While Halloween is firmly rooted in ancient Celtic tradition, it has become a popular holiday across large areas of the globe. Regardless of whether you’re trick or treating with your children or handing out candy to gleeful visitors dressed up in costumes, you probably wouldn’t mind a timepiece that befits the occasion. Before you roll your eyes: We’re not talking about gimmicky timepieces with skulls or spiders, but rather classy orange watches that would look good next to a glowing jack-o’-lantern. However, truly orange timepieces aren’t that easy to find. Sure, there are plenty of chronographs with orange accents, but watches with prominent orange components are nearly non-existent. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and found a selection of interesting orange timepieces that would make great Halloween watches.
Before we go any further, let’s be clear that orange isn’t most people’s color of choice when it comes to selecting their everyday watch. This bright hue lends any timepiece a decidedly sporty feel and is rarely suitable for more formal occasions. Appropriately, many diving watches and sports chronographs feature orange elements that stand out against their typically black or white dials. However, for this list, we looked at timepieces that truly embrace this color and have become legendary for it.
DOXA Sub 300
The DOXA Sub 300 is not only the most famous watch with an orange dial, but it also was the world’s first dedicated sports diving watch. DOXA first introduced the Sub 300 at Baselworld 1966. A team of DOXA watchmakers had spent years working with professional divers to create the first affordable diving watch for both recreational and professional divers. They ended up choosing a bright orange dial because it was the easiest to read in murky waters. The dial color was one of many deliberate choices that led to the Sub 300 becoming an industry icon.
Filmmaker and explorer Jacques Cousteau and his team used the Sub 300 on their many aquatic adventures, which helped this timepiece gain wider exposure. A Sub 300 also appeared on the wrist of Robert Redford in the 1975 film Three Days of the Condor, as well as that of Dirk Pitt in the eponymous series of novels by Clive Cussler. Since its release, the Sub 300 has enjoyed increasing popularity in the watch community. Just try and get your hands on a vintage model or the 50th-anniversary edition of the DOXA Sub 300 Professional. You will probably have a hard time finding one. However, the good news is that the latest version of the DOXA Sub 300T looks exactly like the original and was just released in September 2019. Today, the DOXA Sub 300 is a worthy addition to any collection, especially if you’re looking for the perfect Halloween watch.
Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M
No list of orange watches is complete without the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M, more commonly known simply as the Ploprof. The Ploprof is yet another watchmaking legend. The first Ploprof debuted in February 1971, but it wouldn’t hit the shelves until April of that year. Underwater exploration and off-shore oil drilling boomed in the late 1960s, leading to increased demand for robust professional diving watches. Moreover, many people were taking up aquatic activities, including recreational scuba diving. Omega’s response was the Ploprof, an extremely functional timepiece with an extraordinary design.
The current Ploprof is officially known as the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M. Two versions of this timepiece feature prominent orange elements. First is an updated version of the original Ploprof. It features an orange bezel security pusher, a white and orange minute hand, and an orange rubber strap. If you want one, you better act soon, because Omega is about to shutter production on the steel version. The other edition with orange details is made of titanium and pairs a bright orange ceramic bezel ring with an orange bezel security pusher. Both models are modern takes on an all-time classic and also a great choice for the fall season.
Oris Chronoris Limited Edition
There are also a few chronographs with interesting orange accents. In the 1970s, Oris produced a range of beautiful racing chronographs. They began in 1970 with a timepiece that featured an oval case – a popular shape at the time. Another defining feature of the original Oris Star Chronoris is its black dial with contrasting orange elements. You’ll find these same details in the current line of Chronoris watches.
Oris is famous for re-releasing their most popular classic models. The Oris Divers Sixty-Five and Big Crown collections are good examples of how Oris has found the perfect balance of retro and modern. As mentioned above, the current Chronoris collection traces its roots back to 1970. Introduced in 2018, the Chronoris Limited Edition is the direct descendant of those early models. It follows many of the same design principles, including the bright orange details. Be warned: You will likely have to search for a while before getting your hands on one, as Oris only produced 200 copies of this timepiece. If you do find one, I recommend the version with a stainless steel bracelet, as it simply exudes 70s charm. This model is less in-your-face than the other watch in this article, making it a more modest choice for All Hallows’ Eve.
While we limited ourselves to three watches for this article, there are plenty of other orange timepieces out there. Honorable mentions include the Heuer Autavia Orange Boy, Breitling Superocean Orange, Rolex Milgauss, Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Aero GT Orange, Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph, and Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. These are just a few examples of watches that integrate orange into their design, making them a fun option for Halloween and beyond!
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