What do you think of ceramic watches, which I've been seeing a lot lately? I've compiled a list of recommended models!

This article introduces recommended watches featuring ceramic casings. Ceramics, known for its superior hardness and unique luster, is a material with excellent scratch resistance, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. We've selected five watches, ranging from classic designs to unique models.

Ceramics characterized by excellent scratch resistance, corrosion resistance, and anti-allergic properties.

　While stainless steel and gold were once common materials for watch cases, advancements in manufacturing and processing technology have led to the emergence of various new materials such as titanium, carbon, and sapphire crystal. Among these, ceramics are becoming increasingly popular.

　Most ceramics used in luxury watches are made from zirconium oxide, which is mixed with binders and solvents, then molded, degreased, and fired. Further processing and finishing are then applied to achieve the appearance befitting a luxury watch.

　However, handling ceramics is not easy because they shrink during firing and their high hardness makes processing and finishing difficult. Manufacturing ceramic watches requires considerable technical skill.

　Ceramics are difficult to manufacture, but they possess ideal properties for watchmaking. First, they have extremely high hardness. Among materials used in watches, they boast the second-highest hardness after sapphire crystal, making them resistant to scratches. In other words, they are more likely to maintain their beauty for many years. However, it's important to be aware that high hardness also means they lack flexibility and there is no room for bending, so they may crack or chip if subjected to a strong impact.

　Furthermore, ceramics made from zirconium oxide are already oxidized and possess excellent corrosion resistance. In addition, because they do not contain nickel or other metals, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Their biocompatibility is so high that they are even used in medical applications such as artificial joints.

　Ceramic watches offer many advantages. Let's take a look at some recommended models.

Chanel "J12 Calibre 12.1" Ref. H5697

　When it comes to pioneers in luxury ceramic watches, Chanel's "J12" is a prime example. Its elegant case and bracelet, inspired by racing yachts, utilize highly durable black ceramic, resulting in a lustrous finish.

　It's also worth noting that the rotating bezel frame and double-folding buckle are made of stainless steel, adding both a visual accent and a sense of rigidity. The bezel is equipped with a unidirectional rotation prevention mechanism.

　The black dial features elegant Arabic numeral indices, baton-shaped hour and minute hands, and a second hand with a triangular pointer at its tip. The indices and hands are uniformly white, creating a striking contrast with the black dial for excellent legibility. A date display is located at the 4:30 position, making it convenient for both business and everyday wear.

　The movement is an automatic Cal. 12.1 manufactured by Kenissi, a movement manufacturer in which Chanel has an investment. It boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and the rotor, specially designed for Chanel, can be admired through the transparent case back.

Omega "Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon" Ref. 310.92.44.50.06.001

　This new 2025 model pays tribute to Apollo 8, which was the first to witness the far side of the moon. It features a uniform gray color scheme, inspired by Apollo 8 commander Jim Lovell's words, "The moon is essentially gray."

　The dial, finished in gray through anodizing, is boldly skeletonized, allowing you to admire the movement's base plate, which features a laser-etched depiction of the moon's surface. The three sub-dials function as a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock.

　To match the front, the back also features moon-themed details. Visible through the see-through case back is the movement's bridge, which replicates the pattern of the far side of the moon using laser processing.

　The case is made of gray ceramic. Ceramics is very hard and difficult to finish, but in this model, the combination of polished and brushed finishes creates a three-dimensional exterior that is characteristic of the Speedmaster.

Rado "True Square Skeleton" Ref.R27196152

　Since releasing its first ceramic watch in 1986, Rado has expanded its possibilities through years of research and development. The ceramic material developed by the company is plasma high-tech ceramic. This material is given a metallic texture by generating plasma using a special furnace filled with methane and hydrogen gases and striking it against zirconium oxide.

　One model that utilizes plasma high-tech ceramics is the "True Square Skeleton." The case, with its soft curves, and the bracelet that seamlessly connects to it are made of plasma high-tech ceramics, providing the excellent scratch resistance and hypoallergenic properties characteristic of ceramics while simultaneously achieving a metallic texture.

　The skeletonized dial features a unique design with two bridges crossing it. Beneath them, you can admire the inside of the mainspring barrel and the beating of the balance wheel.

　The Cal.808 movement, which is installed in this watch, is a practical movement featuring a Nivacron balance spring with a power reserve of approximately 80 hours and excellent magnetic resistance.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42, Ref. IW338903

　The current "Ingenieur" collection, while retaining the design of the "Ingenieur SL" created by watch designer Gerald Genta, who has worked on numerous masterpieces, has been given a modern finish. In 2025, IWC significantly expanded its lineup. Among them is the "Ingenieur Automatic 42," which features a black ceramic case.

　The dial features a grid pattern inspired by the Ingenieur SL. It combines simple bar-type indices and hands, and a date display is located at the 3 o'clock position.

　The black ceramic case with an integrated bracelet has a refined and understated look, devoid of excessive shine. This is achieved through a process that involves brushing followed by repeated sandblasting. While the stainless steel model uses a screw-down case back, the ceramic model employs a screw-down case back to avoid increasing the thickness.

　The movement features the in-house Cal. 82110, which employs a Pellaton automatic winding mechanism with excellent winding efficiency. Another notable feature is the smoked finish on the sapphire crystal case back, which harmonizes with the appearance of the case and bracelet.

Tudor Black Bay Ceramic Ref. M79210CNU-0001

　The Black Bay is Tudor's flagship diver's watch collection. Inspired by the company's past diver's watches, the Black Bay boasts a classic design and comes in a variety of case materials, including stainless steel, gold, silver, and bronze. Among these is a model with a micro-blasted matte black ceramic case.

　The entire exterior, from the dial to the case and strap, is unified in black, with the indices and hands filled with white luminous paint standing out. The logo on the dial and the scale on the bezel are in gray, designed to be inconspicuous. The indices, which combine triangles, bars, and dots, and the snowflake-shaped hour hand are highly legible, making this a model that combines a fashionable all-black design with practicality.

　The movement is the high-spec Cal.MT5602-1U, which has received Master Chronometer certification from METAS. It boasts excellent accuracy and magnetic resistance, making it highly practical.