“When in doubt, wear black.” Have you ever stood in front of your closet (usually under time pressure) and struggled to find something to wear? Time is of the essence, the options are endless, the desperation grows… What do I do in this situation? I take the easy way out and go back to the basics: black on black. Black is mysterious and dark, yet timeless and elegant. What the darkest of all colors means to each of us is very subjective. But whether it’s an item of clothing or an accessory, black is always a good choice. The same goes for black luxury watches. They look mysterious and relaxed and can enhance an outfit for any occasion. Today, we’re looking at the ten coolest black watches. While some models are completely black, others play with contrasts, cleverly adding colored accents with hands, indices, or other elements.
- Zenith Defy Ref. 49.9000.670/77.R782
- Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ref. 81010-32-631-32A
- Breitling Avenger Blackbird 44
- IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Ref. IW389101
- Panerai Luminor Marina Ref. PAM 00026
- Chanel J12
- Tudor Black Bay Ref. M79210CNU-0001
- Rolex Submariner No Date Ref. 5513
- TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” Ref. CBL2180.FC6497
- Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Ref. 210.92.44.20.01.003
Black Watches: Materials and Coatings
The watch industry has done a lot of research and discovered new materials for the construction of black watches, including ceramic and carbon. Ceramic watches are extremely durable and scratch resistant. The material is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Carbon is also incredibly lightweight and strong.
But there is more to discover when it comes to materials: Titanium models get a new look, thanks to a special coating called PVD (physical vapor deposition). In the PVD process, a wafer-thin layer of material is physically transferred into a gas and then deposited onto a substrate. The goal is to make watches more resistant to the scratches and other signs of wear that often occur on a frequently worn wristwatch. Even more durable are watches with a black-gray DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, which is applied to the surface of the timepiece in several ultra-thin layers using a vacuum process. Timepieces with this coating maintain the condition they were in when purchased for a very, very long time. With these innovative materials and coatings, black becomes a statement piece. Now, let’s take a look at ten black watches that make a big impression.
1. Zenith Defy Ref. 49.9000.670/77.R782
The timepieces in the Zenith Defy series were launched at the end of the 1960s and are known for being waterproof, shockproof, and robust. This makes them the perfect companion for an adventure.
The all-black Zenith Defy ref. 49.9000.670/77.R782 is housed in a ceramic case and worn on a rubber strap. The double folding clasp is made of titanium. The skeletonized dial of this 41-mm watch underscores the mysterious charm of the black model. Beneath the sapphire crystal, the world-famous El Primero caliber ticks away, ensuring reliable timekeeping. The Chrono24 Watch Collection estimates the used price of this black timepiece at around $6,200, an increase of 44.2% since March 2020.
2. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ref. 81010-32-631-32A
With the Girard-Perregaux Laureato ref. 81010-32-631-32A, the luxury watch manufacturer from Switzerland has succeeded in creating a ceramic watch (case and bracelet) that is hard to beat. Like the other models in the Laureato line, the dial is framed by a polished, octagonal bezel. The hands on the likewise black, textured dial expressively indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds.
Available in diameters of 38 and 42 mm, this black watch brings out the charms of this series in a new way. This version of the Laureato changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly $17,200.
3. Breitling Avenger Blackbird 44
The Breitling Avenger Blackbird 44 is a strong statement piece not only because of its 48 mm diameter, but also because of its black exterior.
The robust and lightweight titanium case features a black, highly resistant carbon coating. The dial is equipped with large, luminescent hands and indices that allow excellent readability in all conditions. Prices for this black watch range between $2,400 and $5,400.
4. IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Ref. IW389101
The IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun ref. IW389101 is another black ceramic watch that in this instance reflects the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC’s interest in advanced material technology. The white Arabic numerals stand out clearly against the black dial of the 44.5-mm watch. The chronograph has subdials for seconds, minutes, and hours. The functional design and the day and date display at three o’clock make this model a great everyday companion.
