, and EUR 49,950 for the one in white gold.
These prices haven't stopped the waiting list filling up, which now stretches a number of years ahead. There's no denying that "Tiffany" dials are a really hot trend.