Sunburst and sunray describe the same light-catching dial finish: fine radial brushing sends light outward from the center as the watch moves. Time+Tide’s June 3, 2020 feature by James Robinson selected nine watches for their distinctive takes on that effect. Its prices are historical Australian-dollar figures from 2020, not current offers; one exact-reference price check is available from Longines in the US, but it is not directly comparable with those older Australian prices.
What makes these dials “sunburst”?
A sunburst dial has a brushed finish arranged in rays from the center. As the angle of the watch or light changes, the radial texture can shift the dial’s apparent brightness. “Sunray” is another name for the same finish in Robinson’s article. The effect varies with dial color, material, and lighting, so the nine selections offer different visual expressions rather than a standardized ranking.
Robinson’s list is a set of personal favorites, not the result of a scoring system, performance test, or current market survey. Its range is part of the appeal: it moves from a square chronograph and a faceted octagonal case to dress watches and a more accessible Seiko. [Time+Tide, June 3, 2020]
The nine watches
| Watch | Dial and design | Price printed in 2020 |
|---|---|---|
Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235 |
Olive-green metallic sunburst dial in a 40 mm solid 18-karat Everose-gold watch. | AUD$55,350 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Longines Master Collection Ref. L2.673.4.92.0 |
Deep-blue radially brushed dial; the original feature describes an annual-calendar chronograph with three subdials. | AUD$4,675 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre Heuer 02 |
Square case, subdials, and a finely brushed blue sunburst dial. | AUD$8,900 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE248 |
Blue dial and bezel paired with gold accents; the blue-and-gold presentation can appear luminous in some lighting, alongside the Spring Drive seconds hand. | AUD$17,000 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon |
Grey dial and white-gold case; the article gives dimensions of 39 mm across and 9.9 mm thick. | AUD$31,300 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Bulgari Octo Roma |
Faceted octagonal case, circular bezel, and brown lacquer dial with a starburst effect. | AUD$9,100 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Seiko SRPB46 |
Rose-gold-tone Presage with a brown leather strap and sunburst dial. | AUD$850 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Moser Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept Blue Lagoon |
Blue-green dial with graduated color and radial brushing, housed in white gold. | AUD$34,900 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
Rado Captain Cook Ref. R32505305 |
Brown dial with radial brushing. | AUD$3,100 — Time+Tide, 2020. |
What the comparison tells you
The finish is the common thread, not a shared style or feature set. For a geometric case, the Monaco’s square profile and the Octo Roma’s faceted octagon stand apart. For a busier dial layout, the Longines combines its blue surface with chronograph and calendar functions. The Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Moser selections lean toward precious-metal dress-watch presentations, while the Seiko offers the list’s lowest historical price and the Rado a brown-dial alternative.
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#1 Best Overall
- Suitable for NH35/NH36/4R/6R watch movement
- Green luminous effect makes it glow at night or at the dark places.
- High precision machining, stable and reliable, with fine workmanship and exquisite appearance
- Reasonable design makes it easy and convenient to install and remove, and it is a wonderful replacement for broken or old one
- Multiple colors to choose to show your own personality and match your watch
These distinctions describe the watches as presented in the 2020 feature; they do not establish which model is the best value today. The nine Australian-dollar amounts are each the original publisher’s 2020 figures, not current retail prices or verified offers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is currently confirmed for the Longines reference
Longines’ US product page lists the exact L2.673.4.92.0 reference as a 40 mm stainless-steel Master Collection Chronograph with a blue sunray dial. The current listing describes an automatic movement, chronograph and moonphase functions, a 66-hour power reserve, 3 bar water resistance, and sapphire crystal. It displays US$4,100 on the US site, accessed in 2026; that regional price can change and should not be compared directly with the Australian-dollar amount published in 2020. [Longines US product page]
Rank #2
- Suitable for NH35/NH36/4R/6R watch movement
- Green luminous effect makes it glow at night or at the dark places.
- High precision machining, stable and reliable, with fine workmanship and exquisite appearance
- Reasonable design makes it easy and convenient to install and remove, and it is a wonderful replacement for broken or old one
- Multiple colors to choose to show your own personality and match your watch
This official listing confirms a current US page for that one reference, not the present price or availability of the other eight watches. The official TAG Heuer results available for this comparison point to a newer Monaco variant, which does not establish the exact 2020-listed Calibre Heuer 02’s current specifications or availability. For every model, verify the exact reference, market, condition, seller, and price before buying; a name shared by multiple generations or dial variants is not enough to confirm a match.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 100% New，Watch replacement dial.
- High-Quality 28.5mm Watch Dial with Stunning Green Luminous Finish
- Sunburst Design Enhances Visibility and Adds a Unique Touch to Your Watch
- Compatible For NH35, 2836, 8215, and 2813 Movements for Versatile Use
- Easy to Install, Perfect for DIY Watch Enthusiasts and Professionals Alike
Rank #4
- Suitable for NH35/NH36/4R/6R watch movement
- Green luminous effect makes it glow at night or at the dark places.
- High precision machining, stable and reliable, with fine workmanship and exquisite appearance
- Reasonable design makes it easy and convenient to install and remove, and it is a wonderful replacement for broken or old one
- Multiple colors to choose to show your own personality and match your watch
Rank #3
- Suitable for NH35/NH36/4R/6R watch movement
- Green luminous effect makes it glow at night or at the dark places.
- High precision machining, stable and reliable, with fine workmanship and exquisite appearance
- Reasonable design makes it easy and convenient to install and remove, and it is a wonderful replacement for broken or old one
- Multiple colors to choose to show your own personality and match your watch
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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