One of the attractions of wristwatches in recent years is their diverse color variations. In particular, green dials have become a major trend, drawing attention for their depth of color. This time, we've picked out four Grand Seiko models with a wide lineup of green dials. Use your personal color to find the green that suits you best.
Photographs & Text by Mutsuyo Ito
[Article published on January 29, 2025]
Personal color index lowers the hurdle of "finding the right color"
When you hear the word "green," what kind of green comes to mind? Watch enthusiasts might think of the bright, yellowish green of Rolex, or the dull, bluish green of Audemars Piguet. As you can see, there are many variations of the same "green." It will take time and effort to find the color that suits you best.
So, what I would like to propose is personal color. Personal color is a group of colors that are compatible with the "pigment in oneself and the color of an object." When I say "color," I don't mean a classification such as "green suits you" or "blue suits you." For example, even within the same green, such as a brighter, more yellowish green or a darker, duller green, it refers to the green that suits you best.
These groups are divided into four categories (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) based on the four seasons in Japan, and these four groups are further divided into yellow-based and blue-based groups based on base color.
What are the benefits of knowing your personal color?
Personal colors are not feelings or preferences, but colors that, when matched to your skin, cause your skin color to appear differently than it actually is. This takes advantage of a characteristic of human vision known as "optical illusion." For example, if you try on a watch and the color doesn't suit you, it may be because you chose a color from a group of personal colors that you dislike.
Furthermore, knowing your personal color is not just about knowing what colors suit you; it is also the first step to developing a strategic perspective on how you want to appear to others. By using color to your advantage, you can confidently create the impression you want in any situation.
So, we'll divide the four personal color categories into two: "yellow-based" and "blue-based," and suggest a watch color that suits you.
To know which colors suit you best, first find out your personal color.
I will provide a simple diagnostic chart, so I hope you will try adopting the personal color type that applies to you in most of the categories.
Yellow-based spring types look healthy when wearing bright, vibrant colors with a lot of yellow around their skin. Many of them give off a bright, refreshing, and friendly impression.
The skin is lustrous and clear
・Her natural hair color is dark brown and shiny
・The impression that the eyes are sparkling
- The contrast between the white and black of the eyes is clear
・They say that shiny gold and sparkly things suit you.
Blue-based summer types have a lot of blue in them, and look healthy when they apply colors that are not too vivid but have a gentle brightness around their skin. Many people with this type give off a refined and elegant impression.
・Skin is fine-grained and thin. It tends to become rough easily.
-Hair is black and matte
The iris (black part of the eye) is bright and the pupil is easily visible
・The contrast between the white and black of the eyes is soft
・It is said that matte silver and pearl look good on you.
Yellow-based autumn types look healthy when wearing calm, dark colors with a lot of yellow, such as smoky or dull colors, around their skin. Many people with this type have a chic and calm impression.
- Skin has a matte texture with no redness
・Hair is dark brown to black, thick and hard
・The iris (black part of the eye) is deep and dark, as if it were sucking you in.
Pupils are hard to see
・I'm told that matte gold and tortoiseshell look good on me.
Blue-based winter types have a lot of blue in their complexion and look healthy when wearing vibrant dark colors around their skin. Many people with this type have a cool and glamorous look.
・Thick skin. It tends to be less prone to redness and irritation.
・Hair is black, shiny and thick
- The contrast between the white and black of the eyes is clear
・Even if you wear all black clothes, it doesn't give off a ceremonial vibe.
・It is said that shiny platinum and diamonds suit you well.
A simple self-judgment method using optical illusions
The photo shows the hand of a person with a blue undertone. If a person with a blue undertone places their hand on a blue (or silver) surface, it will appear clear and healthy, whereas if they place their hand on a yellow (or gold) cloth or paper, their yellowish dullness and redness will be emphasized. If a person with a yellow undertone places their hand on the yellow surface, their skin will appear healthy and clear, whereas if they place their hand on a blue surface, the blue of their veins will be emphasized, making them appear pale.
Of course, this is just a simple diagnosis, so if you want to know more, we recommend getting a professional personal color diagnosis. Let's explain this separately for yellow-based types and blue-based types.
Grand Seiko Dial Colors Explained
This time, we've picked out four models that allow you to enjoy a variety of greens, from yellowish to blueish. First, we'll explain the models we recommend for those with yellow undertones. We'll also teach you what to do if the watch appears to float above your skin when you wear it.
Grand Seiko "SBGH351" recommended for yellow-based watches
This model has the nickname "Rikka" (the beginning of summer). Its vibrant color evokes the moment when the seasons change from spring to summer and the sunlight strengthens, illuminating the trees. The dial color is a yellowish green, vibrant in sunlight and subdued indoors. The gold color of the logo and second hand also complement the yellow-based model.
Another recommendation for a yellow-based watch is the Grand Seiko "SBGE257"
This is also a yellowish green, but its brightness and saturation are lower than those of "Rikka," giving it a more subdued impression. The bezel and GMT design, as well as the pale orange-like yellow of the GMT hand, give it an active feel, but the overall color is subdued, making it easy to coordinate with a jacket style.
If you don't like the vividness of "Rikka," try this model.
Grand Seiko "SLGA025" recommended for blue-based types
This model has the nickname "Atera" ("Adera"). It is said to represent the murmuring of the river in the Atera Valley in Kiso County, Nagano Prefecture. Even if you've never seen it in person, the transparent emerald green makes you imagine a river so clear you can see the bottom. This model is recommended for blue-toned people who don't like colors with a strong yellow tint.
Another recommendation for the blue-based type is the Grand Seiko "SBGW285"
The dial color on this watch is also a bluish green, but the brightness is quite low, and depending on the lighting and angle, it can be close to black, making it a model that can be easily matched with any style. The leather strap is the same color as the dial, but is slightly more yellowish than the dial color. This is a model that can be enjoyed by changing the color of the leather strap to suit the occasion.
If you want to change the color of the leather strap, we recommend black or white for blue-based types, and beige or brown for yellow-based types.
What to do when it doesn't feel right
It's a color I like, but it just doesn't feel right on my wrist... In that case, try matching the dial color with an item in the same color group as your personal color. It's hard to understand from words alone, so let's try it out with the SBGH351.
The model has a blue-based wrist, and by combining the white cuffs, which blue-based wrists tend to prefer, the watch appears to stand out.
When we changed the white cloth to ivory, which is the color of the yellow-based type that is the dial color, the overall look blended in.
In this way, even if your skin tone is blue-based, if the color of your watch is yellow-based, placing items in colors that yellow-based people tend to like (spring and autumn colors) near the watch will help the overall look blend in. Depending on the colors of the items you combine, the way you look can change surprisingly, so we encourage you to give it a try.
Let's try a green dial watch!
Have you found your green? Personal color is merely one indicator for determining which colors suit you best. Ultimately, the watch you choose is up to you. Whether you choose a color because you like it or because it suits you, both are important elements that express your individuality. We hope you find your favorite green dial watch and enjoy incorporating it into your daily outfits.
Author profile
Mutsuyo Ito
He provides consulting services related to "products, places, and people" at sales sites, such as color supervision and image consultation for watch manufacturers, personal color diagnosis at event venues, and customer service training. He holds numerous qualifications, including a second-class watch repair technician, a J-color certified instructor, and a color therapist. He is the representative director of parakeITO Co., Ltd. Website:https://www.mutsuyo-ito-parakeito.com/
