Monochrome may seem simple: choose one color and carry it across the entire watch. Yet when the case, dial and bracelet share the same hue, materials, finishes and textures take on particular importance. In 2026, several watchmakers have chosen to explore two extremes, from luminous, graphic white to mysterious, radical black. Far from being limited to a simple color choice, these five watches show how a single color can reveal an architecture, highlight a material or profoundly transform a model’s character.
CHANEL J12
At Chanel, white has been closely associated with the J12 since 2000. This 38 mm model features a monobloc case made of high-resistance ceramic, combining ceramic and steel, while the bracelet is made of hand-assembled ceramic links. Visually, the ceramic gives the watch a sense of lightness and freshness, two qualities that contribute to the J12’s distinctive character. The Caliber 12.1, produced by Kenissi in Switzerland and COSC-certified as a chronometer, offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve. Water-resistant to 200 meters, it is priced at CHF 7,400.
HUBLOT Big Bang Reloaded All Black
Under its architectural lines lies an automatic flyback chronograph with a column wheel. The HUB1280 UNICO caliber, with its 72-hour power reserve, powers this 44 mm Big Bang Reloaded, which is water-resistant to 100 meters and priced at CHF 20,900. Twenty years after establishing the foundations of the All Black concept, Hublot is taking the idea to its logical extreme: a black ceramic case, a bezel combining black titanium and black ceramic, a black dial, and a black rubber and fabric strap in the same tone. This monochrome approach accentuates the watch’s architectural lines and gives it a more restrained, almost radical look, far removed from the model’s usually more flamboyant image.
BVLGARI Bvlgari Aluminium
White lacquered opaline dial, rubber bezel and strap, sandblasted aluminum case: this 40 mm Bvlgari Aluminium brings all its shades together in the same palette for an unmistakably white and pristine look. The automatic B77 caliber provides hours, minutes, seconds and date functions, with 42 hours of power reserve and water resistance to 100 meters, for CHF 3,150. A mix of textures adds depth to an otherwise uniform silhouette and gives it a sporty yet relaxed character, continuing the aluminum-and-rubber contrast that has defined the model since its launch in 1998.
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Pump Black
40 mm case in forged quartz fiber, polished black dial, integrated black rubber strap: the Streamliner Pump Black embraces a deliberately understated aesthetic. But one detail immediately catches the eye: its orange push-button, a nod to Reebok’s iconic Pump sneaker, allows the watch to be wound manually. As unexpected as it is distinctive, this detail does not disrupt the watch’s predominantly black aesthetic, which is why I chose to keep it in the selection. Each press adds a little energy to the movement, with approximately 35 to 40 presses required for a full wind. The manufacture HMC 103 caliber therefore offers a minimum power reserve of 74 hours and water resistance to 100 meters. Limited to just 250 pieces, it is priced at CHF 31,360 before VAT.
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium®
No coating is used to achieve the deep black of this Portugieser: IWC relies on Ceratanium®, a material that combines the lightness of titanium with high hardness. The material extends to the 41 mm case, crown and pushers, while the dial, hands, appliques and rubber strap continue the same aesthetic. This visual continuity gives the watch a discreet yet imposing presence. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the 69355 caliber is an automatic chronograph beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering 46 hours of power reserve. Limited to 1,500 pieces, this edition is priced at CHF 13,000.
