Watches Go Green in 2019 - Men's Folio
Time, Editor's Pick

Watches Go Green in 2019

  • By Yong Wei Jian

Green comes into full bloom after several seasons of cultivation, appearing not only on watch dials but cases and straps as well. The underrated hue is an excellent conversation starter, if only because everybody is already accustomed to blue. Patek Philippe becomes irreverently casual when its Aquanaut Jumbo sports green, while Hublot continues to make magic with coloured ceramic in the striking Big Bang Unico Chronograph WBC.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo Ref. 5168G
Hublot Big Bang Unico Chronograph WBC

 

Green is naturally versatile, and khaki is the preferred palette for timepieces as it is basically neutral, allowing it to pair easily with almost any outfit. It looks good with black, great with a rich tan. Masculine and rugged, the olive drab is also heavily associated with military heritage. Camouflage is the perennial look, but the colour is commonly used as a motif for warplanes and flight jackets as well (think Breitling’s Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk Editions and Bell & Ross’s BR 03-92 MA-1 respectively).

Bell & Ross BR03-92 MA-1
Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk

 

Green and bronze is an outstanding combination. Like beautiful verdigris – or as watch nerds put it, “patina” – the idea is to pair the earthy metal with its ideal eventual colouration. The combo is seen in abundance this year: on Zenith’s Pilot Type 20 Adventure, TAG Heuer’s Autavia Isograph, Bell & Ross’s Diver Green, and many more.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Adventure
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Diver Green