I think that timeless styles are always the most worthwhile.
You never have to look back at something you wore and think, “I should have fully avoided that color.”
Keeping in line with this trusty philosophy can be tough if your favorite color isn’t a hard neutral—green, for example. Olive aside, it just doesn’t come off as easily adaptable.
Still, you’d be surprised at how much a green dial watch can really up your style game, and in ways that don’t desperately beg for attention.
We all love a green field watch, but in this round-up, we also have elegant dress watches, valuable investment pieces, and the most valuable of all, versatile everyday timepieces.
Keep reading to see which of our nine best green dial watches are right for you.
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How Did We Come Up With Our List?
From a combination of testing and styling hundreds of different green watches, the nine chosen here flaunt excellent form and function.
To ensure the widest range of priorities is represented, we consulted colleagues in the industry, both watch and fashion, as well as scoured the internet for reviews.
While we chose different models for specific categories based on their strengths, there’s a timepiece here for all budgets.
If you've got a watch addiction problem like us, taking just one watch on vacation just isn't on the cards. When I want leather, I look to leather experts, and renowned Spanish shoemaker Morjas makes my favorite watch roll. It has a soft removable cushion to fit up to three watches, has a really elegant feel, and is perfectly small enough to not take up too much space in my luggage.
9 Best Green Dial Watches for Men in 2023
Best Everyday Watch: Nordgreen Pioneer Green Sunray
The Nordgreen Pioneer could also be categorized as the most versatile, and even the most bang-for-buck.
This is partly thanks to its classic but unique design (courtesy of Danish artist Jakob Wagner), and partly because of its premium construction.
The impeccable sunray dial variant is lustrously emerald where the light hits, and a sophisticated dark pine beyond that. This draws your attention to the watch face, before the minimal yet labored-over details invite you to look even closer.
It’s a chronograph, but clean, with clever concave elements throughout (including in the subdial) that add a soft-lined dimensionality. The sportiness makes it an excellent casual watch, but the overall slickness and high-shine dial allow you to pair it with professional outfits and even formal attire if you switch to a leather strap.
Fortunately, this is easy to do, with the easy-strap change system. Further adding to its impressive versatility is how the balanced design of the dial actually goes perfectly with any strap material, from NATO to crocodile.
You can choose from an exquisite satin silver-toned case or an authoritative gunmetal, both sporting a look that’s simultaneously neutral and distinct.
What I Like
- The Nordgreen Pioneer Green Sunray has an incomparably versatile look, especially for a chronograph, stemming from its simplified sporty aesthetic and ability to pair with any strap.
- From its flawless applications to its domed sapphire, this watch packs a lot of quality beyond its price point.
- Nordgreen has an authentic and high-level eco-focus, exemplified by its sustainable packaging and, even more, in their Giving Back Program which donates part of each watch purchase to one of three causes focusing on health, education, or the environment.
What I Don’t Like
- While it isn’t a necessary feature for an everyday chronograph, it would be nice if this watch had lume.
What Other Reviewers Say
This highly rated watch gets a lot of love for its artistic yet simple design which as mentioned, makes it highly adaptable.
The brand is praised for their genuine focus on the environment, versus a marketing-backed greenwashing approach, as well as their responsive customer service.
There are a small number of reviewers who mention that they wish the Japanese quartz movement was Swiss. This doesn’t bother me, especially at this price point and given everything else you get on the quality front with this watch.
When it comes to quartz movements, I find a workhorse Miyota, which this watch runs on, is still far more dependable than a middle-of-the-road mechanical.
The Verdict
The Nordgreen Pioneer Green Sunray has a sporty chic look that you can pair with anything, from jeans to a suit.
That being the case, it’s an effective choice for several kinds of collectors, whether you’re looking to add your first green dial watch to your collection but don’t know where to start, or, color-aside, you’re just looking for an everyday watch that’ll give you a lot of mileage.
Between that, it’s artistic street-cred as a Jakob Wagner piece, and its solid build, the Pioneer easily covers a wide range of collector priorities.
Plus, unlike so many watchmakers out there, the brand is good for your conscience because of their authentically eco-driven initiatives.
The Nordgreen Pioneer is an innovative take on the chronograph watch. Built like a classic aviator, but with modern Scandinavian design principles, this timepiece looks natural and elegant—and it pairs well in a casual and smart-casual wardrobe.
Best for Casual Wear: VAER C3 Tradition Green
Thanks to its vintage-inspired, matter-of-fact construction, the VAER C3 can basically go with any casual outfit combination.
