“Salmon” describes a range of pinky-copper / rose-gold hues on a watch dial — from pale rose to deep coppery salmon. It’s a vintage-rooted colour (popular in the 1930s–1950s) that’s seen a major resurgence in new releases and reissues.

The Allure of Tudor Salmon Dial Watches

Among the many dial colors in the watch world, few inspire as much fascination as salmon. Warm, sophisticated, and rare, salmon dials carry both vintage charm and modern desirability. Tudor, Rolex’s sibling brand, has embraced this shade across select models — making them highly sought after by collectors.

Why Salmon?

The salmon dial’s appeal lies in its balance: striking enough to stand out but subtle enough to wear daily. Historically, salmon tones were popular in the 1930s–1950s, often reserved for high-end pieces. Tudor’s use of the shade ties its watches to this heritage, offering enthusiasts a chance to own something that feels both classic and contemporary.

Modern Tudor Salmon Dials: The Royal Collection

Currently, the Tudor Royal line offers the most consistent salmon dial options. These watches combine dressy elements — Roman numeral hour markers, sunburst textures, optional diamond indices — with sporty integrated steel bracelets.

• Royal 38mm (Ref. M28500-0007): A versatile size, featuring a salmon sunburst dial with applied Roman numerals.

• Royal 41mm (Ref. M28600-0009): A larger presence, still showcasing the same warm salmon aesthetic.

• Royal 34mm and 28mm (Refs. M28400-0011, M28300-0010): Smaller case sizes, often paired with diamond markers for extra elegance.

These pieces sit in the accessible luxury tier (around £1,800–£2,500 new at retail) and offer modern reliability with a vintage-inspired dial tone.

Vintage and Rare Salmon Dials

The real treasures, however, lie in Tudor’s vintage catalog. Models such as the Tudor Oyster Ref. 7904 occasionally surface with salmon-tone waffle dials — unique, textured, and loaded with mid-century character. Even rarer are Prince Date-Day references like the 76200 featuring salmon dials. Genuine examples in New Old Stock (NOS) condition are nearly unicorns; when they appear, they command significant premiums over standard silver or black dials.

Collecting Considerations

• Authenticity: Many salmon dials are refinished. Provenance, photos under natural light, and trusted sellers are essential.

• Shade Variations: Salmon isn’t one exact color; it ranges from pink-gold to copper. Collectors often favor richer tones.

• Condition: For vintage models, consistent patina and originality matter more than “perfect” appearance.

• Premium Pricing: Expect to pay above the market baseline for the same reference in silver, white, or black.

Final Thoughts

Tudor salmon dial watches occupy a sweet spot in the market. Modern Royal