Day 9 of our Christmas countdown, and what would be a Christmas countdown list without the colours of Christmas?
Red, white and green bring to mind Christmas, afterall, these are the most commonly associated colours. So what is more festive than a list of Christmas coloured watches? Whether you’re playing Santa or an elf at the office Christmas party, or if you just love to don the festive colours, we’ve got a watch that is sure to match the occasion!
Mario’s Festive Selection
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds
Starting off the list is a watch that wouldn’t look too out of place next to a roaring fireplace during the silly season. Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been the ideal brand for watch lovers with a refined palate, and the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Monoface is no exception.
In fact, the entire Reverso Tribute line could have made this list if we weren’t limited to three colour choices. The Tribute subcategory takes the iconic Reverso and remasters it for the modern day, and it shows. From the dauphine hands to the timeless, elegant aesthetic, there isn’t much to argue against when considering it as a high-end stocking stuffer for Christmas.
Furthermore, the mechanical capabilities of the watch are nothing to scoff at. Though it is the less-extravagant Monoface model, it is still a Reverso, and there is plenty of enjoyment to be found in flipping it over and over! Paired with the remarkable manual-wind Calibre 822, it stands as a compelling horological pick for Christmas.
Australian RRP: A$18,000
Availability: Available now, from Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, retailers, or online at Jaeger-LeCoultre.com
Chopard Happy Sport 33mm
If extravagance is what you’re looking for, look no further than the Chopard Happy Sport. “Now wait a minute,” you might be thinking. “Isn’t that kind of watch for girls?” To that, I say probably, but who cares? You have free will, so wear what you love.
Although free will alone may not be enough to afford this A$30,900 timepiece, the 33 mm Happy Sport is bound to put a smile on your face, or your partner’s. The watch is encased in 18 ct rose gold, which brings out the warmth of the red alligator strap. A stark white dial, complete with rose gold accents and Roman numerals, adds another layer of elegance.
That said, the real elephant in the room is the Happy Sport’s party trick. A series of floating diamonds dance around the dial, changing the way the watch sparkles with every movement of the arm. Bolstered by an automatic movement, it’s a gorgeous cocktail watch and a perfect accompaniment to Christmas galas or a New Year’s Eve soirée.
Australian RRP: A$30,900
Availability: Available now, from Chopard boutiques, retailers, or online at Chopard.com
Panerai Luminor Marina Verde Smeraldo PAM01356
Now for something a little more manly to compensate. While the Chopard Happy Sport is made for joyful festivities and the Reverso suits refined get-togethers, the Panerai Luminor Marina Verde Smeraldo makes its case as the duty-bound Christmas handyman.
And how could it not? It’s a Panerai Luminor, which means no-nonsense design executed luxuriously. The indices are large and legible, complete with a sandwich dial and generous lume, ensuring visibility even late on Christmas Eve. The iconic crown guard, bulky and unmistakable, also protects the watch from all manner of rigours and pressure. And yes, it’s absolutely gigantic. There’s no chance of losing it in a crowd.
If you’re the one in charge of putting up the tree or making sure the decorative lights are just right, this is the watch for you. Bold, prominent, and finished in a shade reminiscent of Christmas pines, the Panerai Luminor Marina Verde Smeraldo is yet another capable wrist-bound workhorse in Panerai’s line-up, and perfectly suited to a season filled with celebrations and complications.
Australian RRP: A$15,100
Availability: Available in-store only. See Panerai.com for more information.
TAG Heuer Formula One Solargraph
But don’t let the previous three watches intimidate you; I understand the price points are quite high. So, are you new to this amazing hobby and don’t quite know where to start? Well, don’t worry, as TAG Heuer has the perfect present for you!
Meet the Formula One Solargraph. The watch is relatively small, light, and delightfully retro, taking inspiration from the original Formula One models of the 1980s. The bright green bezel, white dial, and contrasting red-and-green logo make it not only a fun timepiece for Christmas, but one that can be worn all year round.