What’s remarkable about the dial is how all of the practicality-based design choices also give it a distinct design personality.
For example, all of the non-cardinal hour indices are arrows, meaning that as the syringe hands point at them, they point right back. This ups the dial’s legibility, but also adds a touch of aerodynamics—same with the red second hand, which adds a pop of color.
Another impressive quality about this watch, and the VAER brand in general, is their commitment to bringing watchmaking back to the US. Even if this doesn’t matter to you, their made-in-America Ameriquartz movement should.
This innovative quartz movement adjusts itself at the start of every single minute, providing consistent accuracy.
What I Like
- The design is both function-forward and attractively versatile.
- Not only is the design based on vintage field watches, but it also has a vintage-style 36mm case which, along with its 8.4mm height, provides a comfortable wear for all wrist sizes.
- The American-made quartz movement boasts a high torque, battery life, and self-adjusting accuracy.
What I Don’t Like
- I love how the slightly domed sapphire simulates old-school crystals using a modern construction. However, it does blur the otherwise highly-legible dial at certain angles. Aesthetically, this is cool, but since a lot of you come to VAER for their practical designs, it’s worth noting.
What Other Reviewers Say
Two qualities that get a lot of praise from reviewers are the comfortable dimensions and the American-made status.
There are definitely a few brands on the market trying to revive American watchmaking, but none are as accessible, with a high quality-to-price ratio, as VAER. Even at the affordable price that this model is at, it comes with a certificate hand-signed by a technician.
The Verdict
The VAER C3 is as easy to wear as a casual green dial watch gets. This is due to its light olive hue, the mix of on-template and unique design elements, and function-forward build.
It’s powered by a high-quality American-made quartz movement, and is durably equipped with 100 meters of water resistance and a sapphire crystal.
Domed sapphire crystal, USA-built quartz movement, assembled in the US, and a 36mm case. Where else can you find those specs? This field watch is built for everyday wear.
Best Budget Watch: Seiko 5 SNK805
The Seiko 5 SNK805 is a robust automatic in the ~$100 range, commands enough respect from watch-lovers despite the cheap price tag, and is an overall fun watch. I often refer to it as a toy for grown-ups, grounded in real-deal horology.
Style-wise, it has a timelessly cool military-inspired look with a fashionable nylon strap that’s incredibly durable.
Functionally, it runs on the 7S26 Caliber, an in-house automatic, Seiko’s “workhorse” that’s known for its reliability. Even more, you can watch this movement through the exhibition caseback.
The Hardlex crystal isn’t as scratch-resistant as a sapphire, but it’s stronger than the run-of-the-mill mineral because it’s been treated for extra hardness. Not too shabby at this price point.
What I Like
- With the 24-hour outer dial, military green shade, and lollipop counterweight, this watch has a fun army-style design.
- The canvas nylon strap is as strong as it is rugged-looking and comes with easy-to-use leather adjustment holes.
- An in-house automatic is already rare at this price point, but with its exhibition caseback that allows you to watch it at work, Seiko goes above-and-beyond in satisfying the horologically-curious.
What I Don’t Like
- The crown is small and takes getting used to, especially when it comes to pulling it out.
What Other Reviewers Say
The SNK is one of Seiko’s most popular entry-level mechanicals, and is credited to the democratization of automatic watches.
Some mention that they wish Seiko would upgrade this model from the 7S26, to the newer 4R movements. The main difference between the two is that the 4R movements offer hacking.
The Verdict
The Seiko 5 SNK805 isn’t just a go-to when it comes to affordable and stylish green dials, but a prominent model when it comes to entry-level automatics in general.
This is thanks to its fun style, automatic movement, and the fact there’s a substantial Seiko community on the internet that collectors can go to for crowdsourcing answers to questions and support requests.
The Seiko 5 SNK805 is a popular field style watch that’s dependable, practical, and has a fun look that goes with any casual outfit or situation.
Best Dive Watch: Oris Aquis
You don’t need to go through all the trouble of sourcing a Kermit Submariner to find a high-quality green-faced diver. Instead, check out the Oris Aquis which checks all the boxes when it comes to a premium Swiss tool watch.
Its applications and finishing are perfect at first glance, and even more perfect when you take a magnifier to it. Even the dimensions and breaks on the surface of the indices are immaculately carved out.
Everything from the topnotch water resistance and crisp-clicking bezel to the bright green lume perform to spec.
