Borna Bosniak
The history of ceramic in watches spans more than 60 years and has been used in one form or another since 1962, when the Rado DiaStar with its tungsten carbide case was introduced. Although tungsten carbide is not fully ceramic as we know it today, it was the beginning of “scratch-resistant” case materials. In the 80s, Omega introduced the Seamaster Black Tulip, a square quartz case wrapped in cermet, a composite material of metal and carbon, but Omega produced the first “true” ceramic watch with a case made of zirconium oxide. IWC and da Vinci perpetual calendar. Renowned for its light weight and incredible scratch resistance (and brittleness), this material is becoming increasingly popular, especially now that many brands have made significant improvements when it comes to colored ceramics.
Bell & Ross BR-03 Black Matte
Inspired by cockpit-mounted aviation instruments, Bell & Ross built its brand on the ceramic-cased BR-03 and its stealth appearance. The latest generation features a 41 mm all-matte square ceramic case with its characteristic highly legible dial mounted on top of the Sellita SW300 caliber. It’s a very no-frills piece and could easily have gotten away with a PVD coating on the steel case. However, ceramic is just that much cooler. Price: $4,100
tudor black bay ceramic
The Tudor Black Bay is a watch that has developed many variations on the snowflake hands theme over the years, becoming an undisputed modern icon. While most of the attention is taken by the 58 model, the Black Bay Ceramic definitely deserves a mention here as well. For a very fair price, you get a Master Chronometer-certified Kennissi movement, a 41mm ceramic case water resistant to 200 meters, two straps, and a black or Danny Rick-approved (a tribute to his racing career) ) you can choose from. But) RB Blue. Price: $5,150
hublot classic fusion original black magic
The Classic Fusion has long been a continuation of Hublot’s first watches, and the Original model is the most faithful homage to the original. Unlike the 1980 watch, the Classic Fusion Original is made of ceramic and comes in three sizes, with a primary focus on the larger two. Both the 38mm and 42mm models are powered by the mid-range Sellita SW300, while the smaller 33mm model only has a quartz movement. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a problem. The main attraction of this product is its intricate multi-finished ceramic case and almost sterile dial. Price: $7,600 (33mm), $8,900 (38mm), $10,400 (42mm)
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black
Black Is Black the most tool-tastic and readable version of the Seamaster Diver 300M? Or is it the coolest? absolutely. Despite the all-black color scheme, the multiple finishes on the ceramic case and dial make the watch actually somewhat legible, with the glossy waves on the dial and indexes contrasting with the mostly matte background. The grained bezel is also stunning, along with the raised numerals, and there’s not much more to say about Omega’s well-shaped lyre lugs. Powered by the METAS-certified Co-Axial 8806 movement, magnetism is never an issue thanks to its 15,000 Gauss resistance rating. What’s the coolest thing about this watch? The black luminous actually glows surprisingly well. Price: $9,500
Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback
Much of Zenith’s recent focus has been on its Defy and Chronomaster collections, and despite its recent complete redesign, the Pilot collection remains underrated. While you could choose something simpler and more timely, the Big Date Flyback is a must-have item. The high-beat movement, based on the legendary El Primero, is equipped with a large date display and a flyback function (if that’s a little redundant), and despite its complexity, it’s extremely clean. Built into the dial. The ceramic case is a bit of a bonus here, playing off the stealth pilot aesthetic and doesn’t reflect light so as not to reveal your position when you’re in the cockpit. Or maybe it’s just a neat material – the stuff that floats your boat (the stuff that flies your plane?). Price: $13,900
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo
If I had to choose a ceramic watch, it would be the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo. Although not from a traditional watchmaking company, its roots are still rooted in horological history, as its design originates from Gerard Genta’s Octagonal, which became Octo Finissimo through the sale of naming rights. Its monochromatic design and understated dial are something of a hallmark of this model, and the combination of textured surfaces that matte black ceramic can provide gives it the contemporary look that this model was always intended to have. is given. Price: $18,800
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition
Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato has long been on the periphery of discussions regarding popular bracelet-integrated sports models. In connection with Aston Martin’s F1 efforts, we were provided with two special edition Laureatos wrapped in green ceramic cases, which Zak was happy to review. This model has once again repositioned itself as an uncompromising value proposition as an alternative to the Holy Trinity model. The fact that Girard-Perregaux chose a ceramic color for the case and bracelet, and the fact that it’s incredibly affordable compared to similarly specced models, is impressive to say the least. Price: $25,000 (38mm), $25,800 (42mm)
IWC Big Pilot Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Woodland
Having pioneered the introduction of ceramic to the mass market with the aforementioned Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar, the IWC Pilot collection has followed suit. That, of course, is the currently very popular 1994 Flieger Chronograph 3705 with its black zirconium oxide case. IWC never stops innovating, and one of their most well-received recent releases has been their ceramic pilot watches in a variety of colors. It would be easy to choose between the white Lake Tahoe, the creamy Mojave Desert, or the cobalt-hued Oceana, but a watch that impressed me recently was this Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar with a Woodland Ceramic Bracelet. Apart from the sturdy Pantone collar, the crown-operated preset mechanism and four-digit year display remind me of the Da Vinci QP, which I keep mentioning and pay homage to IWC legend Kurt Klaus. Price: $56,700
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic
Some watches are made of ceramic. Some watches are blue. They also come in blue and ceramic, and the blue ceramic Royal Oak QP is the bluest and most ceramic-like of them all. The last word I would use to describe this watch is “subtle.” Because this watch outperforms the white and black ceramic variant with a faceted azure surface. I can’t really explain why I love this watch so much (enough to name it one of the best Royal Oaks of all time), but the fact that it’s a perpetual calendar makes it a great watch in my book. fully justifies its ridiculousness in . Powered by AP’s legendary ultra-thin 5134 caliber. Price: $132,000
