Some colours are far more popular in the world of watches, black watches more so than others. Blue timepieces come in close second for being effortlessly cool, timeless, and with an element of fun. White watches sit on the other end of the spectrum (quite literally) and they unabashedly scream “too rich to care”. Notoriously prone to sweat stains, dirt, and everything in between, they’re commonly known for being exclusively made for the wealthy, who wouldn’t so much as bat an eyelid when their timepiece gets grubby.
However, if you eventually work up a courage or are feeling bold, take a dive into the deep end and you’ll find that white watches are just as versatile and contemporary as their other coloured counterparts. For one, they’re extremely prominent — you’ll find it incredibly easy to complete any ensemble with them. White watches have long been the go-to favourite for those seeking a luxury timepiece. Besides giving way to eye-catching details, they can also be paired with different occasions and outfits to satisfy both formal and casual events.
Besides, if you’re a fan of diamonds, white watches are known for bringing out the sparkle more effectively than other colours, as seen in Chanel’s icy Boy.Friend piece and Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut. If you veer on the sporty side, Omega’s White Side of the Moon is a special edition that sits on the flip side of the now-famous Dark Side of the Moon.
Here are the white watches you need to complete your collection this winter.
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1 /5
On the other spectrum of Omega’s famous Dark Side of the Moon is the predictably named White Side of the Moon. Inspired by the glowing portion of the moon as seen from Earth, the timepiece is a pristine work of white zirconium oxide ceramic art, which makes up the dial and 44.25mm case. Like its other monochromatic twin, this Speedmaster is broken up by contrasting black demarcations, and a red “Speedmaster” signature and chronograph seconds hand tip. The bezel — also ceramic — features a matte chromium nitride tachymeter scale, giving it the ghosted, slightly mysterious appearance that makes it so special.
2 /5
In a shape now synonymous with the famous Parisian label, the Boy.Friend watch has seen countless variations, but none quite as eye-catching as this glistening limited edition Arty Diamonds iteration. It is the maison’s take on a gentlemen’s dress watch for the ladies, but its masculinity is dialled down with a little help from 120 diamonds, arranged in a kaleidoscopic fashion on the dial using various techniques such as hammer- and invisible-settings. A white satin strap and its 18K white gold folding buckle (also adorned with baguette-cut diamonds) completes the art-deco-meets-andrgynous look.
3 /5
When it was launched in 1997, the Aquanaut created quite the stir with its contemporary shape and innovation. For more flair, the rounded octagonal case — inspired by its equally famous sibling, the Nautilus — is given a frosty flair with a diamond-encrusted bezel. Rose gold accents on the case, applied numerals and hands highlight the “Pure White” embossed dial that iconic of the model. A matching “tropical” strap is made of new material that’s ultra-resistant to wear, salt water and UV radiation — perfect for that sun-kissed vacation when spring comes around.
4 /5
Within this 36.8mm wonder is a new movement, but it’s not the star of the show — it’s dial is. Within the elegant 18-karat pink gold case is an argenté-coloured dial, exquisitely hand-guilloched and further accented with matching markings. Featuring two golden moons, the lunar discs are the same shade of argenté, silently emulating the moon phase with accuracy that only requires correction by one day every 122.6 years. Inside, the manually-wound L121.2 movement is based on the Lange 1 calibre introduced two years ago. Its complementing white alligator leather strap is securely fastened by pink-gold prong buckle.
5 /5
A model now synonymous with ultra-thin timepieces, the Altiplano takes a feminine twist with an iridescent white dial, marked by elegant baton indexes. To keep the 24mm watch sophisticated, its face is devoid of all superfluous elements, and encompassed by a circle of diamonds around the bezel. To match its icy demeanour is a white satin strap with an ardillon buckle.