Blackout: 17 Black-on-Black Watches


Blue-on-blue isn’t the only popular watch-color trend of recent years. “All-black” watches, with ebony-colored cases, dials, and straps, have also remained popular. Nearly every watch brand, from mass-market and inexpensive to pricey and high-end, now makes at least one black-on-black model. Here are 17 notable black-on-black watches released in recent years.

1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Diver joined the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Complication and Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph as part of the brand’s celebration of 20 years of its Royal Oak Offshore watch. It is the third such model to be introduced, and the first to be offered in a ceramic case. The case, which is water-resistant to 300 meters, also includes a bezel and easy-grip crowns made of deep-black, high-tech ceramic — a material that is approximately seven times harder than steel and extremely scratch-resistant. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver retails for $21,800*.

2. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chrono - angle
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph

Inspired by a vintage divers’ watch from the 1950s, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph ($17,200), contains a Blancpain manufacture movement, which features automatic winding, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with vertical clutch, and a superfast frequency of 36,000 vph (5 Hz). The 43-mm case is made of brushed black ceramic and the black dial has a sunburst finish.

3. Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel

Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel
Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel

The case of the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel, 43 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 30 meters, was blackened using the same process as the Avenger Seawolf Blacksteel model, in which a highly-resistant carbon-based coating is added to the steel. The dial echoes the case’s black color, while white, luminescent-coated numerals and hands, and small red hands for the chronograph counters, provide contrast. The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel comes on a perforated black rubber “Ocean Racer” strap. A limited edition of 1,000 pieces, it retails for $9,590*. Breitling has since created blacksteel versions of many other popular watch models; for the most recent, click here.

4. Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Black Ceramic Clous de Paris 

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Power Reserve Black Ceramic Clous de Paris J027035541
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Power Reserve Black Ceramic Clous de Paris J027035541

In its black-on-black Grande Seconde Black Ceramic Clous de Paris, Jaquet Droz adds a color accent by using rose gold for the hands. The dial is decorated with the Clous de Paris pattern, and the center is made of black ceramic. On the back of the 44-mm case is an individually engraved serial number. A sapphire window in the caseback allows one to see the brand’s self-winding movement 2663A-S, which powers the watch for 68 hours.

5. Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC Titanium DLC

Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC Titanium DLC - angle
Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC Titanium DLC

Several years ago, Girard-Perregaux introduced a version of its re-branded Traveller WW.TC (World Wide Time Control) watch in black DLC-coated titanium. The new version of this user-friendly world-time watch is lighter, because of the titanium case, and very durable and scratch-resistant due to the DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. The center of the dial features a three-dimensional representation of the latitudes and longitudes covering the globe, and also includes the displays for the watch’s chronograph function, in a tri-compax layout (subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock); the date, which is placed between 1 and 2 o’clock; and the brand’s name and logo.

6. Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black

Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black
Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black

The case of the Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black has a generous case diameter of 45 mm, but a shirt-cuff-friendly case thickness of just 8.3 mm. The ceramic used for the case and bezel is both polished and satin-finished, Polished ceramic is used for the crown, which bears a Hublot emblem, and the lugs are made of black composite resin. The sapphire dial has a black-transfer Hublot logo at the top and black-coated, polished hands and indices. The strap is a also a “fusion” of materials, with black alligator leather on top stitched to black rubber on the underside, and attached to a polished, satin-finished, black PVD steel deployant buckle. The Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black, one of several all-black models available from Hublot, retails for $18,300*.

7. IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands”

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galapagos Islands - front
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galapagos Islands

Among the IWC Aquatimer watches inspired by the work of Charles Darwin and the Cousteau Society is the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands.” The watch (Ref. IW379502) has a black-on-black look, with a black rubber-coated case, and is powered by an IWC manufacture movement, Caliber 89365. It is water-resistant to 300 meters and features a caseback with an engraving representing the exotic wildlife of the Galapagos.

8. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon”

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon”
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon”

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon” derives its name from its black zirconium oxide ceramic dial and matching black ceramic case, which is 44.25 mm in diameter and boasts both brushed and polished finishes. The dial is notable for its applied indices, made of 18k white gold, and the two blackened subdials at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The bezel, also made from polished black ceramic, has the Speedmaster’s familiar tachymeter scale, here inscribed in matte chromium nitride. The words, “DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” are engraved in matte chromium nitride above the caseback crystal. Completing the watch’s black-on-black look is a strap made of black Cordura fabric with a black ceramic buckle. The price of the black ceramic Speedmaster is $12,000*.

