9 Best Black Dial Watches You Can Buy
In this blog post, we will explore the best black dial watches for all occasions, from dressy to sporty, and in varying price points.
We’ll discuss what makes each timepiece a standout pick as you search for your perfect watch.
Let’s explore the best black dials available today!
What are the best black dial watches?
The watches on this list are arranged from the lowest to the highest price, so you can find the best watch for your budget.
1. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
Overview
We have already discussed the Hamilton Khaki Field multiple times on this blog because it is a good entry-level mechanical watch that can frequently be found at a sale price.
Featuring a black dial with white hour numerals, this military-style watch is designed for optimal visibility in any environment. Its 24-hour scale harkens back to classic vintage field watches and its hands and markers are further illuminated by an applied lume that emits a green light.
The case of this watch has a sandblasted finish and its drilled lugs allow for effortless strap changes. Whether it be a NATO or leather strap of your own choosing, the watch is an excellent way to customize and make it unique according to your individual style.
When purchasing this watch, be sure to consider that it has a hand-wound movement and must be wound in order to maintain the 80-hour power reserve. Additionally, note that the sapphire crystal does not have any anti-reflective coating applied.
Available in 38 mm and 42 mm.
Features
- Movement: Hand-wound H-50 (base ETA 2801-2).
- 80 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
- Case: 38 mm, Thickness: 9.5 mm, Lugs width: 20 mm. Lug to lug: 47 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Crystal: Sapphire.
- Screw-down case back.
Price
$575.
Summary
The Hamilton Khaki Field watch is for someone who likes field watches and enjoys altering their straps to achieve diverse looks. Its hand-wound movement requires extra steps when wearing, making it perfect for those that take pleasure in winding and setting their timepieces.
2. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer
Overview
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer is a remake of the classic 1970s W10 model, keeping the same vintage form factor.
When compared to the Khaki Field model, this watch is much more costly. Yet, you get a few superior specs in return: the enhanced water resistance of up to 100 meters and sapphire crystal with a double anti-reflective coating. The anti-reflective coating ensures that your watch dial will be clearly visible while minimizing glare from bright lights and sun rays.
It features a grained matte black dial with a railway minute track, classic sword-style hands, and crisp white Arabic numerals.
The case is well-sized and should fit wrists of smaller sizes.
Features
- Movement: Hand-wound H-50 (base ETA 2801-2).
- 80 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 36 x 33 mm, Thickness: 9.95 mm, Lug width: 18 mm, Lug to lug: 42 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
Price
$845.
Summary
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer captures the small, classic look from its predecessor, the vintage Hamilton W10, and will be best for those with average to small wrists. As with Khaki Field, it is also manually wound and requires some effort to keep it running, ideal for watch lovers who appreciate the process of winding their timepieces.
3. Mido Baroncelli Heritage Gent
Overview
Mido is an entry-level Swiss watch brand that delivers great value timepieces, the Baroncelli Heritage Gent is no exception.
The Mido Baroncelli Heritage Gent is an exquisitely slim dress watch with a case height of only 7.3 mm! Despite its thin silhouette, it still has an ETA-based automatic movement with 42 hours of power reserve.
Featuring a textured black dial with dual-finished dauphine hands – sandblasted on one side and polished on the other – this watch offers a classic aesthetic. The sleek design is further complemented by thin printed hour markers, creating an elegant and uncluttered look.
It is available with a stainless steel bracelet or a cow leather strap.
Features
- Movement: Automatic Mido 1192 (base ETA 2892A-2).
- 42 hours of power reserve.
- Water resistance: 30 m.
- Case: 39 mm, Thickness: 7.3 mm, Lugs width: 20 mm. Lug to lug: 44.5 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Date window.
- Exhibition case back.
Price
$1,100.
Summary
The Mido Baroncelli Heritage Gent is a dress watch worth considering within the $1000 price range, thanks to its slim profile, and Swiss automatic movement.
4. Mido Ocean Star Tribute
Overview
One of the best offerings from Mido is the Ocean Star Tribute. It is a vintage-inspired dive watch that pays tribute to 1960s models.
This watch features a black dial with an eye-catching orange lollipop-style second hand, which is typical Mido color. Its hour markers and hands have been coated with bold Superluminova for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
Additionally, there is a day-date complication located at 3 o’clock for added convenience. The look is completed by the black aluminum bezel insert that matches the black dial.
Lastly, this watch is equipped with reliable Swiss automatic movement and features an 80-hour power reserve.
Features
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber 80 (base ETA C07.621).
- 80 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 200 m.
- Case: 40.5 mm, Thickness: 13.4 mm, Lugs width: 21 mm, Lug to lug: 47 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
- Day-date.
- Screw-down crown.
Price
$1,200.
Summary
The Mido Ocean Star has all of the essential features and a nostalgic, vintage aesthetic. If you are looking for a reliable dive watch that offers good value, then the Mido Ocean Star Tribute should certainly be on your shortlist.
5. Longines Hydroconquest
Overview
Longines Hydroconquest is one of the best dive watches in its price category. It is a successful model that is available in a variety of case sizes and dial colors.
Here we have a 41 mm sunray black dial option. The black dial features circular hour indices and large Arabic numerals at the 12-6-9 positions, with the date window taking up the 3 o’clock position. Also, we have a Longines logo at 12 o’clock and a beautiful set of snowflake hands.
The sunray black dial is nicely complemented by the glossy black ceramic bezel insert, giving it a nice shine and scratch resistance.