And we highly recommend wearing it all the time. Inside this watch beats not a mechanical heart, but a quartz one. More specifically, it’s solar-powered. A bit of a misnomer, perhaps, but a solar quartz watch like the TAG Heuer Formula One can generate power under almost any kind of light. As such, it’s the perfect set-and-forget option for someone looking to take their first step down the rabbit hole of horology.
Australian RRP: A$3,100 (Steel bracelet) / A$2,700 (Rubber strap)
Availability: Available now, from TAG Heuer boutiques, retailers, or online at TAGHeuer.com
Sam’s Christmas Colours
Seiko Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition
One of my favourite Seikos released last year was the Prospex Alpinist Australasia Limited Edition. I was very fortunate to be present at the unveiling of this timepiece back in Sydney last year, and it was certainly a memorable event. The dial takes inspiration from our very own outback, with the colour representing the red sands of areas like the Simpson Desert.
Seiko is known for creating several Australasian limited editions, which we’ve already covered a few of in previous buying guides. What I like about these releases is that it’s not just about colour. The dial also features texturing that ties back to a specific Australian theme. In this case, when you look closer at the red dial of the Alpinist, it has a wave-like pattern that mimics the look of the very sands it is inspired by.
The Seiko Alpinist collection has always been a popular line among enthusiasts, with the original Alpinist designed for hikers in Japan. What this means is that the watch carries essential qualities for a timepiece made for the outdoors, including durability, anti-magnetism, and shock resistance.
Above all else, the Australian Limited Edition looks absolutely stunning on the wrist and, for me, was one of the top releases of last year. It’s a watch you can wear year-round, looks incredible in sunlight with the red dial really coming to life, and ties beautifully back to our very own Australian outback. On top of all these qualities, the red dial also fits perfectly into the theme of red, green, and white Christmas timepieces.
Australian RRP: A$1,250
Availability: Limited to 1000 pieces. For availability, contact your local Seiko boutique or head to Seiko.com.au
Hublot Big Bang 20th Anniversary Red Magic
Staying in theme with the colour red, this is one timepiece that I feel perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas, and that is Hublot’s Big Bang 20th Anniversary Red Magic. Hublot has mastered the art of materials, as we’ve seen over the years with the brand releasing several incredible timepieces in both ceramic and sapphire.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang, the brand released a series of Big Bang Chronograph timepieces in a variety of materials and colours. One of the standout pieces for me is this bold, flamboyant red version, as the brand calls it. It certainly stands out on the wrist, that’s for sure!
The ceramic material features both polished and brushed finishes, allowing the case to shine beautifully at different angles. The bezel, however, has a contrasting finish, giving it a slightly different character from the rest of the case design. The dial itself features a chequered pattern, which visually contrasts against the red ceramic and fits in perfectly with Hublot’s disruptive design theme.
Featuring the Unico movement, a newly proportioned and much more wearable 43 mm case, and of course the stunning red ceramic case and bezel, paired with a red rubber strap that features a central texture mimicking the chequered pattern of the dial, this is one of the best red Big Bang editions yet.
Australian RRP: A$49,700
Availability: Available from Hublot Boutiques, or head to Hublot.com for more information
Cartier Tank Must Red Dial
For my third option, I’ve chosen to go with Cartier’s Tank Must with the red dial. The Tank is arguably one of the most well-known timepieces in the world of watchmaking, first released in 1919. It was designed by Louis Cartier himself and was inspired by the Renault tanks used during World War I. One of the simpler designs in this buying guide, but also one that carries a great deal of class, elegance, and history.
The Cartier Tank is a highly versatile watch that can be worn for almost any occasion, all year round. This red dial, however, does present some limitations, as its striking and vibrant hue lends itself more naturally to formal occasions rather than casual wear. That said, like with any watch, it ultimately comes down to personality and how well you can pull it off. A red-dial Tank is not something you see every day, which also makes it far more unique and conversation-worthy.
