The Dial Colors Defining Fall Watch Trends

Forest and Olive Green

Green was the loudest story at this year’s big watch fairs, and it’s still everywhere. A deep forest or olive dial reads almost like a neutral in fall, so it’s easier to wear than it sounds.

Chocolate, Toffee, and Brown

Brown dials match the season’s leather boots and suede jackets. A toffee or chocolate dial has the same broken-in warmth as a favorite pair of boots.

Burgundy and Deep Red

Burgundy is a darker, more grown-up red. It lines up with the runway’s Red Mahogany, a shade somewhere between cherry and chocolate, and it looks best after dark.

Champagne and Warm Gold

Champagne is this year’s quiet breakout. It has gold’s warmth but less shine, and its slightly vintage feel suits tweed and knitwear.

Metal Tones: Gold, Two-Tone, and Gunmetal

Two-tone steel and gold is back, and it works with silver and gold jewelry at the same time. Yellow gold stays classic. Gunmetal and black finishes look moodier, especially on women’s styles like the Michael Kors Runway Gunmetal MK5954.

Men’s Watches Trending This Fall

Blue and green chronographs are the easiest place to start with men’s watches this season. Skeleton and open-heart automatics show the movement through the dial, so every glance at the time comes with a small mechanical show. Gold-tone dress watches like the Michael Kors Lexington MK8446 are perfect for dinners and weddings. If you’d rather go big, our guide to chunky watches covers the other end of the scale.

Women’s Watches Trending This Fall

Petite and slim women’s watches with mother-of-pearl or champagne dials wear like jewelry. At the other extreme, oversized chronographs borrowed from men’s styles pair well with a chunky knit. Two-tone bracelets sit somewhere in between. For a little pattern, Burberry’s The City line stamps the brand’s check right into the dial.

Fall Straps and Bracelets: Leather, Mesh, and Steel

Swapping the strap is the cheapest way to turn a summer watch into a fall one. Cognac and brown leather go with nearly everything in a fall closet. Black leather dresses a watch up for evening, and a fine mesh bracelet catches low autumn light.

How to Pair Fall Watch Tones With Your Wardrobe

  • Green dials with camel or cream

  • Brown dials with denim and olive

  • Burgundy with charcoal or black

  • Champagne with navy

Finding Men’s and Women’s Watches for Sale This Season

You don’t need a luxury budget to wear this year’s tones. Watch Aces sorts its watches for sale by price, starting with watches under $100, and every piece is authentic with a one-year warranty. For gifts, there’s a signature gift box with a personal message, and select watches can be engraved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What watch colors are trending for fall?

Champagne and green are the two to watch, followed closely by burgundy and brown. Blue is still a steady classic.

Is gold or silver more popular for watches this season?

Two-tone. Mixing steel and gold on the same watch is one of the season’s strongest metal trends.

Are big watches still in style, or are smaller watches coming back?

Yes to both. Slim, petite cases suit dressier looks, while bold chronographs suit casual outfits.

What strap looks best with fall outfits?

Brown or cognac leather.

Can women wear men’s watches?

Absolutely. Oversized men’s chronographs have become a popular women’s look, especially with knitwear or a blazer. Just choose a strap or bracelet that adjusts to fit a smaller wrist.

— Ursula B