7 black watches not to miss in 2019

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7 black watches not to miss in 2019 - Black watches
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Whether you prefer the full-on “stealth” look or a splash of colour on your black timepiece, the 2019 collections have something for everyone.

Thanks to PVD and DLC coating technology, as well as innovative new carbon-based materials, watchmakers can now have more options than ever for producing all-black watches. We showcase some of the latest examples. 

Black and blue – The Girard-Perregaux Laureato

Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato Absolute models are arguably the biggest indication of the black trend for 2019. In a collection that has hitherto been the epitome of classicism, three models – three-hands, chronograph and worldtimer – suddenly appear in black with wonderful blue contrasts on the dial, the outer edge of the crystal and stitches on the black rubber strap with its bold, capitalized GIRARD and PERREGAUX moulded into it.

7 black watches not to miss in 2019

But this is no mere exercise in colour. The case diameter has been increased to a more virile 44mm, lightweight titanium introduced to the collection for the first time and the water resistance has been taken to diver’s watch levels at 300m. That black rubber strap is also brand new. Among the few things that remain the same as on the other Laureato models are the in-house movements powering these watches.

Automatic: CHF 9,000
Chronograph: CHF 12,000
WW.TC: CHF 12,250

Stealth Black – The Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech™

Things have evolved since Officine Panerai first introduced the world to CarbotechTM at the SIHH four years ago. Not least because the Luminor Submersible on which it was first seen became a collection in its own right. Two new models recall the very origins of the brand as an item of military equipment with a no-nonsense look in a material that is lighter than titanium but stronger than steel. Power is provided by Panerai’s P.9010 in-house automatic movement, which offers three days of power reserve. The dial in carbon and solid blocks of “stealth grey” SuperLuminova for the hour markers make this the stealth watch par excellence.

7 black watches not to miss in 2019

And if you’re looking to buy your lover an extra-special gift, you can pay twice the price to bag him one of the 33 limited-edition models with a khaki green rubber strap and SuperLuminova. They come with a unique chance to train with the Italian navy’s elite commando unit, the COMSUBIN.

PAM 979: CHF 20,200
PAM 961 (limited edition of 33): CHF 40,600

Black with a hint of yellow – The Hysek Abyss Chronograph

Hysek presents a black version of its Abyss chronograph with a contrasting splash of vibrant yellow among its new products for 2019. The 44mm diameter case in matt black coated titanium is complemented by a yellow flange around the black dial, yellow subsidiary counters and yellow inscriptions, as well as an unusual form of yellow veal marquetry on the black leather strap.

7 black watches not to miss in 2019

In all other respects, the new watch bears all the signatures of the Abyss collection: sapphire bezel affixed by six three-pointed screws, hour markers at 5, 7 and 11 and the pivoting lugs that offer excellent comfort on the wrist. It is powered by an automatic Swiss Made movement that offers 42 hours of power reserve.

The joker in the black… Schwarz Etienne Fiji Floral Seconds

This selection was supposed to be about virile men’s watches, but I could not resist including Schwarz Etienne’s first ladies’ watch presented earlier this year. It flies in the face of convention as far as stereotypical ladies’s watches are concerned. There are no diamonds, there is no mother-of-pearl. You might think that the brand has added a cursors nod to femininity by using a black stingray strap, but you would be wrong. Schwarz Etienne call the design “raindrop”, which is precisely what it looks like (and it mirrors the drop-style hour markers on the dial). And who needs precious stones when you have the captivating “floral seconds” animation in constant movement at 6 o’clock?

7 black watches not to miss in 2019

Each watch comes with two straps and a highly original handbag case in leather, made in La Chaux-de-Fonds. All this, including the brand-new in-house ASE 200.00 movement, costs you just 7,700 Swiss francs, tax included. Unbeatable!

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