8 Great Ceramic Watches at European Watch Company

In the past, we would mostly see watch made from either stainless steel or gold. As time progressed, we started to see more exotic materials, including platinum and titanium. And now, we are starting to see watch’s made from even more obscure materials, including ceramic. While there are not a ton of ceramic watches on the market, there are enough to warrant talking about. In this guide we take a look 8 of our favorite ceramic watches that we have seen at European Watch Company.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26240CE.OO.1225CE.02

Price: $125,000-$135,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 12.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51.5mm, Lug Width: 26mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

If you are looking for a sleek ceramic watch, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26240CE is a personal favorite. The 41mm case is a black ceramic, with both brushed and polished portions. And the same goes for the iconic Royal Oak bracelet. Seeing it in ceramic just takes it to the next level. To top it off, the rose gold accents on the dial just elevate the watch to grail status. It may be our favorite ceramic watch currently on the market.

Zenith Pilot Chronograph Flyback Big Date Ref. 49.4000.3652/21.1001

Price: $10,000-$11,000, Case Size: 42.5mm, Thickness: 14.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: N.A., Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

Just last year Zenith revamped their entire pilot lineup, updating their design language from retro-inspired to very modern. And within this new lineup, the brand released a flyback chronograph in ceramic. The entire case is black and brushed, giving the watch a very utilitarian look. And in addition to the dual chronograph subregisters, there is a large date at 6 o’clock. The dial is also black and all text is a bright white. This makes the watch extremely legible, something we look for in a pilot watch. It’s a great option for those looking for a ceramic watch that do not want to break the bank.

Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon Ref. 311.92.44.30.01.001

Price: $10,000-$11,000, Case Size: 44.25mm, Thickness: 13.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.8mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon Ref. 311.92.44.30.01.001 is not your typical Moonwatch. This watch is not only a hefty 44.25mm in diameter, but made from ceramic. But the true star of the watch is the dial. Not only is it slightly openworked in areas, but the dial plate has been laser-ablated to look like the moon’s surface. In the end, what you get is a very unique take on the Moonwatch that will surely be a conversation starter.

Read our review of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon here.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Rodeo Drive” Ref. IW503001

Price: $20,000-$22,000, Case Size: 46.5mm, Thickness: 15.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 56mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 60M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

When you think of ceramic watches, you probably think of Hublot and IWC. Both brands are known for having a wide catalog of ceramic pieces. And the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar “Rodeo Drive” is a great example of both IWC’s watchmaking and casemaking talents. Housed inside the watch’s ceramic case is a perpetual calendar complication, a complication IWC is well known for. And the blue sunray dial just pulls the whole watch together. If you want a heavy hitting piece of engineering out of your ceramic watch, the IWC Ref. IW503001 is for you.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin Ceramic Ref. 103077

Price: $20,000-$22,000, Case Size: 46.5mm, Thickness: 15.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 56mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 60M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is one of our favorite modern integrated bracelet sport watches. And since it first was released in 2014, Bulgari has really dedicated itself to building out the collection. One of our favorite pieces is the Octo Finissimo Extra Thin Ref. 103077. This piece not only has a super thin 5.5mm ceramic case, but a very comfortable and think ceramic bracelet. We like this variation of the Octo Finissimo so much that it might just be our favorite of the time only references. It’s a worthy add to your collection.

Panerai Luminor 1950 Tuttonero GMT Ref. PAM00438

Price: $5,000-$8,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 18mm, Lug-to-Lug: 55mm, Lug Width: 24mm, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

If you are looking for a full ceramic watch, including a well-finished ceramic bracelet, that won’t break the bank, the Panerai Luminor 1950 Tuttonero GMT Ref. PAM00438 is a great choice. This piece has all the signature hallmarks of a Panerai, including the large crown guard. And, the watch is a GMT, adding just a little bit of extra utility. Obviously, Panerai’s aesthetic is not for everyone. But if it is for you, this is a great pick-up.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran Ref. 5005 0153 NABA

Price: $13,000-$15,000, Case Size: 43.6mm, Thickness: 13.83mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.5mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 300M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

Was the Submariner or the Fifty Fathoms the first modern dive watch? We’re not entirely sure. But we do know that Blancpain produced a ceramic diver long before Rolex ever did (I mean, Rolex still hasn’t produced one). The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran Ref. 5005 0153 NABA is just a stunning take on the Bathscaphe. Besides the ceramic case, the sunray green dial and bezel are incredibly unique, unlike anything we’ve seen before. And with 300 meters of water resistance, this is a watch that can truly accompany you on your dives.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ceramic Ref. 79210CNU

Price: $3,000-$4,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 14.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 200M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

The final watch on our list is the most affordable ceramic timepiece. While Rolex still has yet to jump into producing ceramic watches, their sister brand, Tudor, has a ceramic diver we actually like very much. This makes sense, as people often think of Tudor as a brand that allows Rolex to test materials and designs out before they make their way into production with Rolex. Will we ever see a ceramic Rolex? Who knows! But I know that the Black Bay Ceramic is a great watch.