Top Tips When Buying a Green Watch for Eid al-Fitr (in 2023)

The colour green has deep meaning among practitioners of the Islamic faith, especially around the time of Eid al-Fitr, otherwise known as the Festival of Sweets, which takes place at the end of Ramadan. This uplifting occasion is often accompanied by gifts for family and friends.

This year, Eid al-Fitr will take place from the evening of Friday, April 21, until the evening of Saturday, April 22. So if you are planning a special green-hued celebratory present for a loved one, here is some of our best advice on buying a watch to mark a religious occasion.

More often than not, a watch is a sentimental purchase. You might receive one on graduating from university, for reaching a milestone wedding anniversary or for a significant religious observance. If you are buying a watch gift for an annual religious celebration, it is important to consider both the gravitas and symbolism of the event itself and the personality of the person you are buying for.

A watch gift should feel respectful of the occasion and its significance in the spiritual life of the intended wearer. Equally, though, it should speak to their tastes and personal style, so it doesn’t simply languish in the box.

With Eid al-Fitr on the horizon, you may be considering a watch that evokes the celebratory atmosphere of the holiday and its significance at the end of Ramadan. If you spend time choosing the right watch and don’t make a snap decision, your loved one can wear it all year round and be reminded of their traditions in a more meaningful way. 

If you have a specific brief in mind when gifting, such as choosing a watch incorporating green to celebrate Eid al Fitr, you’ll need to hone your ideas and shop with a sharper focus. At WatchPilot, our advice is always to take your time and do your research when choosing a watch with a specific hue.

Don’t refine your ‘green’ search to such an extent that you end up with a top-to-tail neon green watch that screams ‘novelty’ rather than a ‘respectful nod to tradition’. Firstly, be considerate of the shade of green. Some can be reminiscent of abundant forests and spring days, whereas others can have stronger khaki and military vibes, like the Rotary Commando with a green Nato strap or the AVI-8 Deep Green Black Hawker Hunter Chronograph. Again, it is a case of personal preference.

Next, decide whether your chosen colour should extend across the entire watch. We like the Raymond Weil Freelancer in tonal green-on-green and the TW Steel Men’s Green Ace Genesis watch, which balances a steel case with a green dial and strap. You may prefer when green is used in more targeted ways, like on the dial, bezel, hands or indices. The U-Boat Men’s Noble Green Darkmoon watch is a good example, as is the Mondaine Classic Unisex watch with a green dial. Once you’ve made these key decisions about colour, your search will be much easier. 

For an annual religious occasion like Eid al Fitr, there’s something appealing about a watch that the recipient can wear all year round, so it serves as a daily reminder of faith, culture, family and good times. Classic watches have this chameleon-like quality; they can be memorable and sentimental while also being suitable for the office, a holiday in the sun and a romantic dinner for two.

Look to Rotary, Raymond Weil, TW Steel, Casio, Ball, Certina and Rado for timeless and wearable options for men. Green is a far less common colour in the women’s watch category, but we especially like the Roamer Ladies Green Slim-Line watch, the Tissot Lovely Round watch, and the unisex Tissot PRX Green Watch, all with a green dial.

If you want to take a risk with a more experimental watch option, there are green-themed watches with loads of character to choose from. For example, the Graham Green Chronofighter Vintage watch has a statement crown system crafted in yellow gold-toned stainless steel. Then there are brands like Spinnaker and Herbelin that combine green on the dial with deep maroon and chocolate brown leather straps – a great use of colour and contrast.

Buying for a religious occasion may feel like it has an extra weight of responsibility. Or perhaps you are concerned about a watch purchase being respectful, especially if you don’t share the same faith as the recipient. Remember that you are purchasing a watch gift to mark a special moment; this is less about ‘rules’ and more about sentiment, meaning, thoughtfulness and effort.

If you have spent time understanding the religious significance of the occasion and know your giftee well enough, chances are you will make a winning decision.

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