9. Panerai Tuttonero Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Ceramica 

Panerai Tuttonero Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Ceramica
Panerai Tuttonero Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Ceramica

The “Tuttonero” in Panerai‘s Tuttonero Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Ceramica is the Italian word for “all black.” The watch has a case and bracelet made entirely of matte black ceramic. The bracelet’s links are constructed from the same ceramic, and using the same process, as the case, and are attached to a PVD-coated, brushed steel buckle that seamlessly blends into the all-black theme. Consistent with the watch’s all-black aesthetic, the movement, which is visible through a dark-tinted sapphire crystal in the caseback, has gone through a blackening process to give it the same sleek, matte-black look as the case. The name “Tuttonero” is engraved on the caseback. The watch, which is limited to 500 pieces, carries a U.S. retail price of $16,300*.

10. Perrelet Turbine Chrono

Perrelet Turbine Chrono
Perrelet Turbine Chrono

Perrelet‘s Turbine Chrono, unveiled at Baselworld 2013, adds a chronograph to the brand’s trademark turbine watches. The watch preserves the visual impact of the turbine by adding the chronograph counter as a transparent disk in the center of the dial. This all-black model has a DLC coated case and black turbine, under-dial and numerals.

11. Ralph Lauren Sporting Chronograph Black Ceramic 

Ralph Lauren Sporting Chronograph Black Ceramic
Ralph Lauren Sporting Chronograph Black Ceramic

The Ralph Lauren Sporting Chronograph Black Ceramic was the first Ralph Lauren watch with a case made of ceramic zirconia, a high-tech material typically used in demanding applications such as jet engine components. The case is nearly scratch-proof and the watch — which contains a mechanical movement from Jaeger-LeCoultre — is very lightweight. It is available in 39-mm and 45-mm sizes, priced at $5,500* and $6,400*, respectively.

12. Richard Mille RM 030 Black Out

Richard Mille RM 030 Black Out

Richard Mille RM 030 Black Out

Richard Mille released an all-black limited edition of the RM 030, which features the brand’s “declutchable rotor.” The RM 030 Black Out uses a black-DLC-coated titanium for its entire case. The other all-black elements include the inner bezel, the crown protector, the rubber strap with deployant buckle, and the numerals on the skeleton dial. The watch features a handful of subtle red accents, including the date aperture, the tip of the central seconds hand, and the indicators for the winding and power reserve. Limited to 30 pieces, the watch retails for $95,000*.

13. TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 Matte Black Ceramic

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 Matte Black Ceramic
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 Matte Black Ceramic

The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 Matte Black Ceramic was launched at SIHH 2017. The all-black watch measures 45mm and is water-resistant to 100 meters. It boasts the 12-part case structure characteristic of the Heuer-01 series, with a case middle, bezel, and lugs made of micro-blasted black ceramic. The new version of the brand’s flagship model is priced at $6,300*. More information about the watch here.

14. Tudor Fastrider Black Shield

Tudor Fastrider Black Shield
Tudor Fastrider Black Shield

Tudor‘s Fastrider Black Shield, a watch inspired by Ducati motorcycles, features a monobloc case in black matte ceramic with red accents. The scratch-resistant case is produced from a single piece of high-tech injected ceramic, instead of ceramic applied as a coating to another material. The dial and bezel are accentuated by red details, including the red Tudor seal at the 12 o’clock position.

15. TW Steel CEO Tonneau (Ref. CE2006)

TW Steel CEO Tonneau CE2006
TW Steel CEO Tonneau

Part of its Swiss Made collection, TW Steel‘s CEO Tonneau (Ref. CE2006) has a large, sandblasted 46 mm x 53 mm barrel-shaped case with a dark titanium PVD plating. Adding to its sleek, stealthy look are the chronograph pusher guards, with their sandblasted titanium PVD finish, and the push-button itself, which has a light titanium PVD finish. The watch’s Swiss-made quartz Ronda movement powers a chronograph that can record times to 1/10 second. The watch has a dark silicone strap and a sapphire crystal.

16. Ulysse Nardin Black Sea

Ulysse Nardin Black Sea
Ulysse Nardin Black Sea

Ulysse Nardin unveiled the Black Sea edition to its Marine Diver collection in 2012. The watch features a 42-hour power-reserve indicator, oversized small seconds register, and a large date display. In keeping with its aquatic theme, the Black Sea’s ebony dial and strap are decorated with a wave pattern. The case is water-resistant to 200 meters.

17. Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT Red Baron

Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT Red Baron
Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT Red Baron

The Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT Red Baron, a watch paying tribute to ace fighter pilot Manfred von Richthofen (known as the Red Baron), comes in a steel case coated with black DLC. The matte-black dial has oversized Arabic numerals made entirely of white Super-LumiNova, and GMT indicators in red. The strap is in overstitched black calfskin leather and has a DLC-coated pin buckle. The price of the Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 GMT Red Baron edition is $8,600*.

This article was originally published in 2013 and has been updated. * Prices are subject to change.

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  1. Douglas Gifford

    The watch world thought it was an earth shaker when Movado made a splash with a black dial and a silver circle and was inducted into a museum. The watches here are so much more in so many ways they hang where they belong on the arms of people who have impeccable taste and an eye to match.

    Reply
  2. Kyosti Helppi

    Only two have a black PVD coated bracelet or ceramic bracelet. ALL should have that as an option.

    Reply
  3. Herman J. Herbert

    If I may I’ll like to add two of my favorite black watches to your list:
    1. Glycine KMU 48 2012 Limited Edition- MSRP $2,025.00
    2. Muhle Glashutte Marinus Chrono Special Edition Fulda Challenge- MSRP $5,600.00

    Reply
  4. Randy Rogers

    Since this is a reprise post, given the respect given to Porsche Design and their contribution, another Brand who took the lead in the “absence of color” parade was no less than Heuer as we moved into TAG-Heuer with Black throughout every Collection from the best selling 1000 Collection and the 980-028, to it’s upmarket brother, the Black Coral, throughout the 2000, 3000, Executive, the pionerring SEL, the humbles F-1, to the Super Professional 1000 Meter, complete with Wallet, tools and Rubber Strap changes, TAG-Heuer, “the Ultimate Sport Watch.”

    Reply
  5. Randy Rogers

    Re-entering the fray with another post, kudo’s for the mention on Porsche, another key entry which began with the re-birth of Heuer as TAG-Heuer was the 980-028 all Black 1000 w/Jubilee and it’s big brother the Black Coral (though bi-colored w/Gold Ctr. Link), the humble F-1 and the Super Professional from ’89, all done in all black finish.

    Reply
  6. Marti Rose

    How can you put this list together and not mention the 1972 Porsche Design Chronograph 1? It was the first all black watch. It used the legendary Lemania 5100 movement. And, is still available New as a limited reissue. Sublime

    Reply
  7. Randy Rogers

    Omitted, possibly most dynamic of all, the RW Reveluzione, CF Dial, same Strap as Hubllot 46MM!

    Reply
  8. Sylvio F. Bertoli

    Chopard also have some nice black on black that could have been part of the list. My favorite BOB from Chopard is still the Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chronograph “Speed Black – 44mm Limited Edition – which I consider a beauty.

    Reply
  9. Mike Chang

    I got a 2014 Black on Black
    BALL for BMW Chronograph with day/date

    Reply
  10. Beautiful selection, but i’ve missed Victorinox Alpnach Chrono as a cheaper choice.

    Reply
  11. We wonder why Rolex sells 1.000.000.000 watches a year. This article should be call ” Richemont against Swatch group” !!! Any independent ones like Sinn, Hanhart, etc??????? Watches now a days are like cars, the majority belong to a group and you buy the group’s name and not the watch itself with all it’s good and bad qualities. Let’s see some real watches, designed and produced from watch lovers to watch lovers. Thanks

    Reply
  12. Sokunroath Tan

    My pick would still be GP TWCC, follow BP Fanthom then simple 2 sub dial Omega Speadmaster. They all black straps, but the lighting may in fact introduced grey in those photos.

    Reply
  13. It’s the speedmaster for me!
    Looks and feels great in real life, it’s a head turning watch.

    Reply
  14. Blancpain looks the most refined and elegant to me.

    Also, a correction – von Richthofen is referred to as ‘Manfred’, not Albrecht, which was his middle name.

    Reply
  15. That Royal Oak from Audemars Piquet is stunning. It’s an interesting thing how such a simple design, made with the right materials, can turn heads. lesliewatch.com

    Reply
    • Stewart Novinger

      I agree, I have owned the DSOTM for four or five years and I love it. Ceramic makes a great material for a case. Great movement, great watch.

      Reply
  16. Robin Henry

    I love the Audemars Piguet diver most. The Breitling Avenger Seawolf-Blacklist and the Seiko Kinetic Divers SKA579P2 look nice although the latter is in grey-black, but has a touch of blue on the bezel.

    Reply
  17. You missed the Bremont Alt-1 B2. A stealth watch based on a model actually used by people who have been on a stealth bomber. If that’s not stealth, then I don’t know what is.

    Reply
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