10 Best Ceramic Watches
When you think of watches, you usually think of steel or gold. Ceramic, on the other hand, is a less common material in the industry and comes at higher price point. Ceramic has several advantages including being lightweight, highly resistant to scratches, and available in various colors.
In this blog post, we will dive into the world of ceramic timepieces and explore many different options so that you can decide for yourself whether ceramic is for you or not.
Join us as we delve deeper into the best ceramic watches available today.
What are the best ceramic watches?
We have curated a list of watches, starting from the most affordable to the highest-priced options, to help you find the perfect ceramic watch within your budget.
1. Bell & Ross BR S Black Matte
Overview
It may seem surprising to find Bell & Ross listed as one of the more affordable options. However, the Bell & Ross BR S Black Matte breaks the mold by offering a quartz movement and coming with a black rubber strap, which helps keep the costs down.
The black dial of this aviation-inspired watch has white printed numerals and indices for easy readability. Additionally, a subtle date window with a black date disc can be found between 4 and 5 o’clock, and a small seconds complication is located at 6 o’clock.
The watch’s rectangular case is one of the distinctive features that Bell & Ross is known for. In this particular model, the case is crafted from black ceramic, that has a sleek matte appearance.
For those seeking an all-black aesthetic, the watch can be paired with either a black rubber or a NATO strap.
Features
- Movement: Quartz BR-CAL.102.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 39 mm.
- Material: Matte black ceramic.
- Reference: BRS-BL-CEM.
Price
$2,500.
Summary
The Bell & Ross BR S Black Matte is an aviation-inspired watch that offers a more affordable price point thanks to its quartz movement. If you have a preference for quartz watches, this timepiece is a solid option at a lower cost.
2. Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton
Overview
The new designs of the Rado True Square, introduced in 2023, bring even more skeletonized dials to the catalog.
The case of this skeleton watch is ceramic and the case back is made of titanium, with a sapphire crystal allowing for viewing of the movement from both sides. The automatic movement has an 80-hour power reserve and features a Nivachron hairspring for added resistance to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations.
Since Rado is an expert in ceramics, you are also treated to a ceramic bracelet, making the entire watch resistant to scratches.
It is a medium-sized watch that can be worn by both men and women and is available in three colors: white, black, and gray.
Features
- Movement: 03.808.032
- Power reserve: 80 hours.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
- Case: 38 mm, Thickness: 9.7 mm.
- Material: High-Tech Ceramic.
- Weight: 117 g.
- Reference: R27126012.
Price
$2,800.
Summary
The Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton is a distinctive timepiece that will catch people’s attention because of its reflective ceramic case and bracelet. As a bonus, it comes with a workhorse automatic movement with an above-average power reserve of 80 hours and a Nivachron hairspring.
3. Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver
Overview
If the rectangular Rado style doesn’t appeal to you, consider exploring the Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver.
Crafted from olive green ceramic, this sports watch offers a distinctive and more subdued appearance compared to the Rado True Square model.
The green dial complements the case color and is protected by a domed sapphire crystal, giving it a touch of vintage charm. The dial has bold hour markers and hands with ample lume, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a rotating Rado anchor at 12 o’clock.
Additionally, the watch boasts a ceramic bezel insert and even a ceramic bracelet.
Available in various configurations to suit your preferences.
Features
- Movement: 03.763.735
- Power reserve: 80 hours.
- Water resistance: 300 m.
- Case: 43 mm, Thickness: 14.6 mm.
- Material: High-Tech Ceramic.
- Weight: 158 g.
- Reference: R32130312.
Price
$3,600.
Summary
The Rado Captain Cook is made of olive green ceramic. If you’re a fan of khaki green attire, this watch is a perfect complement. With its ceramic case, ceramic bracelet, and touches of titanium, it presents a combination that is hard to beat.
4. Longines Hydroconquest Black Ceramic
Overview
The Longines Hydroconquest has achieved great success, leading to the introduction of many designs. Surprisingly, Longines have introduced a ceramic version as well!
This all-black ceramic watch is priced at $4,150, which is more than twice the price of the stainless steel option. Clearly, ceramic does not come cheap in today’s market.
The black ceramic case exhibits a captivating shine, while the matte bezel adds a balanced touch to its overall appearance.
Furthermore, numerous other components of the watch are made from ceramic, including the crown, case back, clasp, and even the dial. This makes the watch highly resistant to scratches and will maintain a new appearance for an extended period.
