You don’t have to be an expert to know that the term “high-tech” almost always precedes the term “ceramic” in the watch world, reason simply being that the process of deriving the latter is precisely that.
For the record, this ceramic that we speak of has nothing to do with dishware. Instead, it’s obtained when high-purity zirconia – a naturally occurring mineral also used in the making of medical apparatus and spacecraft thermal shields – is fired in a process called sintering. At temperatures of almost 2,000 deg C, the powder transforms into a solid that’s scratch-proof, hypoallergenic and UV-resistant (read: it doesn’t fade). Little wonder that it’s become one of the most desirable materials to use on the dials, bezels, cases and bracelets of timepieces.
Now, you don’t have to be an expert to also know that watches made of high-tech ceramic are most commonly monochrome, often lending to industrial-looking styles that would appeal to those into minimalist aesthetics. Sure, a few coloured models have popped up in recent years. One to know: Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT with an orange ceramic bezel – a world first – that was launched in 2014 and limited to just eight pieces. But as this fun, citrusy rendition of a favourite classic might indicate, they’ve largely been novelties, and this could all boil down to just how tricky it is to, well, throw some shade onto high-tech ceramic.
“The negative aspect (comes) when the temperature is too high – coloured pigments added to the ceramic powder (risk getting) burnt,” explains Ricardo Guadalupe, chief executive of Hublot, in an e-mail interview. “This is why ceramic always comes in the same colours – black, grey, brown, dark blue, and dark green or white.” It also explains why he counts the brand’s latest launch, the Big Bang Unico Red Magic, as a big achievement: Its ceramic case and bezel are a surprisingly vibrant red, with the rubber strap in a matching hue for a hyper slick and modern sporty ticker that has the same effect as a statement bangle.
That’s just one in an impressive crop of 2018 releases that feature high-tech ceramic in unexpected colours. A travel favourite, Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is known for its bicoloured bezel made from patented Cerachrom ceramic, so much so that past variations have earned industry nicknames. The blue-black combo launched five years ago, for example, was dubbed “Batman”, while the blue-red version that followed was affectionately referred to as “Pepsi”. This year, the latter has been revived on a steel bracelet, alongside the introduction of “Root Beer” with a glamorous brown-black ceramic bezel set against 18K Everose gold.
Even Rado – credited with sparking the high-tech ceramic watch wave with its chic, evening-appropriate Integral timepiece 32 years ago – is ramping up its portfolio of timepieces featuring coloured ceramic. Its True Thinline collection – a hit with design fiends for its simplicity and thinness – debuts four models in inky Vermeer shades like forest green and midnight blue. The name of this sub-line? Most appropriately “Colours”.
The OGs
For those who prefer their ceramic watches in classic black or white, these are three signature styles to know.
This story first appeared in Female’s July 2018 print issue.
