buffy acacia
In my position as a watch journalist, this doesn’t come to the fore very often, but I have a deep love of darkness and the mysterious. From classic Lovecraftian literature to Reznor-esque dystopian physicality, the goth in me revels in fictional despair, no matter how gruesome or cheesy. With the recent resurgence and success of gothic horror in media such as AMC’s Interview with the Vampire film adaptation, Robert Eggers’ remake of Nosferatu, and even Netflix’s Wednesday, it seems that goths are coming out of their coffins. It’s clear that it’s happening. Introducing the best goth watches to wear with your black heart.
Casio G-Shock DW-6900MS-1
A perfect blend of shadow and gruesomeness, the DW-6900MS-1 uses a simple case and dial to reduce visual bulk while highlighting its optimistic numerals. Bold digital numbers and red three-piece wheels give the 1995 G-Shock Classic a distinctly vampiric feel. Also, its impact resistance makes it as indestructible as the undead. It might be more suited to blood-fests and Camarilla gatherings than medieval castles, but techno-vampires deserve their time in the metaphorical sun. Price: $99
Timex Waterbury Classic 40mm
Founded in 1853, Timex has its roots in the same era where many goths took their fashion cues. Granted, Connecticut wasn’t Victorian England, but the modern Timex Waterbury Classic’s thin Roman numerals and off-white dial are a good reminder of that era. The W-shaped counterweight of the seconds hand also lends a traditional, aged feel, creating the perfect balance between restraint and ornate details. There are many watches with ivory-toned dials and Roman numerals, but few have the Gothic look of the Waterbury Classic. Price: $119
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD79
With a modern streetwear style, the Seiko SRPD79 is an all-black, brooding piece based on the legendary SKX diver’s watch. The coated hands and indexes blend into the shadows of the black-painted case and dial, and the black-toned Lumibrite is naturally dimmed, but still visible in the dark. The only things that pack a punch are the Seiko 5 logo, the second hand that lets you know when time is running out, and the day/date display. Aesthetics aside, the Seiko 5 Sports Series is one of the most valuable watches that combines reliability and brand power. The 4R36 movement generally performs well, so it can be used as a great base for modifying your entire watch if you want to customize it. Price: $360
Vario Versa
If you’re a goth who wears a suit and tie every day, no matter the occasion, the Vario Versa with its silver and black dial is perfect for you. Not only is it a surprisingly affordable alternative to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso or Cartier’s Tank Basculante, but the black dial sides make it the perfect brooding dress watch without the need for a blacked-out case. It will be. The high polished steel actually helps the black of the strap and dial stand out. There’s a minimalist white print around the perimeter for better readability, and you can always flip the silver dial, which has more of an Art Deco influence, if you want to brighten things up a bit. Price: $428
Swarovski Millenia Watch
Gothic style is more than just wearing black. Particularly feminine, the Gothic style inherited many of its accessories from the Victorian era, with their accompanying gold tones, colorful jewelry, and overall lavish embellishments. With its crystal glass purple hue, the Swarovski Millenia watch is very reminiscent of amethyst, a gemstone that reached its peak of popularity during the Victorian era. While not inherently Gothic in and of itself, it would look amazing as the centerpiece of a stack of other chains or textured bracelets. Price: $500
Peren Nera Rogue BW
Peren focuses on the fusion of Transylvanian tradition and modern watchmaking, and is a very prolific brand considering how niche its USP is. Early releases were pretty heavy on the region’s vampire connections, but more recently they’ve taken more inspiration from actual historical culture and connections to ancient Dacia (not the Sandero-made variety). Released in late 2022, the Peren Nera Rogue BW retains the vampire fang logo on the dial and crown, and adopts a dark, brooding aesthetic with a blacked-out bezel, making it an eerie yet functional diver. It becomes. Price: 689 Swiss Francs (~755 USD)
Tissot savonette mechanical
Let’s be real. If you’re the type of goth who dreams of a twisted romance in a misty moor, you’re probably not going to wear a watch. Pocket watches have been popular hundreds of years before wristwatches became the norm, and while they may be outdated now, some people still crave exactly that. The Tissot Savonet Mechanical is not only novel in that it is a newly manufactured pocket watch that is readily available for purchase, but it is also an excellent reproduction of mid-19th century style. The Breguet numerals and hands are adorned with the cursive-style Tissot logo, while the stainless steel case is lavishly engraved with a floral motif. There is also an empty shield in the center that can be engraved with your initials. Price: $850
Strom memento mori, carpe diem
Originally on my list of evil watches, Strom Memento Mori’s Carpe Diem has lived in a corner of my heart ever since. Strictly speaking, the Memento Mori tradition, which acknowledges the inevitability of death, has nothing to do with evil, ghouls, and goblins, but it embraces Gothic truths and gruesome aesthetics, so it’s a must-see for lovers of darkness. A perfect choice. It makes a lot of sense when you see the list of brand ambassadors is rich with rock and metal music royalty. The brand itself is the brainchild of Daniel Strom, son of the late Armin Strom, who oversaw the introduction of several iconic designs as Omega’s product manager, including the Seamaster Diver 300M, and who himself was legendary. This watch comes in a variety of configurations, including one with a sterling silver case and one with a genuine bone dial. Price: 16,000 Swiss Francs (~18,460 USD)
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode were one of those typically dark, moody bands, even when their style took a brighter, popier turn, but their 2023 album Memento Mori takes them back to the morbid. I jumped in. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode, dressed all in black, followed them in despair. The dial features an hourglass made from tiny ceramic spheres with rolling sand that moves with your wrist. The skull and hourglass combination is the pinnacle of Memento Mori, and the hobnail texture across the bezel and strap is perfect for any goth club. Price: $34,100
Time+Tide Timeless Pick: Hamilton PSR MTX
Changing a number from red to green may seem trivial, but when a green LED appears on a black background, it’s no surprise that the Wachowski sisters’ legendary cybergoth journey from 1999, Reminds me of The Matrix. In fact, the first green dial version of the Hamilton PSR MTX was a limited edition of 1,999 pieces with black PVD to commemorate the movie. Although this version has long been sold out, a version with a green LED/OLED hybrid screen set in a stainless steel case is still available and is currently available from the T+T shop. Both versions match the movie’s aesthetic and look right next to the light-up dreads, spiked welding goggles, and tallest Demonia.
