Black Ceramic Bracelet - Under 50k?

[WatchEater666]

What are your options used?

Zenith defy
hublot big bang
Laureato

Anything else with a ceramic bracelet in that price range?

[shafran]

laureato skeleton

[ts3]

Rado

[Patrick Lim]

I’ve both the Laureato (38mm) and Big Bang Integrated (42mm). Both are great watches but between the two, the Hublot really stands out in term of the quality of the finishing and sturdiness of the bracelet.

[Schweinwerfer]

Chanel j12
Swiss hanowa military sidewinder (unfortunately quartz but I think it looks cool)

[charger_vital]

Octo Finissimo ceramic skeleton is a nice one.

[londonpilgrim]

IWC Ceretanium Top Gun 41 - am hoping they'll bring out a Ceretanium Ingenueir soon. The Laureato in polished ceramic is gorgeous (I prefer the normal dial over the skeleton)

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Patrick Lim

I’ve both the Laureato (38mm) and Big Bang Integrated (42mm). Both are great watches but between the two, the Hublot really stands out in term of the quality of the finishing and sturdiness of the bracelet.

Helpful, those are the two I've been considering most. The Zenith, decided I don't love the 10 sec complication, it doesn't really make sense - I really love the bracelet irl.

But the Hublot has a nice chronograph, and a great bracelet...

[southlight]

Originally Posted by Patrick Lim

I’ve both the Laureato (38mm) and Big Bang Integrated (42mm). Both are great watches but between the two, the Hublot really stands out in term of the quality of the finishing and sturdiness of the bracelet.

I think it is also a matter of taste. I prefer the mattness of the Laureato over the finishing of the Big Bang - the latter is more shiny if memory serves me correctly.

[RolexBHR]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Helpful, those are the two I've been considering most. The Zenith, decided I don't love the 10 sec complication, it doesn't really make sense - I really love the bracelet irl.

But the Hublot has a nice chronograph, and a great bracelet...

I have the Ceramic Defy Skyline Skeleton, a very special piece in my opinion with quick change strap options. The ceramic bracelet is sublime, the combination of mostly satin and little polish on the case and bracelet give it a very special feel. I understand the 10sec counter is a bit weird at first, but its to show off the elpremiro high beat movement.

[Patrick Lim]

Originally Posted by southlight

I think it is also a matter of taste. I prefer the mattness of the Laureato over the finishing of the Big Bang - the latter is more shiny if memory serves me correctly.

Agree the Laureato is more stealth due to the finishing and the slimmer case. I forgot to mention one important consideration- the Laureato was purchased pre-owned and I didn’t realise there were scratches on the bracelet. Yes I know it’s not easy to scratch ceramic but it happened on mine.

The Big Bang Integrated is a beast in this aspect

[usmc_k9_vet]

The Laureato is awesome. I prefer it in steel and think it is a great value, but the ceramic looks amazing as well.


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[PhilLynott]

I love the Laureato skeleton strongly considered that awhile back just was going for a bit more than I thought it should at the time. May reconsider at some point.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

I love the Laureato skeleton strongly considered that awhile back just was going for a bit more than I thought it should at the time. May reconsider at some point.

Seems like they are back down to ~$21k - $23k for the skeleton ceramic.

[PhilLynott]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Seems like they are back down to ~$21k - $23k for the skeleton ceramic.

That is definitely in the range I was thinking it should be back then and don't think I saw one listed under 30 at the time glad I held off.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

That is definitely in the range I was thinking it should be back then and don't think I saw one listed under 30 at the time glad I held off.

Apparently a few dealers were trying to drive them up. Didn't last long lol

[alexlt730512]

for the ceramic price point that j12 is indeed the best in its category. quality, movement and most important the price :)

[mjwalter80]

Pretty sure the bracelet on the Zenith is steel and not ceramic with the exception of the clasp

[ts3]

Originally Posted by alexlt730512

for the ceramic price point that j12 is indeed the best in its category. quality, movement and most important the price :)

Cool watch but I'd have to go 33mm. Never going to have a 4:30 date like on the 38mm J12...

[hypernova]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

I love the Laureato skeleton strongly considered that awhile back just was going for a bit more than I thought it should at the time. May reconsider at some point.

I’m a little biased, but truly love this watch. The finishing on the skeletonized bridges as well as the bracelet is excellent.

Pics do not do it justice. Especially the brushed ceramic areas of the bracelet and how they contrast with the polished bevels.


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[AAMD11]

I’ve had this for years. People knock Rado but eh. I love this watch

[deuxani]

I think the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is a steal on the secondary market. When I first tried it on it really gave me a “wow” feeling. The brushing and polishing of the ceramic is really well done.

[WatchEater666]

I actually came really close to buying one earlier this week, but settled on the Hublot Integral in black ceramic. Main issues with the Zenith after spending quite a bit of time with it over the last 2 weekends:

1. The architecture of the movement does not work with the industrial style of finishing. The plate in the middle left looks too raw/cheap IMO. Contrast that with the Hublot Integral (same parent co) and you'll see what I mean. Similar levels of finish, but the Hublot's movement is architected in a way that "works" for the industrial finishing style.

2. The case/bracelet make it feel too much like a less refined Royal Oak. Just IMO. It felt like a downgraded version of the ROs I've had. Obviously it's much cheaper, but I can't shake it.

3. The 10 sec complication is kind of pointless and adds thickness. I'd way rather have a much thinner watch with normal seconds than jam a chrono movement in there for no real reason.

The bracelet is indeed nice, but so is the integral's. Both are very good...but used, I got the hublot for less than the zenith goes for right now and IMO it's more watch for the $ as you get a full on chrono, more unique and cohesive design, etc.

I actually owned the titanium version of the same Hublot before and really loved it. Wears extremely well.

Originally Posted by deuxani

I think the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is a steal on the secondary market. When I first tried it on it really gave me a “wow” feeling. The brushing and polishing of the ceramic is really well done.

[mammothjam]

+1 octo finissimo