Trending Articles
-
The History Of Japanese Luxury Watch Brand Grand Seiko
21 Aug, 2023 0
Featured Video
A Collector’s Delight — Arnold & Son Time Pyramid
READ FULL STORYIn a world traditionally dominated by steel and gold watches, ceramic has stood out as a popular material because of its durability and premium appearance. Blending cutting-edge technology with stylistic elegance, ceramic watches have gained immense clout of late, leading all the top luxury watch brands to jump on the bandwagon. These timepieces are also growing as a promising investment opportunity for watch collectors, thanks to their high durability and other properties. Here are top luxury ceramic watches that not only look ultra-modern but are also wise investments for discerning collectors.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon is a revolutionary timepiece that exemplifies Omega’s pioneering use of ceramic. It is the first Omega watch with a case crafted entirely from ceramic—specifically, a single block of scratch-resistant zirconium oxide that lends the timepiece an impeccably smooth jet-black sheen. Both the case and bezel are carved from this high-performance ceramic, along with uniquely ceramic crown and pushers that complement the monochromatic aesthetic. This advanced ceramic construction makes the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon extremely lightweight, durable and fade-resistant—the perfect evolution of a time-honoured Moonwatch icon.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Ceramic
Girard-Perregaux makes a bold statement with the Laureato Skeleton Ceramic. For the first time, the iconic Laureato features a slick all-black ceramic case and bracelet, with alternating brushed and polished finishes that accentuate the material’s smooth, jet-black sheen. The 42mm case retains Laureato’s signature octagonal bezel while flaunting a gleaming black ceramic crown and pushers. Visible through the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the anthracite grey movement bridges form an eye-catching mechanical backdrop. The open-worked dial reveals a captivating visual feast of the GP01800 calibre. There’s an exposed barrel with a visible mainspring at 5:30, a small seconds sub-dial at 10 o’clock, and the balance wheel at 12.
TAG Heuer Carrera
TAG Heuer accelerates into the future with this bold ceramic version of the Carrera. This motorsports-inspired 45mm watch is encased entirely in sandblasted ceramic for an ultra-modern matte black look. The ceramic case and fixed bezel offer intense scratch resistance and featherlight comfort while contrasting beautifully against the intricate anthracite skeleton dial.
Through an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the open-worked face reveals the high-performance Heuer 01 calibre. Its column wheel and vertical clutch allow precise timekeeping through hours, minutes, seconds and dates. A small seconds sub-dial sits at 9 o’clock, balanced by a 30-minute counter at three. The tachymeter scale on the sleek ceramic bezel captures the Carrera’s adventurous racing spirit. On the wrist, the black rubber strap highlights the monochromatic colour scheme, secure with a sandblasted grade 2 titanium folding clasp. This advanced Swiss-made ceramic Carrera fuses TAG Heuer’s passion for avant-garde materials with watchmaking mastery.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
Omega gave its Seamaster Planet Ocean a big update with the eye-catching ‘Big Blue’. Encased in a hefty 45.5mm blue ceramic case, this sporty timepiece makes a vibrant nautical statement. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a Liquidmetal diving scale with an orange ceramic inset from 0 to 15 minutes. On the wave-edged caseback, Omega implements its patented ceramic Naiad Lock. A helium release valve at 10 o’clock and a transparent exhibition caseback add professional diver functionality.
The striking blue ceramic dial includes an orange 24-hour GMT scale. Arrow-tipped hands join diving indexes in 18K white gold, emitting a blue glow thanks to white SuperLumiNova. An orange seconds hand provides a nice burst of colour alongside the date window at three o’clock.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Edition ‘SFTI’
IWC encapsulates high-tech aviator style in the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Edition ‘SFTI’. At the core of this striking 41mm watch is a black ceramic case of superior lightweight durability. The result of advanced engineering, zirconium oxide ceramic boasts extreme scratch resistance and a smooth matte finish impervious to fading.
Encased in cutting-edge ceramic yet retaining its aviation heritage, the Pilot’s Watch salutes IWC’s partnership with the elite US Navy TOPGUN programme. Its high-tech case withstands the demands of aerial combat manoeuvres while offering a sophisticated modern style that flies past the competition.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
Blancpain channels almost 70 years of dive watch heritage into the contemporary Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe collection. The sleek 43.6mm case and unidirectional bezel are formed from satin-brushed grey ceramic, delivering a stealthy aesthetic. The robust zirconium oxide formulation proves ideal for maritime adventures.
While the monochromatic palette nods to a utilitarian aesthetic, Blancpain injects bold blue contrast through the sunray dial. Beneath, the self-winding calibre 1315 powers 120 hours of reserve. Visible through a sapphire caseback, its decorated bridges and silicon hairspring promise chronometric precision to 30 bar water resistance. With these precise and practical features, Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe leverages high-performance ceramic for everyday urban exploration or offshore diving.
Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Ceramica
With the Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Ceramica, Panerai embraces a striking, monochromatic palette. This 44mm Luminor encapsulates Panerai’s iconic cushion shape, crown guard and sandwich dial within the lightweight matte black ceramic case. The ultra-durable zirconium oxide construction offers intense scratch resistance and fade-proof colour.
Inside, the self-winding P.9001 calibre promises ample 72-hour power reserve while adding GMT functionality. Hour markers and skeleton hands coated in SuperLumiNova pop against the deep black backdrop for excellent legibility, while a practical GMT hand enables tracking of a second-time zone, complementing the small seconds sub-dial at nine o’clock and date window at three.
Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Black Matte
Bell & Ross channels high-tech aviation within the sleek BR 03-94 watch. At the core lies a smooth 42mm matte black ceramic case. This advanced ceramic formulation is re-engineered by Bell & Ross using an innovative process that enhances the material’s intrinsic lightweight durability.
Visibility is also paramount to the BR 03-94 design, taking cues from the precise legibility of aircraft cockpit displays. A deep black dial provides optimal contrast for the white numerals, further emphasised by the photoluminescent coating on the indices and hands.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition – Mojave Desert
IWC steers cutting-edge ceramic innovation with the Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition ‘Mojave Desert’. The expansive 46mm case is crafted entirely from sand-hued matte ceramic, engineered to deliver intense scratch resistance with a refined luxury finish. This exclusive ceramic construction in desert tan takes inspiration from elite US Navy fighter pilot flight suits and the barren China Lake terrain where they train.
Inside, self-winding calibre 52110 powers robust aviation functionality resistant to magnetic interference. With a high-tech ceramic armour and utilitarian dashboard aesthetic, this exclusive Big Pilot’s chronograph makes a sophisticated style statement as an ultra-durable desert pilot’s watch.
Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Black Magic
Hublot fuses high-tech ceramic with skeletal transparency in the Classic Fusion Aerofusion. A slick case and bezel crafted from polished black ceramic resist scratches, edged by Hublot’s signature titanium screws. The sapphire crystal reveals a lattice of anthracite components hand-arranged to optimise balance and depth. Enclosing 42 hours of power reserve, the intricate movement is visible from all angles within the smooth ceramic frame. Paired with a black rubber and alligator leather strap, Hublot strikes avant-garde styling and watchmaking mastery within the monochromatic Aerofusion.
The Journal
12 Apr,2024Want to be the first to be in the know?
Sign up to be emailed when I publish new content. Read. Watch. Shop. Learn. Trade. All in one place.