The beautiful emerald hue works so appropriately well on this model because, while it uses the template of a classic Submariner-esque dive watch, Oris subtly ups the visual opulence by turning up the shine.
The indices are multi-surfaced, sparkling like gems on top of the already silky sunray dial. Meanwhile, the unique bracelet has slightly rounded side links giving light more opportunity to bounce off of it. This sparkle is emphasized by the brushed middle links.
What I Like
- The design is that of a classic dive, but with a high-polish twist thanks to the rounded bracelet links and the gem-like indices.
- The spec-forward construction includes a dependable automatic movement, 300 meters of water resistance, strong lume, and a durable build.
- The fact this watch is legally Swiss Made adds to the status factor.
What I Don’t Like
- The bracelet screws are smaller than standard screws, so resizing can be a bit difficult, or may take a little longer than usual if your local watch servicer doesn’t immediately have the right materials.
What Other Reviewers Say
A highly-rated and highly-esteemed watch all over internet forums and among Amazon reviewers, collectors are impressed with the comprehensively premium offerings of the Aquis.
And despite its almost $2000 value, you can often find it for a lot less on secondary markets like Amazon.
When it comes to practicality, many reviewers mention how the minute hand almost fully covers the minute lines, making the dial easy to read.
The Verdict
Unlike so many classic divers, the Swiss Made Oris Aquis looks natural in the green colorway.
With the higher level of sparkle on its varied surfaces, the emerald shade ends up making it look like a super luxurious tool watch. And with its premium specs, it proves to be a luxurious tool watch functionally as well.
Unlike so many classic divers, the Swiss Made Oris Aquis looks natural in the green colorway. And with its premium specs, it proves to be a luxurious tool watch functionally as well.
Most Unique: Seiko SNKM97
Too often, when a watchmaker goes for a “unique” approach, this often means that it’s weirdly high-concept. The Seiko SNKM97 is from the brand’s vintage-inspired Recraft Collection, and what makes it different is its old-school approach that takes elements you don’t see as often in modern watch designs.
It’s an elegant homage that’s perfectly wearable. Green dials were popular in the late ‘60s and ‘70s, which is why it looks suitable on this model, especially with the gold-toned indices. Still, the black outerdial tempers the laser beam effect on the face, making it eye-catching but not obnoxiously loud.
Another cool throwback? The distinguished cushion case, which almost makes the watch wear like a chunky cuff bracelet.
Like the SNK805, this timepiece runs on Seiko’s heritage 7S26 movement, which can be viewed through the caseback.
What I Like
- The shine of the green dial provides lightplay from every angle and is complemented by gold indices, giving the dial a retro-cool aesthetic.
- Its iconic cushion case gives a unique and eye-catching silhouette.
- As mentioned, the online Seiko community is a vast resource, and since this model is so well-liked, you’ll have no problem finding answers to any questions you may have about it.
What I Don’t Like
- The gold skeleton hands seem to blend into the green dial under certain lighting conditions when it’s sitting outside of the laser-like sunray effect.
What Other Reviewers Say
This watch is well-loved among Seiko fans, and watch collectors in general, because of its unique retro-cool look.
Some mention that this 43.5mm watch wears a bit heavily, which is something to consider if you have smaller wrists or don’t like bulky accessories.
The Verdict
The Seiko SNKM97 is for you if you love a unique, head-turner of a watch, or if you’re a nostalgia-buff.
Moreover, thanks to its exceptionally-designed cushion case and polished accents, this vintage-inspired timepiece transcends categorization and can be worn casually or formally.
The Seiko SNKM97 is for you if you love a unique, head-turner of a watch, or if you’re a nostalgia-buff.
Swiss Made Under $1000: Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80
Most of you probably didn’t even realize you can get a watch with a COSC-certified movement for under a grand. Yet, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 can often even be found in the ~$600 range.
Tissot’s Powermatic 80 movement is a true innovation with, as its name suggests, an 80-hour power reserve with a level of anti-magnetism you’ll more easily find in watches several times the price of this one.
And of course, its Chronometer status means its movement has been subjected to days of testing to ensure durability and accuracy in the face of intense conditions, including shock and temperature.
And on the style front, it’s a clean and simple design with perfect Swiss-level finishing. The smooth bezel and the shiny basil shade of the dial complement the hands and indices, helping them to appear even more glisteny.
What I Like
- The Powermatic 80 is an in-house Tissot movement with 25 jewels and Chronometer status, ensuring dependability for decades to come.
