The dial is a REALLY nice looking dark blue color that I have not seen in any other under $300 watch that is 39mm or less in size.  Well there's another Seiko 5 that looks similar but I haven't seen it in person yet. You don't really see the blue though unless the viewed straight on, even in bright sunlight.  Otherwise it is really dark navy from most angles, almost black.  If I were choosing between this and a black dial, this would easily be the pick because it looks so much nicer.  If you want a blue that is easily noticeable this probably isn't it. The case and strap are very plain in design.  There's nothing about them that stands out, looks sporty, or sharp.  It's just plain ok-looking and I really don't like the look of the lugs.  It's too bad, I wish Seiko would put this blue dial in a nicer looking watch like a Sarb033 or anything else really, because the blue just looks fantastic!