It is also an ideal gift for Christmas. The deep red dial echoes the festive colours of the season, with red symbolising warmth and celebration without feeling gimmicky. As you can see from my previous choices, the colour red has been used very tastefully here, which isn’t always easy to achieve in watchmaking. Often, red dials can miss the mark by being either too dark or overly vibrant and in-your-face.
This Cartier Tank Must in red is beautifully executed, making it feel special, distinctive, and most certainly gift-worthy. It’s one of those timepieces that makes a statement without being overly loud, offering festive spirit and character while still remaining refined and understated.
Australian RRP: A$6,300
Availability: Available from Cartier boutiques, retailers or online at Cartier.com
Matt’s Festive Coloured Christmas Choices
Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT
I’ve chosen the Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT as a festive watch choice, as it really brings out the Christmas spirit with the silver/white dial, red GMT hand, and now, on a red rubber strap that makes this watch pop! Now this is one I’ve reviewed almost exactly 2 years ago, and I was quietly impressed by the watch and value proposition.
Baume & Mercier have stepped up their game in recent years, and in 2023, it was the 50th Anniversary of the Riviera; as a result, they pulled out all the stops across the collection. The new Riviera GMT Travel Time seems to tick a lot of boxes. Well-priced, with good build quality and useful functionality, including the GMT function and quick-set date.
On the wrist, it wears well, and whilst not a small watch, it’s not overly big either. The case thickness helps to keep the size appearance manageable and hug the wrist, perfect for those not wanting to worry about what is on the wrist at the next Christmas party. And if you want a watch that isn’t hyped and great value for money, then the Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT is a great choice.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$5,100 on steel / A$4,850 on rubber
Availability: Steel model is available now through Authorised Dealers and Retailers, and on the red strap, exclusively at www.baume-et-mercier.com
Breitling Super Chronomat 38 Origins
This is one for the ladies, or the guys who want to have some bling this Christmas. The Breitling Super Chronomat 38 Origins is that sweet spot 38 mm size that I would classify as unisex, but the inclusions of the diamond bezel with 32 brilliant cut diamonds. The white Rouleaux rubber strap makes this a more casual sports watch, and as Breitling puts it, “a statement, whether paired with a power suit or a t-shirt and jeans!”
The Super Chronomats are such an easy-wearing watch, mostly due to the case shape, design and the unique Rouleaux strap. The 38mm size will be a great addition ot the wrist for both guys and girls, and this is a watch I could see my wife wearing this Christmas – Breitling, if you haven’t sent me a Christmas gift yet, well….(kidding!)
The other cool aspect of the Breitling Super Chronomat Origins is in the name. Origins. This watch features small-scale gold and lab-grown diamonds. These precious materials are traceable from their origins all the way to the watch with a detailed provenance record that comes with the watch in a blockchain-backed NFT. So this is a watch with a social conscience, and that can only be good.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$33,290 on rubber.
Availability: Available now through Breitling boutiques, retialers and online at Breitling.com
Rolex Explorer II “Polar”
How can we have a Christmas-themed watch list, based on the colours of Christmas – red, white and green, and not include a watch that is nicknamed “Polar”? We couldn’t, and it is a watch that needs no introduction. The Rolex Explorer II white dial “Polar”. A tool watch through and through, and one I would choose for the trek to the North Pole to visit Santa.
The white dial is so crisp on this watch, and the orange GMT hand cuts through nicely. At night, the hands and hour markers are filled with Chromalight, which glows a bright blue, making sure you’re always on time no matter the time of day, and across multiple time zones at that!
The Rolex Explorer II is a substantial watch at 42mm and is reasonably thick, but it is a tool watch afterall and rated to 100m as well, so it’s rock solid no matter what your needs are. It is probably one of the slightly more accesible Rolex’s from AD’s and boutiques, but be prepared to wait a little – but it will be worth it!