Grey Dial Watches: Collector Wrist Shots

this_hobby_of_hours · 2025-09-25T04:13:26Z

Discover the understated elegance of grey dials with WatchProSite. Explore collector insights and wristshots of brands like GP Laureato, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin.

this_hobby_of_hours

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

58 replies5524 views3 photos

In a world often dominated by vibrant blues and classic blacks, this_hobby_of_hours makes a compelling case for the understated elegance of grey dials. Their original post highlights how grey can offer a sophisticated alternative, embodying 'quiet luxury' suitable for diverse occasions. This discussion thread, initiated by this_hobby_of_hours, serves as a valuable resource for collectors seeking inspiration and examples of this often-overlooked dial color.

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I’m curious to see more grey dials from various brands. Seems like we see tons of blues and such but grey … not so often.

Grey seems like a nice alternative to black. It can be quite classy. Just enough to catch the eye but not too flashy. Office or evening wear. Resonates “quiet luxury”for me.

For me, It’s the discontinued GP Laureato 38 mm anthracite grey dial. Ref: 81005-11-231-11A. With the thin calibre 3300. So the case is about 10 mm thick. Pretty good.

🤝

Key Points from the Discussion

Grey dials, particularly those with an anthracite finish, offer a sophisticated alternative to more common dial colors, providing a versatile aesthetic that can range from subtle to strikingly elegant.
Many collectors possess more grey-dialed watches than they initially realize, indicating the color's understated appeal and ability to blend seamlessly into a collection.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 14790SA, produced from the early 1990s to mid-2000s, features a distinctive Petite Tapisserie grey dial, making it a notable vintage example.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Everest and 2000v are considered 'grey grails' by some collectors, showcasing the high-end appeal and desirability of grey dials in luxury sports watches.
Grey dials are not monolithic; 'anthracite' specifically refers to a mineral-like finish with varying shades and metallic reflective qualities, distinguishing it from a flat grey.
Examples of grey dials span a wide range of brands and styles, from the UTS 1000m as a GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch to the refined Breguet Type XXI.

The Discussion

this_hobby_of_hours

Sep 25, 2025

One can see JLC took pains to color this dial. Interesting to see elements of tobacco brown as well. 👏

this_hobby_of_hours

Sep 25, 2025

The colors work so well together Which ref is this pls? 🤝

KMII

Sep 25, 2025

Are very light dependent but are both dark grey 👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed them 👋🏻

analog_sheen

Sep 25, 2025

What else would I add in grey? Perhaps a grey ceramic case like the GSoTM or the new Grey Planet Ocean ceramic, or a Gen 2 VCOS Deepstream.... Of course the grey grail might be the Vacheron Everest or 2000v... Here are the current greys that I feel so fortunate to be taking care of

Watchonthewrist

Sep 25, 2025

Great collection btw 👌🏻

LarsG

Sep 25, 2025

Chanel J12 Chromatic reporting for duty.

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