This pilot’s watch is worn on a textile strap that adapts comfortably to the wearer’s wrist. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun ref. IW389101 will set you back about $6,800 pre-owned.
5. Panerai Luminor Marina Ref. PAM 00026
Watches from the Italian brand Panerai are often described as extravagant. This is due to the striking crown guard, which contributes to the timepiece’s impressive appearance. This effect can definitely be seen in the Panerai Luminor Marina ref. PAM 00026. The rare “Destro” model is designed for left-handers, with the crown at 9 o’clock.
The stainless steel case measures 44 mm in diameter and is PVD-coated. The black case looks particularly charming on a brown vintage leather strap. Powered by a Panerai OP II automatic movement, the watch is water-resistant to 300 m (984 ft). According to the Watch Collection, you can find this model pre-owned for $9,500.
6. Chanel J12
The Chanel J12 in black combines a sporty look with timeless elegance. The black, lacquered dial is framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel, while the ceramic crown with its cabochon adds a touch of sophistication. With its durable 38-mm case and black ceramic and stainless steel bracelet, it’s not only robust, but also fits any wrist.
Inside beats the caliber 12.1, a mechanical movement with a 70-hour power reserve. With displays for hours, minutes, and seconds, and a date function, the watch is as practical as it is stylish. This automatic model is priced just under $2,000.
7. Tudor Black Bay Ref. M79210CNU-0001
Apart from a few elements, the Black Bay ref. M79210CNU-0001 is bathed in deep black. The hands and indices stand out brightly – almost luminously – on the dial.
The MT5602-1U automatic caliber, consisting of black components, ticks in a 41-mm ceramic case and is fitted with a black hybrid leather and rubber strap. The sporty diver’s watch is water-resistant to 200 m (656 ft). Since June 2021, the price of a pre-owned Black Bay ref. M79210CNU has fallen by 20.5% from just under $5,400 to $4,300.
8. Rolex Submariner No Date Ref. 5513
Introduced in 1953, the Submariner is one of the first watches developed specifically for diving. This special Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 dates from 1966, before the production of matte dials. It has a so-called “gilt dial,” a black dial printed with gold lettering and finished with clear lacquer. The patina created by the varnish and the shape of the crown – reminiscent of Bart Simpson’s hairstyle (hence the name Sub Bart – make it desirable in the eyes of many collectors.
The case measures 40 mm in diameter and 14.5 mm in height. Only the dial and bezel of this model are black. Owners of this vintage model who’ve had it in their collection since 2009 can celebrate a 95.2% increase in value since then. According to the Watch Collection, the model is priced at $13,000 pre-owned; with a bit of luck, you can find it at an even better price on the Chrono24 marketplace.
9. TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” Ref. CBL2180.FC6497
The TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” ref. CBL2180.FC6497 is a special edition that pays homage to the rare black Monaco of the 1970s. The 39-mm titanium case with black DLC coating looks both rebellious and elegant. The transparent case back allows a view of the automatic movement at work – the Heuer 02 in-house movement.
The black dial features high-contrast, rose gold-plated hands and numerals with Super-LumiNova. This square timepiece is worn on a black alligator leather strap and costs approximately $6,700.
10. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Ref. 210.92.44.20.01.003
I’ll end this top ten with the black watch that I like the most: the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ref. 210.92.44.20.01.003 or Seamaster 300M “Black Black.” This Seamaster is completely black, with technical finesse, and attention to detail.
The model’s case, bezel, and crowns are made of ZrO2 ceramic. The black-on-black design is achieved through contrasting surfaces that enable legibility despite the dark color scheme. The engraved wave patterns and applied hour markers in black PVD stand out clearly, while skeletonized hands make their rounds.
The “Black Black” is powered by the METAS-certified Omega Caliber 8806, an anti-magnetic, Co-Axial movement with a 55-hour power reserve that is visible through the sapphire case back. The diving watch is worn on a black rubber strap and is priced at $7,900 as a pre-owned watch.
