Monochrome Watches
An online magazine dedicated to fine watches
Buying Guide

The Stealth Effect, with 5 Cool Full-Black Sports Watches

A selection of black watches that will inspire you to go for the monochrome effect!

| By Xavier Markl | 4 min read |
Zenith Defy Classic Black Ceramic

Black has a weird attraction. Black is timeless and classic. Black can be discreet or bold. And the watchmaking industry knows it as blacked-out watches are highly popular and widely available today, but not all models wear black as well as others. Today, we’ve listed some of the best recently launched black watches, versatile pieces that look great with anything and are ideal for dressing up or down. Ready to move into stealth mode? Here are five great options.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo has proven itself as one of the defining new luxury sports watches. One of the characteristics that set the Finissimo apart is its distinctive matte monochromatic appearance, with an almost industrial look. But the new Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic plays with light like no other Octo model before. A sleek black design isn’t the only thing that it offers. The way it feels and sits on the wrist is unique. The watch is powered by the ultra-thin micro-rotor calibre BVL 138… And if you are a fan of the more traditional subdued finish of the Octo line, there is also a matte black ceramic option. More details at www.bulgari.com. 

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic

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Quick facts – 40mm black ceramic case – in-house automatic calibre BVL 138, ultra-thin – water-resistant to 30m – black ceramic bracelet with folding buckle – CHF 15,600

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Black PVD

Inspired by vintage military watches produced by the brand in the mid-20th century (the Hamilton Hacked), this cool black PVD version of the modern Hamilton Khaki Field comes in a 38mm case. Inside is the hand-wound calibre H50 with a robust 80-hour power reserve. It comes with a matching dark grey NATO strap, with black loops and a PVD-coated buckle. At CHF 545, this no-nonsense field watch is among the most affordable Swiss pieces of its kind! More details at www.hamilton.com.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Black PVD

Quick facts – 38mm PVD-steel case – hand-wound calibre Hamilton H-50 (base ETA 2801) – water-resistant to 50m – NATO strap – CHF 545

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Black 

An attractive package coupled with affordable pricing, the Aikon is Maurice Lacroix’s take on the luxury sports watch. 42mm in diameter, this monochromatic black version comes in PVD-steel. The black Clou de Paris dial is paired with polished applied hour markers and anthracite hands that are coated in black Super-LumiNova. The watch is fitted with the ML115 automatic calibre (Sellita based). The calf leather strap is embossed to give it a textile look. And like all Maurice Lacroix Aikon models, the watch is fitted with the easy-change system for quick strap changes with no tool required. More details at www.mauricelacroix.com. 

Quick facts – 42m PVD-coated steel case – automatic calibre ML115 (SW200 base) – water-resistant to 200m – black calf strap with folding clasp – CHF 1,850

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Dark

This high contrast blacked-out version of the BB chrono comes in PVD-steel. A limited edition released in the frame of the brand’s partnership with the All Blacks, this stealth 41mm two-register chronograph is powered by the Manufacture calibre MT5813 with 70 hours of power reserve. Based on the Breitling B01, this is an integrated automatic movement with a vertical clutch and a column wheel. Water-resistance is of 200m. More details at www.tudorwatch.com.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Dark 79360DK Limited Edition

Quick facts – 41mm black PVD-steel case – automatic calibre MT5813 (COSC-certified – base Breitling B01) – water-resistant to 200m – black PVD-steel bracelet with folding clasp – CHF 5,800

The Zenith Defy Classic Black Ceramic

A darker take on Zenith’s luxury sports watch, this Black Ceramic Defy Classic stands out with its dynamic inky black case and its skeletonized dial. 41mm in diameter, it is fitted with the tried-and-tested Elite automatic calibre reimagined as an openworked movement for the Defy Classic family with restructured open bridges and top-quality finishes. The textured black rubber strap is secured with a black DLC-titanium folding buckle. More details at www.zenith-watches.com. 

Zenith Defy Classic Black Ceramic

Quick facts – 41mm ceramic case – in-house automatic calibre Elite 670 SK – water-resistant to 100m – black rubber strap with folding buckle – CHF 7,900

https://monochrome-watches.com/buying-guide-black-watches-5-cool-full-black-sports-models-price/

3 responses

  1. Interesting article but missing the quintessential black sports chronograph – the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. Unlike the Tudor Black Bay in 2 or 3 years it will still be all black rather than mostly black with steel showing through due to the entirely ceramic case including the case back, crown and pushers. In fact the Tudor, Hamilton and Maurice LaCroix will all be showing steel through the black coating especially on the lugs and bracelets in a couple of years.

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