Powering the watch is the automatic L888 movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz.
Features
- Movement: L888.
- Power reserve: 72 hours.
- Water resistance: 300 m.
- Case: 43 mm, Thickness: 13 mm, Lug width: 21 mm.
- Material: black ceramic.
- Weight: 126.7 g.
- Reference: L3.784.4.56.9.
Price
$4,150.
Summary
The Longines Hydroconquest Black Ceramic is a sporty dive watch that combines style and durability. While the stainless steel version is highly regarded as one of the finest dive watches in the price range of $1,500, the ceramic option adds an attractive all-black look and exceptional scratch resistance.
5. Tudor Black Bay Ceramic
Overview
Tudo Black Bay Ceramic is one of the best watches at the price point, let’s find out why.
The Tudo Black Bay Ceramic stands out as one of the top watches in its price range, and here’s why:
Firstly, it features an automatic movement that is the first Tudor movement to be certified by both COSC and Metas. Meta’s certification was previously exclusive to Omega, but Tudor broke that barrier with this timepiece.
The automatic movement is highly resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, ensuring that the watch remains unaffected by magnetization. Additionally, it is one of the most visually appealing Tudor movements, with its black finish that can be admired through the exhibition case back.
The watch features a black matte ceramic case and a matching black ceramic bezel insert, resulting in an appealing, all-black design. The black dial displays a minute track and bold indices, ensuring beautiful luminescence in low-light conditions.
As an added bonus, you will receive a complimentary NATO strap with an off-white stripe that matches the color of the lume application.
Features
- Movement: MT5602-1U.
- Power reserve: 70 hours.
- Water resistance: 200 m.
- Case: 41 mm, Thickness: 14.5 mm, Lug width: 22 mm, Lug to lug: 50 mm.
- Material: black ceramic mid-case.
- Reference: M79210CNU-0001.
Price
$5,025.
Summary
With its sleek matte finish, the Tudo Black Bay Ceramic is an excellent choice for those seeking a more understated aesthetic. The exceptional movement is not only highly accurate but also antimagnetic, ensuring worry-free ownership.
6. IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun
Overview
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun is an entry-level timepiece from IWC that offers a relatively good value, at least in the IWC universe.
It has two key value propositions: a durable ceramic case and an updated movement with an impressive 120-hour power reserve.
The instrument-style dial ensures clear time reading, with bold white numerals and a contrasting black background. The discreetly integrated date is positioned at 3 o’clock.
The matte black ceramic case boasts a stylish matte finish, while the hypoallergenic case back is crafted from titanium. You can also find a few other titanium parts, such as the crown and the NATO strap pin buckle.
Features
- Movement: 32111 Calibre.
- Power reserve: 120 hours.
- Water resistance: 60 m.
- Case: 41 mm, Thickness: 11.4 mm, Lug width: 20 mm, Lug to lug: 50.5 mm.
- Material: black ceramic.
- Reference: IW326906.
Price
$6,350.
Summary
The standout feature of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun is its impressive 120-hour power reserve, making it convenient for occasional wear throughout the week. As an entry-level IWC watch, the premium for the ceramic case is relatively modest, adding approximately $1,000 to the overall price.
7. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
Overview
The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is a very special edition timepiece that fortunately is not limited in production.
Among the numerous special editions of the Speedmaster, this particular model stands out and makes a lasting impression.
Distinguished by its fully ceramic case, this watch showcases a stunning dial and a transparent case back that reveals laser-engraved moon surface decorations, making it a truly unique timepiece.
Accentuated with yellow highlights, the chronograph functions are prominently displayed on the dial, bezel, and calf leather strap, adding a vibrant touch. The black and yellow calf leather strap features a ceramic pin buckle that will help prevent scratches.
Powered by a manually wound movement, this timepiece offers chronograph functionality, a 48-hour power reserve, and operates at a frequency of 3 Hz.
Weighing a mere 89 grams, it provides exceptional comfort for everyday wear.
Features
- Movement: Calibre Omega 1869.
- Power reserve: 48 hours.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
- Case: 44.25 mm, Thickness: 13.8 mm, Lug width: 21 mm, Lug to lug: 49.8 mm.
- Material: black ceramic.
- Weight: 89 g.
- Reference: 311.92.44.30.01.001.
Price
$10,200.
