It’s high time to switch your steel watches for ceramic, says Shane C Kurup. They’re the toughest ones going.
Here, discover 12 of the best.
Rado Anatom Automatic
The newest bi-tone iteration of the watch immortalised by Andy Warhol in his 1987 pop art painting is made from glossy plasma high-tech ceramic. It deserves its own plinth in MoMA.
£4,200, rado.com
Chanel J12 Atomaton Calibre 6
This ‘haute horology’ model is a fine match for CHANEL’s couture. Its diamond-set ceramic case houses an automaton movement, which makes Madame Coco dance at the touch of the button.
£215,000, chanel.com
Bremont Supermarine Full Ceramic, Jungle Green
With its deep green hue and military-inspired NATO strap, this watch is ready for field duty at all hours – especially given that it’s been tested in the wild by former Marines Commando and adventurer, Aldo Kane.
£6,450, bremont.com
Piaget Polo Skeleton Ceramic
If you needed proof that ceramics are big right now, then this Polo skeleton-dial model from Piaget – known for its fancy dress watches made of precious metals – should convince you.
£36,700, piaget.com
Richard Mille RM-07 Coloured Ceramics, Blush Pink
Looking like a Bassetts Allsorts on the outside, this distinctive ticker has a shockproof self-winding movement inside and is sure to sweeten your day when it’s on your wrist.
£158,000, richardmille.com
Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph Night Mission
Breitling is known for its burly divers and vintage-inspired pilot watches and this Avenger with its abstract camo dial and chunky ceramic case is the ultimate boy’s toy.
£7,800, breitling.com
Hublot Big Bang Ingerated Time Only Ceramic, Sky Blue
Hublot shows off its mastery in ceramics with this sky-blue model, which has a slick integrated bracelet and openwork dial offering a glimpse into the wondrous mechanics beneath.
£17,900, hublot.com
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin, 42mm
A watchmaking and motoring match made in Switzerland, this limited edition ceramic timepiece has a crosshatched dial inspired by the quilted upholstery of Aston Martin seats.
£21,000, girard-perregaux.com
Bell & Ross BR-05 Ceramic
The BR-05 from Bell & Ross takes its cues from the dials of fighter jet cockpits. This all-black version made with a combination of polished and matte ceramic is as fly as they come.
£6,500, bellandross.com
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ceramic
At just 5.5mm thick with a self-winding movement and an integrated bracelet engineered with the precision of fine jewellery, this waif-like ceramic ticker wins the size-0 award.
£18,000, bulgari.com
Zenith x Porter Pilot Automatic
Combining the high-altitude aesthetics of Zenith’s signature pilot watch with the style clout of Japanese brand Porter-Yoshida & Co, this is green-dialled wingman is all set to fly.
£10,200, zenith-watches.com
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, Apollo 8
One of the most popular watch models of all time has received a Lunar-worthy makeover, with a ceramic case, dial lasered to mimic the moon’s surface and a rocket-shaped seconds hand.
£13,500, omegawatches.com