- This watch features high-quality finishing and applications, including its lustrous dial, refined indices, and premium polishing and brushing.
- The satiny green dial highlights the polished indices and hands, upping its legibility.
What I Don’t Like
- The Powermatic 80 can only be regulated at Swatch-specific servicers, which often costs a premium.
What Other Reviewers Say
Considering the sub-1000 price point, reviewers love how recognizably premium this watch is.
Many enjoy how the exhibition caseback allows them to look at Chronometer movement, a rarity in the industry since brands like Rolex never use exhibition casebacks and other brands like Tissot’s Swatch cousin, Omega, charge a far higher premium for their COSC watches.
The Verdict
With its upscale finishing and simple design, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is a contemporary but trend-resistant piece of affordable luxury.
More than just a visual stunner, the COSC-certified movement makes its sub-1000 price point even more extraordinary.
With its upscale finishing and simple design, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is a contemporary but trend-resistant piece of affordable luxury. More than just a visual stunner, the COSC-certified movement makes its sub-1000 price point even more extraordinary.
Best Dress Watch: Hamilton Boulton H13519561
The H13519561 version of the Hamilton Boulton has a beautiful moss green dial, which adds a distinctive charm to the classic Tank-like timepiece, without compromising its classic elegance.
The sweeping case shape and Roman numerals give the watch an Art Deco type of swankiness, while the double-storied crown and embossed leather strap fully cinch its stately aesthetic.
And if you love tactility in a watch, the Boulton runs on Hamilton’s H-50 movement, which is a manual hand-wind with a full 80-hour power reserve.
What I Like
- The Boulton design is an accurate reissue of one of Hamilton’s classic 1940s models, though this modern reiteration’s green dial makes it a unique take.
- With its 80-hour power reserve, the movement lasts days without winding.
- This Swiss Made dress watch boasts premium construction, including a scratch-resistant sapphire and a full-grain leather strap.
What I Don’t Like
- Though the curve of the case adds to its lavish design, it also means you’ll have to strap it on tight, otherwise it sits awkwardly on your wrist.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Since this watch is simply a green-dialed version of a ‘40s model, some reviewers love the new take on an old classic, and some prefer the classic white-dial variant.
Since the shade of green isn’t super bright, but still vivid, I think it’s perfectly appropriate.
The Verdict
If you want an old-world style watch with a green dial, the Hamilton Boulton (H13519561) is your best bet. In addition to being a Swiss mechanical hand-wind, it gives you the opportunity to indulge in vintage styling without the hassle of actually sourcing a vintage watch.
If you want an old-world style watch with a green dial, the Hamilton Boulton (H13519561) is your best bet. In addition to being a Swiss mechanical hand-wind, it gives you the opportunity to indulge in vintage styling without the hassle of actually sourcing a vintage watch.
Best Chronograph: Victorinox Army Maverick
While the Nordgreen is one of the most versatile green chronographs on the market, Victorinox serves up the most robust tool watch of a chrono, with the Army Maverick.
This is unsurprising, since Victorinox is an EDC legend, the maker of everyone’s favorite multitool. And the Maverick is truly like a watch version of a Swiss Army Knife.
It’s spec-forward and function-forward, combining chronograph operations and looks with diver capabilities and looks, all with a sophisticated and professional-looking multi-sectioned dial.
With its 100 meters of water resistance and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal (not double, but triple-coated with anti-reflective treatment), this watch is both reliable and long-lasting.
What I Like
- The Maverick is a genuinely professional model from a trusted and legitimate brand. Even horology snobs will concede that it’s a serious piece of gear.
- Though this watch is built with mostly function in mind, the multi-layered, multi-textured dial, and the mix of gold and green give it a snazzy aesthetic without taking away from its overall tool watch style.
- Victorinox watches come with a five-year warranty.
What I Don’t Like
- With a 51mm lug-to-lug size and a weight of almost 200 grams, this watch may not be suitable for smaller wristed guys. At the very least, its substantial wear would take some getting used to.
What Other Reviewers Say
Most reviewers agree that this watch offers big Swiss value for a relatively small price.
One reviewer, however, complained that the second hand doesn’t always land exactly on the 12, but just to the left of it. In my opinion though, the movement itself is perfectly reliable and this is purely cosmetic.
The Verdict
The robust and professional Victorinox Army Maverick is as multi-functional as a Swiss Army Knife, and equally as stylish to boot.
