We Brits might know green as the colour of envy, but head further east, to China, and it’s got a more auspicious significance – something that might explain why the watch world’s been going green lately.

Chinese shoppers accounted for over $22 billion worth of Swiss watches in 2015 (a quarter of all exports), so it’s little wonder that more and more manufactures are taking pains to nod to cultural nuances.

But shopping habits aren’t solely responsible for the green wave, as Erica Redgrave, buyer at The Watch Gallery explains. “Jade and emerald tones are increasingly popular thanks to the Chinese shopper, but green dials have been intermittently in vogue since the Rolex Submariner,” she says. The landmark watch was one of the first to feature a vibrantly coloured dial, and green has been a go-to shade for watch brands ever since.

The colour might mean good vibes in Beijing, but the class of 2016 is enough to make anyone green. Us included.

Thomas Earnshaw Armagh

Swiss guts are often costly. Even more so when on display in a skeleton watch – two things that make Thomas Earnshaw’s modestly priced Armagh all the more refreshing. Not only is the movement exposed in all its mechanical glory, but the classic design sits atop a winning gold-green combo to boot.

Available at Thomas Earnshaw, priced £340.

Corniche Heritage 40 Visage No. 3

A forest green dial on a matching strap sounds jarring, but Corniche’s Visage No. 3 chimes a prettier tune. The muted dial counters the colour pop, while its stainless steel case sits firmly within the classic camp. Simply does it.

Available at Corniche, priced approximately £331.

Rolex Submariner 116610 LV

Less gentle birdsong, more peacock’s mating call – but that doesn’t discount the Submariner’s prestige. The OG of green watches (and debatably all watches ever) is one of the most iconic timepieces ever made. Something you might’ve picked up from its price tag.