Crafted exclusively for Longines by ETA, the L888 automatic movement has a beat frequency of 3.5 hertz and a 72-hour power reserve.
The oyster-style bracelet features a diving extension, stamped clasp, and 3 tool-adjusted micro-adjustment positions. Plus, this timepiece can be paired with either the black or grey rubber strap option.
Features
- Movement: L888 (base ETA A31.L01).
- 72 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 300 m.
- Case: 41 mm, Thickness: 11.9 mm, Lug width: 21 mm, Lug-to-lug: 51 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
- Screw-down crown.
- Weight: 185.7 g.
Price
$1,775.
Summary
Longines Hydroconquest is one of the best dive watches in the price category, because of its solid build quality, ceramic bezel insert, 72-hour power reserve, and beautiful design. Also, with three distinct case sizes 39 mm, 41 mm, and 43 mm – this watch fits a wide range of wrists.
6. Rado Golden Horse Automatic
Overview
The Rado Golden Horse is a versatile watch for both everyday wear and formal occasions. It has vintage charm and proportions that are true to the 1957 original version.
Under the domed sapphire crystal, this timepiece features a black dial with gold and red accents, including a golden horse logo at 6 o’clock, red date text at 3 o’clock, and a rotating anchor on a red background at 12 o’clock. The dauphine-style hands add to the dressy appearance.
Since this watch leans towards the dressy category it has no SuperLuminova application.
Its design is accentuated by a beads-of-rice bracelet and two seahorses adorning the folding clasp. The end result is eye-catching and makes this timepiece truly stand out.
Features
- Movement: ETA CO7 (base ETA 2824-2).
- 80 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
- Case: 37 mm, Thickness: 10.8 mm, Lug width: 19 mm, Lug-to-lug: 44.5 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
- Date.
Price
$1,850.
Summary
The Rado Golden Horse Automatic is a lovely, vintage-inspired black dial watch that is not oversized and retains its original dimensions. Additionally, it is quite versatile, making it ideal for those who are starting to build their watch collection.
7. Baume & Mercier Riviera 10621
Overview
This particular timepiece features a black dial with a unique pattern that, according to Baume & Mercier, symbolizes the convergence of the mountains and the ocean. On the dial, we have applied Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock positions, a color-matched date disc at 3 o’clock, and lumed sword-style hands.
The watch case is quite thin, measuring only 10.7 mm in height. It is water resistant for up to 100 meters and features design elements such as a twelve-sided bezel with four screws, an octagonal crown, and an exhibition case back.
The stainless steel bracelet of this watch is seamlessly integrated and features a convenient quick-release system, allowing you to effortlessly customize it with any rubber strap.
The self-winding movement is a basic Sellita SW200, if you want a more special movement, you can choose the Baumatic caliber, but you will have to pay more for it.
Features
- Movement: Sellita SW200.
- 38 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 42 mm, Thickness: 10.7 mm, Lug to lug: 49 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
Price
$2,750.
Summary
Baume & Mercier’s Riviera 10621 is the perfect black dial watch to wear on any occasion. Not only does it boast a sleek and sophisticated design, but its quick-release bracelet system allows you to easily switch up your look with ease. With its superior craftsmanship, you can be sure that this timepiece will stand the test of time!
8. Longines Ultra Chron
Overview
Longines Ultra Chron is a modern take on the vintage Longines Ultra-Chron Diver from 1968.
Out of all the watches on this list, this one stands out because it is powered by a high-beat automatic movement running at 5 Hz, an anti-magnetic silicon hairspring, and has a power reserve of 52 hours. It was tested in the laboratory to be accurate within -4 to +6 seconds in 15 days: an impressive achievement for any self-winding watch!
This textured black dial boasts a clean, symmetrical look without any date window or numerals. To further accentuate its eye-catching design features, the minute hand is finished in vibrant red and complemented by additional red accents on a unique sapphire bezel insert.
Furthermore, this dive watch has a cushion-style case, domed sapphire crystal with ar-coating on both sides, and a beads-of-rice bracelet.
Features
- Movement: L836.
- 52 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 300 m.
- Case: 43 mm, Thickness: 13.6 mm, Lug width: 22 mm, Lug to lug: 48 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
- Screw-in crown.
- Weight: 172.1 g.
Price
$3,600.
Summary
Featuring heritage styling and a high-beat movement, Longines Ultra Chron stands as one of the best releases by Longines in 2022. It truly is an exceptional package that won’t disappoint!
9. IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
Overview
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX packs well-needed upgrades over its predecessor XVIII.
It has improved water resistance from 60 m to 100 m, new automatic movement with 120 hours of power reserve, a quick strap release system, and slightly smaller case dimensions.
The black dial is highly legible thanks to the white Arabic numerals and sapphire crystal with dual ar-coating, however, the low light readability could be improved since we only have lume on hands and at 12-3-6-9 hour markers.
Features
- Movement: 32111 Calibre.
- 120 hours power reserve.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 40 mm, Thickness: 10.8 mm, Lug width: 20 mm, Lug to lug: 49 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and leather strap.
- Superluminova (Indexes & Hands).
- Date.
- Screw-down crown.
Price
$5,250.
Summary
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is a greatly improved watch compared to its predecessor, making it an attractive buy once again if you are searching for the ultimate pilot’s watch.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has served as an introduction to the vast world of black dial watches. Whether you’re looking for something more dressy or sporty, explore all of your options and make an informed decision!
Happy shopping!
Featured image by Eberhard Grossgasteiger.
