Time To Go Gray!

Elegant ash-colored watches offer clarity in an era of uncertainty.

- Justin Mastine-Frost

Every so often we see the watch industry adjust its color palette. A couple of years ago, as global buyers felt more flush, rich blue dials were all the rage. Later, as people became willing to take a chance on something more unusual, a vibrant forest green crept in.

These changes seldom have any rhyme or reason beyond the whims of design bosses in Switzerland. But as demand for steel cases—and relatively affordable luxury watches in general—is skyrocketing, shoppers are seeing more gray dials to go with them. It’s a muted tone that’s wearable in many situations.