The 8 Best Carbon Fiber Watches at European Watch Company

Typically, when you think of the metals watches are made of, you think of stainless steel, gold (in all its varieties), platinum, and even titanium. But watch brands have begun to venture out into other materials, some of which are very utility based, for their watch cases. While carbon fiber is technically not a metal at all, it’s light, robust, shock resistant and very durable. And perhaps thats why we are seeing more and more brands work with the material. Because of that, we thought we would take a look at 8 of our favorite carbon fiber watches.

Richard Mille RM33-02 Carbon TPT

Price: $125,000-$135,000, Case Size: 41.7mm, Thickness: 11.7mm, Lug-to-Lug: N.A., Lug Width: N.A., Water Resistance: 30m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbon TPT/Rose Gold

When it comes to high-end timepieces using exotic materials, the first brand that probably comes to mind is Richard Mille. And while the RM33-02, with its circular case, may not be traditional for Richard Mille, the rest of the watch is. The watch is made out of carbon TPT (or Thin Ply Technology) which is a layered carbon composite. Each layer is 30 microns thick, meaning you need 30 sheets to make 1mm of the material. These means the case will be incredibly strong and durable. On top of that, the rose gold midcase and accents add a bit of luxury, something we have come to expect from Richard Mille. If you are looking for a mixture of sporty and luxury, and have some money to spend, the RM33-02 is a great choice.

Romain Gauthier Insight Micro Rotor Squelette Carbonium

Price: $125,000-$130,000, Case Size: 41.5mm, Thickness: 12.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.8mm, Lug Width: 20, Water Resistance: 50m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manual Winding, Material: Carbon Fiber

Romain Gauthier is an independent brand that has been around for quite a while (since 2002) but still manages to fly under the radar. And maybe that makes the brand underappreciated. But there is a lot to like from the brand, from the Romain Gauthier C, their integrated bracelet offering, to the Insight Micro Rotor Squelette Carbonium, there is something for everyone. And the Insight Micro Rotor Squelette Carbonium is a sight to behold. From the openworked dial to the carbonium (a carbon fiber alloy) case, if you’re looking for something sporty, you can’t go wrong with the Insight Micro Rotor Squelette Carbonium.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Carbon Tourbillon Chronograph Ref. 26265FO.OO.D002CR.01

Price: $135,000-$145,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 15.85mm, Lug-to-Lug: N.A., Lug Width: N.A., Water Resistance: 100m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbon Fiber

The Royal Oak is steeped in history and has reached icon status within the watch industry. But that hasn’t stopped Audemars Piguet from experimenting with the Royal Oak, including using new materials and innovating the movement. A great example of this is the Royal Oak Concept Carbon Tourbillon Chronograph Ref. 26265FO.OO.D002CR.01. This isn’t your run of the mill Royal Oak. While the case generally resembles the Royal Oak, it is made of lightweight carbon fiber. And the openworked tourbillon movement looks like something out of a science fiction movie. If you want a melding of classic and futuristic, look no further than the Royal Oak Concept Carbon Tourbillon Chronograph.

Panerai Submersible Carbotech 3 Days Automatic Ref. PAM00960

Price: $11,000-$12,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 52.5mm, Lug Width: 22, Water Resistance: 300m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbotech

Panerai may be known for their big and chunky watches, but they have also historically been an innovator in creating new case materials, including carbon fiber. Panerai’s Carbotech material is a composite structure made of high performing long carbon fibers, creating a very durable and shock resistant case. And using Carbotech in their watches makes every watch unique. Using the material in the Subermisible Carbotech 3 Days Ref. PAM00960 is also very utility driven. As a diver, a carbon fiber case makes the Submersible Carbotech much more lightweight and wearable than the watch would be in a stainless steel case. So the PAM00960 is the perfect watch to take on your next deep sea adventure.

Tudor Pelagos FXD Red Bull Racing Ref. 25707KN

Price: $3,500-$4,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 12.75mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51mm, Lug Width: 22, Water Resistance: 200m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbon Fiber

Besides being more accessibly priced than Rolex, Tudor has also been more willing to experiment with materials and designs than their sister brand. And I know, Rolex has recently released a couple watches in titanium. Rolex, however, has never released a watch made of carbon fiber. Tudor did so recently with the release of the Pelagos FXD Red Bull Racing. The Pelagos traditionally has been cased in titanium. So it makes sense that they would use the collection to introduce carbon fiber as well. This makes me inevitably ask the question: will we be seeing a carbon fiber Rolex any time soon?

DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Caribbean Ref. 822.70.201.20

Price: $3,000-$3,500, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 42.5mm, Lug Width: N.A., Water Resistance: 300m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbon Fiber

The DOXA Sub 300 has quite the legacy. First released in 1967, it gained public recognition when it was famously worn by French filmmaker and oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. And DOXA has continued to update the watch ever since. One of my favorite expansions of the Sub 300 collection is the Sub 300 Carbon. With this piece, you get the iconic Doxa Sub 300 design, but with a sleek and lightweight carbon case. You can also choose from many different dial colors. But the dark blue Caribbean dial is definitely a favorite.

Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Carbon Ref. 10.9000.670/80.R795

Price: $7,000-$7,500, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 10.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45mm, Lug Width: N.A., Water Resistance: 100m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbon Fiber

One of my favorite watches on the list has to be the Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Carbon Fitted on a black rubber strap, with an openworked dial and a carbon fiber case, the watch has a unassuming yet bold look. Yes, the Defy often gets compared to the Royal Oak, due to its case shape and the obvious influence the AP had on its design. But at a fraction of the price, its a great option for those looking for the look for a bit less.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Bamford Ref. CAW2190.FC6437

Price: $8,500-$9,000, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 13mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47.7mm, Lug Width: 22, Water Resistance: 100m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Carbon Fiber

We all know the TAG Heuer Monaco (or Heuer Monaco as it were) as the watch that gained popularity after Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 film Le Mans. Well TAG Heuer has kept the watch in their catalog ever since, and it has attained icon status. And since its release, the brand has released many different iterations of the Monaco, including quite a few limited editions. My favorite limited edition Monaco has to be the Bamford Edition Ref. CAW2190.FC6437. The Monaco Bamford not only has a carbon fiber case, but a black dial and black alligator strap. But what puts this watch over the top is the Bamford (baby) blue subdials an accents. It just works. Limited to just 500 pieces, you can only find them on the secondary market.