Summary
If you’re a fan of the Speedmaster, you should consider adding the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 to your bucket list, as it’s widely regarded as one of the best special editions you can buy.
8. Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Blue Side of the Moon
Overview
The Omega Speedmaster is another ceramic timepiece that sparks the imagination.
Its dial is a dazzling spectacle, representing the vast expanse of the cosmos and reflecting light brilliantly when worn on the wrist. Adorned with rose gold hands and indices, a laser-ablated moon, a radial date, and a constant second subdial at 9 o’clock, the dial showcases a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
The automatic movement is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gausses. With two barrels for improved accuracy, a frequency of 4 Hz, a column wheel, and a vertical clutch, it demonstrates Omega’s in-house movement expertise. The watch is also certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS, ensuring exceptional precision.
With a thickness of 17.1 mm, which is partly due to the inclusion of two domed sapphire crystals on the top and back, the watch should still maintain a wearable profile.
Complementing the timepiece is an elegant blue alligator leather strap, matching the blue ceramic case.
Features
- Movement: Calibre Omega 9904.
- Power reserve: 60 hours.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
- Case: 44.25 mm, Thickness: 17.1 mm, Lug width: 21 mm, Lug to lug: 49.8 mm.
- Material: blue ceramic.
- Weight: 106 g.
- Reference: 304.93.44.52.03.002.
Price
$14,300.
Summary
The Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Blue Side is a remarkable addition to the Speedmaster collection, offering a moon phase complication and a visually captivating dial. Additionally, as a certified Master Chronometer, it guarantees precise and reliable timekeeping, making it an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts seeking both style and mechanical excellence.
9. Zenith Defy 21
Overview
The Zenith Defy 21 is a timepiece that may not be widely recognized, but it certainly holds appealing features that will captivate watch enthusiasts.
Its best feature is the 1/100th of a second chronograph, which operates on a separate escapement, beating at an impressive 360,000 vibrations per hour (50 Hz). The chronograph’s power reserve is conveniently displayed at 12 o’clock on the dial and can be manually wound using the crown.
For regular timekeeping, the watch employs a second escapement that beats at a slower pace of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) and is wound automatically.
The skeletonized dial showcases the chronograph power reserve, a constant seconds subdial, a chronograph minutes subdial, and a flange featuring a 1/100th of a second chronograph scale.
Adding to its allure, the case and bracelet are entirely crafted from black ceramic, an excellent combination not often seen in timepieces. And to complete the package, the watch features a transparent case back, revealing the mesmerizing skeletonized automatic winding rotor adorned with the Zenith Star logo.
Features
- Movement: El Primero 9004.
- Power reserve: 50 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 44 mm, Thickness: 14.5 mm, Lug to lug: 50.5 mm.
- Material: black ceramic.
- Reference: 49.9000.9004/78.M9000.
Price
$16,600.
Summary
The Zenith Defy 21 is a unique timepiece, featuring an in-house movement with a 1/100th of a second chronograph and two separate escapements. Its fully ceramic case and bracelet add an additional touch of value, making it a truly compelling timepiece to consider.
10. Girard Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition
Overview
Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin have formed a partnership, resulting in the release of collaboration watches. One of their offerings, introduced in 2023, is the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic.
This model is entirely crafted from green ceramic, presenting a cohesive green color scheme throughout.
The green dial showcases a distinctive quilted seat pattern, inspired by Aston Martin, and if you flip the watch over, it reveals a transparent case back adorned with the Aston Martin logo. The movement decorations do not stand out as much; other brands like Tudor or Omega have managed to deliver better movement decorations at more affordable prices.
The watch is accompanied by an integrated, ceramic green bracelet with a combination of brushed and polished finishes, and is secured by a triple-fold clasp.
Features
- Movement: Calibre GP01800.
- Power reserve: 54 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 42 mm, Thickness: 11 mm.
- Material: green ceramic.
- Reference: 81010-32-3081-1CX.
Price
$25,800.
Summary
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic is a timepiece that undoubtedly grabs attention with its distinctive green ceramic case and bracelet. However, the price is quite steep; perhaps owning a green Aston Martin would lend further justification to the purchase.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed different options for the best ceramic watches. You can find watches from top brands that offer both high-quality performance and style. Whether you’re searching for an everyday watch or a special occasion timepiece, you will find the ideal option.
Featured image by Mathilde Langevin.
