Winter Whites: Some Of The Best White Dials To Hit The Slopes — Or Après In

As we’ve ushered in the New Year, we’ve also welcomed ski season. From Courchevel and Verbier to Aspen and Park City, ski season has officially entered its peak. And as with many industries — art, music, fashion, and so on — there is a direct correlation to the sport of skiing and watchmaking. Whether it is Longines being the official timekeeper of the FIS Alpine World Cup or Zenith collaborating with technical skiwear brand Fusalp, the connection between ski culture and watches is innate. Ahead, we’re taking a look at some of the best ‘winter white’ dials we’re anticipating to see on — and off — the slopes this season at some of the premier ski resorts in the world. 

Richard Mille RM-037 White Ceramic

The RM 037 White Ceramic features a sleek white ceramic case, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides durability and resistance to wear. The open dial design showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the movement, offering a captivating view of the automatic caliber CRMA1. With its combination of white ceramic and luxurious materials like red gold and diamonds, this timepiece strikes a balance between sportiness and sophistication — the epitome of après style.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in White Ceramic

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in hand-finished white ceramic with the “Grande Tapisserie” decorated dial featuring the day, date, month, and week of the year indications, along with an astronomical moon phase display. Audemars Piguet’s pioneering leap year indication, introduced in 1955, is also integrated into the design. The 41mm case, made from white ceramic, is complemented by a glare-proofed sapphire crystal and caseback, ensuring durability and clarity. With a thickness of just 9.5mm and a water resistance of up to 20 meters, this timepiece strikes a harmonious balance between form and function. And OK, the dial isn’t white white, but the blue dial with silver-toned counters, luminescent-coated hour-markers, and Royal Oak hands, paired with a white ceramic bracelet and blackened polished steel folding clasp, puts it in the ‘winter white’ category in our books.

Rolex Explorer II

Candidly, when I think about white dials, this particular Rolex always pops into my head first. To state the obvious, the dial is white, but the spirit of the Explorer also takes me to the art of skiing. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II in Oystersteel, paired with an Oyster bracelet is paired with a white dial that features an arrow-shaped 24-hour hand and hour markers with a Chromalight display, ensuring exceptional legibility even in challenging conditions. The watch’s distinguishing feature is its 24-hour bezel and additional orange 24-hour hand, allowing wearers to differentiate between day and night hours — a crucial function for adventurers exploring environments where daylight is scarce, such as caves or polar regions in summer.

Grand Seiko SBGA211

Another brand synonymous with the mountains is Grand Seiko. This particular Grand Seiko is inspired by the majestic Hotaka mountain (as most of the Grand Seiko dials find some sort of inspiration in the seasonal shifts of the Japanese mountains). Handcrafted by skilled artisans at the Shinshu Watch Studio in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, the timepiece embodies the essence of the snowy landscapes that envelop the studio during the winter months. The dial’s subtly textured surface captures the ethereal quality of the snow, reflecting the delicate play of light. Powered by Grand Seiko’s unique Spring Drive caliber, the watch combines the strength of a mainspring with the precision of a quartz movement. The high-intensity titanium case and bracelet offer both durability and a lightweight feel, making it 30% lighter than stainless steel. The blue steel second hand glides smoothly, and the watch boasts a 72-hour power reserve, with an indicator on the dial’s bottom left, symbolizing the eternal nature of time.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 “Black Aces”

Just a few days ago, IWC’s CEO, Christoph Grainger-Herr, flaunted his Pilot “Lake Tahoe” in white ceramic on the slopes — and while we love that timepiece for ski season, we also are quite keen on the Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 “Black Aces.” The IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 “Black Aces” is encased in stainless steel with a striking black dial with contrasting white numerals and hands, offering exceptional legibility. The iconic triangular index at 12 o’clock, reminiscent of cockpit instruments, adds to its aviation aesthetics. Powered by the IWC caliber 32111 automatic movement, this watch ensures precision and reliability. And the “Black Aces” pays homage to the Black Aces, a legendary squadron of Navy fighter pilots, and features a unique case back design.

Zenith Defy Classic Fusalp Edition

The Zenith Defy Classic Fusalp Edition blends watchmaking and high-altitude fashion, created in collaboration with Fusalp, the renowned French sportswear brand. Encased in a 41mm brushed titanium case, this timepiece exudes a sleek and sporty elegance. The sunray-patterned dial in deep blue, inspired by the Fusalp color palette, showcases faceted rhodium-plated hour markers and hands filled with Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility. Powered by the Zenith Elite 670 SK automatic movement, it offers reliable timekeeping and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The transparent case back reveals the intricate workings of the movement, adorned with a special Fusalp logo.