Purple Is Gaining Popularity
As a watch nerd, pairing my outfit with my watch is part of my daily ritual. The combination doesn’t necessarily have to match what I wear, as long as it works with my outfit. More recently, I have seen the rise of Purple among brands, so I thought it prevalent to choose my top 5 Purple watches and share them with you.
Expressing your mood through the colour Purple conveys individuality and creativity. It’s perfect for those who want their watch to reflect a unique personality and adventurous spirit. Purple is versatile across seasons too. Its deep, rich hues can add warmth in the winter, while lighter shades can bring a refreshing burst of colour in the summer. As watch designs evolve, purple has become more popular in modern and contemporary styles. It aligns with current fashion trends, especially in accessories and sports watches.
Christopher Ward – The Twelve (Ti) – Nebula Purple
The first of my Top 5 Purple watches is the Twelve from Christopher Ward. It has been a hit for many since its release, as one of the most affordable integrated sports watches around. This iteration features Nebula Purple on the familiar crossed flag dial. The deep hue, adds to that sense of opulence and overall aesthetics of the watch.
The grade II titanium case and bracelet are well-finished and surprisingly light on the wrist, but still have enough heft to know you’re wearing it. The case and bracelet design has a true visual presence, that we expect from Christopher Ward. The dodecahedron bezel (from where the name derives- twelve-sided), has that nod to the Genta design of the Royal Oak.
The multi-faceted case design looks different from various perspectives, from round one minute to very angular the next. The polished edge detail, is subtle yet necessary, as are the various finishings used. They elevate the watch to another level and at a price of only £1595.00, will be hard to better.
Photo Credit – Christopher Ward
Photo Credit – Christopher Ward
MB&F Legacy Machine 101
Photo Credit – MB&F
MB&F, produces some of the highest horological designs, and the Legacy Machine 101 in this stunning purple dial, is no exception. This is no shy Susan, as most MB&F watches are statement pieces, designed to stand way out and be appreciated from afar. The form of a simple 18kt white gold round case, you would imagine is a little tame, however, it’s what’s on the dial that draws you in.
You can’t miss its beating heart, there in front of you, as the pulse of the escapement and balance wheel. Almost hovering below its bridge, it’s both off the wall and brilliant at the same time. With a display case back, it’s equally beautiful from the reverse. Showing off the stunning high finishing of the movement. This is not an off-the-shelf piece, as the wait list will be several years, so start saving the £63,500.00 you’ll need to attain one.
Max Büsser is a modern-day genius, surrounding himself with watchmakers with an equal passion to deliver his wildest designs. Having the ability to reimagine perfection in a watch and make it somewhat available, is a winning formula.
Photo Credit – MB&F
King Seiko ‘Kameido’ KSK
Photo Credit – Grand Seiko
Photo Credit – Grand Seiko
From Grand Seiko, comes the Kameido KSK. The lavender dial takes its inspiration from the Kameido Tenjin Shrine where wisteria was planted during the Edo period (A period of Japanese history from 1600 to 1868, during the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate).
On the wrist, the King Seiko’s angular case offers a comfortable fit, largely thanks to its remarkably wearable 37mm size. Despite its compact dimensions, the watch exudes a distinct Seiko character. At a glance, one might draw parallels to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual because of the similar stylistic cues, but upon closer inspection, the differences become apparent.
The bracelet further enhances this distinctive feel. Though reminiscent of the Rolex Jubilee with its elegant, multi-link structure, the King Seiko’s bracelet exhibits a more polygonal aesthetic that mirrors the case’s geometry. The Kameido KSK is great value at £1,720.00 and surely worth looking at, especially when you consider King Seiko sits between Seiko and Grand Seiko for quality.
H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds – Purple Haze
Photo Credit – H.Moser & Cie
My penultimate choice of top 5 purple watches is from H.Moser & Cie. They have been featured in several of our top 5 articles, as they always seem to resonate with exceptional quality. The Streamliner Centre Seconds with the Purple Haze fume dial is certainly up there for looks, quality and appeal.
The 40mm steel case and bracelet are sublime and you can’t ignore the Art Deco-inspired sleekness of it. Its curved sapphire case back displays one of the most stunning movements you will see. The finishing of this is nothing short of outstanding, the simplicity and elegance of the 3-handed dial are shown off to its best. The case seamlessly transitions to the bracelet without notice and articulates flawlessly.
The movement inside the Streamliner Centre Seconds is the HMC 200, an automatic calibre, meticulously designed, developed, and produced entirely in-house .At around £19,000.00, it is exceptional value for money. I do have a huge soft spot for H.Moser & Cie and the Streamliner is one watch I would honestly sell all my others for. Would I ever do it, I honestly don’t know, ask me in a few years.
Photo Credit – H.Moser & Cie
Oris Aquis Hölsten Edition
Last but not least in my Top 5 Purple Watches is a standout from Oris, a brand that consistently produces great-looking timepieces. The Aquis has been a constant favourite, with many editions to its name. This particular purple dial offering is the Hölstein Edition, a 41.5mm no-date model released in 2023 to celebrate 119 years since Oris’s founding.
Every year on June 1, Oris releases a 250-piece limited edition to commemorate the registration of its company in its hometown of Hölstein, Switzerland, on June 1, 1904. This edition features a unique purple case back adorned with a diving Oris Bear, encapsulating the Oris story and community. The cool grey ceramic bezel contrasts nicely with the stainless steel case and coloured dial.
As the first no-date model in the Aquis range, it works exceptionally well for those who, like me, are fans of the clean, no-date look. At around £3,300.00, is a great option for those looking for something different with a fun twist.
Photo Credit – Oris
Photo Credit – Oris
My Thoughts
What are my thoughts on my top 5 purple watches? Truthfully, I’ve been wanting to add more coloured dials to my collection for a while. I already have plenty of black and blue dials, but I feel purple might get its calling at some point. As for which one I’d pick, I’m still undecided. While the H. Moser Streamliner has always been a favourite, it’s currently out of my price range.
Injecting colour into any collection is highly advisable, whether through a simple strap change or a coloured dial. Unless you prefer darker tones, which traditionally have a more classic feel, adding some vibrant hues can be refreshing. My view now is to have some fun and embrace whatever colour catches your eye.
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