Staff Reporter
Fascinated with the pandas that have sent their cuteness sweeping across the city? This might be the best time to check out some "panda" chronographs.
With a white dial paired with black sub-dials, it's hard not to see these timepieces' resemblance to a panda's facial features.
Initially, Panda Dials only referred to watches with two sub-dials. The term now covers all chronographs with a black-and-white palette. Here are a few:
Paying tribute to the classics, the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is an homage to the Heuer 7753SN from the 1970s, featuring a silver-white dial, black sub-dials and tachymeter bezel.
Powered by the Calibre TH20-00 automatic, it has three sub-dials downplayed to resemble the classic double sub-dial - a clever blend of old-school aesthetics and modern mechanics.
Seeking an affordable yet stylish option? Hamilton's Intra-Matic Auto Chrono is a standout. This modern reissue of a 1968 classic features a clean white dial with two black sub-dials and a date window at six o'clock.
The vintage vibe is enhanced by the retro Hamilton logo at the top featuring hammer-shaped pushers and a sleek black leather strap - a timeless piece that won't break the bank.
The Heritage BiCompax Annual is a rare gem - combining a big date display with an annual calendar function. The calendar automatically adjusts for months with 30 or 31 days - requiring just one manual correction during non-leap years.
Inspired by a 1956 model, this watch features a tachymeter bezel, a black-and-white big date window at twelve o'clock, and two black sub-dials with concentric circle detailing. Limited to 888 pieces, this Panda Dial variant offers exceptional value at about HK$60,000.
The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope channels the retro charm of 1940s chronographs. Its dial is a functional masterpiece, featuring multiple scales for tachymeter, telemeter, and pulsometer functions.
This particular model, a tribute to the 2024 Paris Olympics, boasts gold hands and indices, with the back case engraved with "PARIS 2024" and Olympic rings.
While Glashutte Original's SeaQ may not be the best-known dive watch, its chronograph variant is a force to be reckoned with.
Water-resistant up to 300m, it features a unidirectional ceramic bezel, oversized luminous markers, and a flyback chronograph function for added sophistication. Its six o'clock big date display, anti-magnetic silicon hairspring, and 70-hour power reserve make it a reliable and high-performance timepiece.
Tudor's Black Bay Chrono made waves in 2017 with its all-black dial and silver bezel. In 2021, the brand unveiled the highly anticipated Panda Dial version - a white dial with black sub-dials and a black tachymeter bezel.
The watch's signature snowflake hands and riveted bracelet add a vintage touch - while the brushed and polished case exudes refined ruggedness - a practical yet stylish choice for adventurers.
Original text from Gavin Ho. Images provided by respective brands.