With both dive and chronograph features, it’s a trusty tool watch with a creative green-and-gold color combination.
The robust and professional Victorinox Army Maverick is as multi-functional as a Swiss Army Knife, and equally as stylish to boot.
With both dive and chronograph features, it’s a trusty tool watch with a creative green-and-gold color combination.
Best Investment Piece: Rolex Oyster Perpetual
No matter what color you go for, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual will always be considered impressive and historically important. Experienced watch collectors respect it for this fact, while newbies will simply be impressed by the brand name and beautiful design.
Its elegant simplicity is one of the reasons it looks great in every color, including in this vivid green variant. It’s also the reason why it’s so versatile, and will never go out of style.
It may be one of Rolex’s more affordable entry-level models, but it’ll still last forever, never go out of style, and has the solid and consistent investment value the brand pretty much always offers.
What I Like
- Thanks to Rolex’s innovative proprietary materials, in-house movement requirements that go beyond COSC-certification requirements, and the OP’s timeless design, this watch is a perfect combination of best practices while maintaining an understated look.
- As the most classic and basic Rolex, even the green OP offers sound investment value.
- While the modern men’s versions already come in 36mm and 41mm sizes, the unisex and women’s OPs offer even more. Since the only thing gendered about the different versions is the sizes, bedazzled dials aside, this allows a perfect fit for a wide range of wrist sizes.
What I Don’t Like
- No Rolex is that easy to get a hold of. Technically, modern OPs retail at closer to $6,000 or $7,000. If you want to skip waitlist lines or find a legitimate one on the secondary market, it may go over the 10k mark, even if slightly.
What Other Reviewers Say
Few people, including internet and trade magazine reviewers, would ever tell you an Oyster Perpetual is a bad idea. Even if those with flashier tastes find it boring, most everyone agrees it’s a good buy.
Some purists suggest sticking to black or white, but if you love the color green, and believe you can wear this forever, the OP is the safest Rolex model to get in a non-traditional colorway.
The Verdict
As Rolex’s most stripped down model, the Oyster Perpetual is a quintessential timepiece for the brand. It’s versatile, reliable, and will last forever.
If you’re willing to pay the price of admission, or at least get on a possibly year-long wait list, a green OP will always be impressive and always be in style, and it immediately becomes a family heirloom the moment you acquire it.
The Oyster Perpetual might be the least expensive Rolex, but a Rolex is still a Rolex. This timepiece is a boardroom staple and an excellent entry way into the world of fine watchmaking.
Key Things to Consider When Buying a Green Dial Watch
The first thing to consider when buying any watch, is what you plan on wearing it for. Is it an everyday watch, a dress watch, or a beater?
This consideration is especially important when going for a non-neutral colorway like green.
If it’s an everyday watch, make sure it’s a highly versatile shade and design, like the Nordgreen Pioneer or, if you’ve got the funds, the Oyster Perpetual.
And of course, the second most important thing to consider is how much you’re planning to spend on it and why.
All of the models in this round up offer excellent price-for-quality.
The Best Green Dial Watch for You
The Nordgreen Pioneer is an easy choice, wildly versatile, and can be worn on most any occasion. This is thanks to its classy and sporty look and excellent construction.
The Nordgreen Pioneer is an innovative take on the chronograph watch. Built like a classic aviator, but with modern Scandinavian design principles, this timepiece looks natural and elegant—and it pairs well in a casual and smart-casual wardrobe.
Meanwhile, the Vaer and the Seiko SNK805 are both bang-for-buck field watches that perfectly lend themselves to the green colorway.
The other Seiko in the line-up, the SNKM97, has a fun retro-cool design, and the Hamilton Boulton is likewise vintage-inspired, but in a dressy way.
And of course, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a true forever watch, and you don’t have to go the black or white route to maintain that status.
By choosing the right shade of green and considering what it is you’re looking for in a green watch, adding one to your collection can truly level up your style game.
FAQs
What does a green dial watch go with?
Complementary colors of green include red and purple. You can also match it with accessories or outerwear, like a military jacket or a green belt. Olive green watches, or any of the ones on this list (because of their balanced palette), go with most combinations.
Are green face watches in style?
Green face watches are never out of style, as long as you’re wearing the right shade or pairing it with your outfit properly.
Does watch dial color matter?
Always. Neutral watches or watches with balanced color usage go with basically any outfit, but loudly-colored dials will need to be matched or evened out.
