An experts guide to the 12 top high-tech ceramic watches to shop: Rado, Chanel, Bremont and more

It’s high time to switch your steel watches for ceramic, says Shane C Kurup. They’re the toughest ones going.

Here, discover 12 of the best.

The newest bi-tone iteration of the watch immortalised by Andy Warhol in his 1987 pop art painting is made from glossy plasma high-tech ceramic. It deserves its own plinth in MoMA.

This ‘haute horology’ model is a fine match for CHANEL’s couture. Its diamond-set ceramic case houses an automaton movement, which makes Madame Coco dance at the touch of the button.

With its deep green hue and military-inspired NATO strap, this watch is ready for field duty at all hours – especially given that it’s been tested in the wild by former Marines Commando and adventurer, Aldo Kane.

If you needed proof that ceramics are big right now, then this Polo skeleton-dial model from Piaget – known for its fancy dress watches made of precious metals – should convince you.

Looking like a Bassetts Allsorts on the outside, this distinctive ticker has a shockproof self-winding movement inside and is sure to sweeten your day when it’s on your wrist.

Breitling is known for its burly divers and vintage-inspired pilot watches and this Avenger with its abstract camo dial and chunky ceramic case is the ultimate boy’s toy.

Hublot shows off its mastery in ceramics with this sky-blue model, which has a slick integrated bracelet and openwork dial offering a glimpse into the wondrous mechanics beneath.

A watchmaking and motoring match made in Switzerland, this limited edition ceramic timepiece has a crosshatched dial inspired by the quilted upholstery of Aston Martin seats.

The BR-05 from Bell & Ross takes its cues from the dials of fighter jet cockpits. This all-black version made with a combination of polished and matte ceramic is as fly as they come. 

At just 5.5mm thick with a self-winding movement and an integrated bracelet engineered with the precision of fine jewellery, this waif-like ceramic ticker wins the size-0 award.

Combining the high-altitude aesthetics of Zenith’s signature pilot watch with the style clout of Japanese brand Porter-Yoshida & Co, this is green-dialled wingman is all set to fly.

One of the most popular watch models of all time has received a Lunar-worthy makeover, with a ceramic case, dial lasered to mimic the moon’s surface and a rocket-shaped seconds hand.