Whether it’s the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Grand Seiko 44GS, Oris Big Crown, or Armin Strom Orbit Purple: Watches and Wonders 2025 proved that dials in purple, lavender, and lilac are all the rage this season. I’m showing you three watch models that set this trend before Watches and Wonders 2025 and that are still flying somewhat under the radar for watch fans.
German Trendsetter: NOMOS Club Sport Neomatik 34 Purple
The renowned German watch manufacturer NOMOS anticipated the purple trend long before Watches and Wonders 2025 and implemented it in its most popular model, the NOMOS Club Sport Neomatik 34, in November 2024. If you think that a 34-mm watch is not for men, I can reassure you that in this case, it is. One of the biggest, but also most polarizing design features of NOMOS watches are the long horns, which make the watches appear slightly larger on the wrist and are as much a part of the watch brand as snowflake hands are for Tudor. Thanks to the smaller diameter, watch fans with narrower wrists and critics of the long horns finally have easier access to the popular Club Sport collection. The German all-rounder once again impresses with its unique design, great quality made in Glashütte, and an in-house movement that will amaze you every time you look at the back of the watch. The purple dial of the ref. 757 has a great sunburst effect that is striking in sunlight, but appears much more subtle in darker lighting. The partially polished steel bracelet fits like a glove and looks both bold and elegant at the same time. The NOMOS Club Sport Neomatik 34 Purple is a great watch for anyone who loves the color purple and is looking for an all-rounder for every day. This trendsetter is available starting around $3,400.
The Future Classic: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 114300
Rolex introduced new colors for its Oyster Perpetual at Watches and Wonders 2025, including a lilac variant. What you may have missed, however, is that Rolex already used the color purple on its classic years ago. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39, which has been discontinued since 2020, is sorely missed by watch fans, especially the slate gray version. The purple dial variant flew under the radar when it was still officially available in the Rolex catalog. The dial comes with a sunburst effect that looks very dark and subdued – you could almost call it an eggplant shade in most lighting conditions. The color only comes to life in bright light. The white indices and red markings on the edge of the dial create an unusual look, but give the Oyster Perpetual that certain something. The so-called Red Grape is not a watch you come across too often and could become a coveted collector’s item in the future. Some examples can still be found for less than $9,000.
Sporty and Purple: TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox
TAG Heuer also looked to purple dials before Watches and Wonders 2025 and released several collections in the hue at the beginning of the year, including the legendary Monaco and, of course, the no less iconic Carrera. It is this watch that I would now like to talk to you about: The 39-mm bi-compax chronograph has a sporty and elegant design that works perfectly with the dark shade. Thanks to an in-house automatic caliber with a full 80-hour power reserve, the TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox is also technically impressive. The dial has a rich purple tone in the center that turns black towards the edge. This shade looks extremely dark and only emphasizes the sporty character of the watch. The black leather strap also complements the overall look of the timepiece perfectly. This recently released model is not (yet) available in abundance, but it is already available for significantly less than the MSRP of $6,600 just a few months after its release.
Purple Color Trend: Final Thoughts
Even though the color purple seems to be an emerging trend – at least since Watches and Wonders 2025 – it is not to everyone’s taste. However, for brave watch enthusiasts who already own several timepieces, these models could be a welcome change from the typical black, blue, and green. Would I buy a purple watch? Probably not, to be honest. I prefer things simple and timeless, but that doesn’t mean I can’t see the value for someone else.
