Carbon Watches

on October 3, 2023

1 minute read

Light on the wrist yet incredibly resistant, uniquely recognisable for its myriad shades of grey, from a metallic lustre to anthracite, carbon is a favourite among watch brands with the expertise to machine this high-tech material into futuristic designs

Michel Herbelin, CHF 3,499

An excellent value proposition, not to mention a limited edition, this mechanical chronograph featuring a day/date display comes packaged in a carbon and titanium bi-material case. And not just any carbon. Forged carbon: a remarkably resistant and unbelievably lightweight carbon fibre composite.

Newport in forged carbon and DLC titanium, 46.5mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement with day and date in an aperture, elastomer strap. Limited edition of 500 © Michel Herbelin

TAG Heuer, CHF 13,500

A first step into high-end watches with this futuristically styled Monza. A reissue of the 1976 model released to celebrate Niki Lauda’s F1 World Championship victory in 1975, it is powered by the in-house Heuer 02 calibre with flyback function. Not enough? It is also skeletonised and chronometer-certified.

Monza Flyback in carbon, 42mm diameter, automatic chronograph skeleton movement, date in an aperture, textile strap © Tag Heuer — Monza Flyback in carbon, 42mm diameter, automatic chronograph skeleton movement, date in an aperture, textile strap © TAG Heuer

Panerai, CHF 17,400

Produced in honour of the elite United States Navy SEALs military force, this chronograph oozes testosterone. The carbon is Panerai’s exclusive Carbotech carbon fibre composite. As well as delivering exceptional performance, its uneven matte black colour renders each watch unique.

Luminor Marina Navy SEALs in Carbotech, 44mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement, rubber strap. Limited edition of 462 © Panerai

Carl F. Bucherer, CHF 20,000

A contemporary complication from the capsule collection launched for the Manufacture’s 135th anniversary. Forged carbon combined with a black dial underscores this watch’s impactful architecture, designed for maximum legibility of every function.

Manero Peripheral in forged carbon, 41.6mm diameter, automatic movement, large date, day in an aperture, power-reserve indicator, small seconds, rubber strap. Limited edition of 188 © Carl F. Bucherer

Bulgari, CHF 25,500

Yet another demonstration of what happens when watchmaking expertise meets Italian design flair, as only Bulgari knows how. Not only is this Octo Finissimo one of the thinnest watches anywhere on Earth – it is also one of the most attractive, thanks to the association of carbon with rose gold.

Octo Finissimo in carbon, 40mm diameter, extra-thin automatic movement, small seconds, carbon bracelet © Bulgari

Girard Perregaux, CHF 25,500

A top-tier triple-register chronograph that matches high-flying technology with high-tech materials. The case, in carbon composite and titanium, contains the in-house Calibre GP03300-1058. Certain of the 419 components, all finished to exemplary levels, are visible through the sapphire back.

Laureato Absolute 8Tech in carbon composite and titanium, 44mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement, date in an aperture, textile-effect rubber strap © Girard Perregaux

Hublot, CHF 120,000

Rocking a combination of carbon and Texalium, a fusion of fibreglass and aluminium, this Big Bang boasts a unique marbled appearance and is one of the lightest watches currently on the market at just 68 grams, all included! It’s also one of the most complicated, as it incorporates a tourbillon escapement at 6 o'clock.

Big Bang Integrated in carbon fibre and Texalium, 43mm, automatic skeleton movement with tourbillon escapement, bracelet in carbon fibre, Texalium and titanium. Limited edition of 50 © Hublot

Richard Mille, CHF 167,000

Press the pusher, at 4 o’clock, of this Richard Mille watch to select the winding, setting or neutral function. Then add the optimised performance of the brand’s exclusive Carbon TPT: resistance to high temperature, strength and transparency to electromagnetic waves.