[The World of Ceramic Watches Part 1] covered the history of ceramic watches and the brands that led their popularization. Now, It is time to meet the brands that are boldly expanding the possibilities of ceramic materials. While IWC and Omega have elevated the technical perfection of ceramics, The brands introduced here have taken it a step further, Declaring that ceramic is no longer just a case material but a canvas for expressing brand identity.

Hublot, Which experiments with bold colors and material combinations under the philosophy of 'The Art of Fusion', Blancpain, Which preserves traditional values while maximizing the practicality of ceramics, And Audemars Piguet, Which stimulates collectors' desires with rarity and design at the pinnacle of ceramic finishing technology. Let us now delve into the world of these brands.

Hublot

Within the world of luxury watchmaking, Hublot's position is a constant topic of debate among enthusiasts, But its commitment and achievements in innovative material experimentation are undeniable.

Big Bang Unico Red Magic' / © Hublot

Many watch enthusiasts already know that Hublot is at the forefront of case material research and development. From sapphire and concrete to recycled tennis rackets and aluminum coffee capsules – there are no limits for this watchmaker.

Hublot's ceramic watches are far more beautiful and striking in person than in photos or renderings. Starting with 'Black Magic', Hublot has continued to add new colors to its colored ceramic watch catalog, Following a similar path to IWC. The colors of the ceramics are also very bold, In line with the brand's daring identity.

In 2018, Hublot's R&D and metallurgy teams added new depth to ceramic color with 'Red Magic' (formerly Big Bang Unico Red). The color was achieved by sintering the ceramic without burning the pigment, Using a process that fuses pressure and heat. This method is still used today, Resulting in very uniform colors. In 2021, A yellow version was introduced, And since then, The brand has released new colors almost every year.

'21 Big Bang Integral Ceramic / © Hublot

That same year, The Big Bang Integral line introduced ceramic watches in more subdued and restrained colors. These were realized with a full ceramic treatment (the bezel sides use standard resin composite material). The following year, More vibrant colors were added again.

'22 Big Bang Integral Ceramic / © aBlogtoWatch

The Big Bang Integral (or Integrated) collection now appears to be partially discontinued, But due to the wide variety, Some models are still available at retail.

Big Bang Unico Dark Green, Orange<br/>© SWISSWATCHES MEDIA GMBH

Big Bang Unico Dark Green, Orange
© SWISSWATCHES MEDIA GMBH

Reference Keywords - Big Bang Unico Ceramic

441.CI.1171.RX - Black Magic
441.HX.1171.RX - White
441.CF.8513.RX - Red Magic
441.CY.471Y.RX - Yellow Magic
441.ES.5119.RX - Blue Magic
441.GX.5210.RX - Dark Green
441.CU.5910.RX - Orange
441.ES.5121.RX - Petrol Blue
441.GS.5221.RX - Mint Green

Big Bang Unico Petrol Blue, Mint Green / © Watch Insanity

Currently, These many ceramic colorways have been absorbed into other lines. In 2024, The especially attractive 'Orange' and 'Dark Green' Big Bang Unico models were released, And in 2025, Petrol Blue and Mint Green were added to the lineup.

Spirit of Big Bang / © TIME+TIDE

At the same time, The Spirit of Big Bang collection was expanded. The fact that so many colors have been introduced in such a short period clearly shows that Hublot is betting on colored ceramics as a core brand strategy.

Blancpain

Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph / © Fratello

Currently, Blancpain does not offer colored ceramic cases, But its approach to ceramics is noteworthy in a different sense. Blancpain first introduced ceramics in 2013 with the launch of the first [Bathyscaphe] line.

Blancpain's first ceramic case watch, Reference 5000-12C30-NABA (or NAKA), Actually used a ceramized titanium case rather than ceramic, And its commercial production period was very short before it was discontinued. In 2015, Blancpain shifted to the zirconium oxide-based ceramic material we are familiar with today and gradually expanded the lineup by adding ceramic models to the Flyback Chronograph 5200 and Annual Calendar Moonphase 5054. In 2024, A bracelet version was finally added, Further enhancing the completeness of the ceramic watch collection.

Full Ceramic Bathyscaphe / © Monochrome

Blancpain's ceramic watches are highly regarded for their persistent attention to detail in achieving 'long-lasting ceramics'. While ceramic is inherently scratch-resistant, It is sensitive and prone to breaking under certain levels of impact or pressure. To address this, Blancpain developed a unique and patented joining system.

Bathyscaphe Ceramic Bracelet / © Blancpain

The method is as follows: cam-shaped pins are placed between the bracelet links to prevent the links from directly colliding, Thereby minimizing wear. According to Blancpain, Each link is slightly different in shape, Minimizing play just like steel or titanium bracelets.

As a result, The wearing comfort on the wrist is improved, And the luxurious appearance unique to ceramic bracelets is maintained for a long time. Blancpain's ceramic watches stand out not for their color or flamboyance, But for their relentless engineering focused on invisible structure and durability.

Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet (AP) may not be a pioneer in ceramic technology, But it is certainly the brand receiving the most attention and hype in the ceramic watch market today. The ceramic Royal Oak already commands retail prices on par with precious metal models, And the resale premium for the ceramic Royal Oak can reach three to four times the retail price (the average premium for the steel Royal Oak is 1.5 times). This gap clearly demonstrates the high demand for ceramic models.

One of the first models in which AP entered the world of ceramics was the 2009 [Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II] line, Where the bezel was made of ceramic. While the watch is full of F1 race car motifs, The way the bolts are inserted into the bezel does not meet today's standards. As seen in the image, The areas where the bolts are inserted are not completely sealed.

AP's first debut of a ceramic case was in 2011, With the [Royal Oak Offshore 'The Legacy']. Despite being made of ceramic, It featured the same intricate vertical brushing finish, One of the Royal Oak's signatures. This showed that ceramic was not just a substitute material, But could maintain traditional design and quality – a true display of technical prowess.

'The Legacy' is a heritage model of the first limited edition Offshore, Which became reality from the Royal Oak prop worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1999 film
[End of Days].
© AP Chronicles, Universal Pictures

In 2017, At SIHH, AP introduced the first full ceramic model, The Black Ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 26579CE.OO.1225CE.01), Changing the landscape of the ceramic watch market. Despite its high price of CHF 85, 000 (about 97.6 million KRW) at launch, It was so popular that even celebrities and sports stars could not easily obtain it. It was a true game changer.

26579CE.OO.1225CE.01 / © Audemars Piguet

The uniqueness of the ceramic Royal Oak comes from AP's unrivaled finishing. Fine brushed surfaces are engraved with brushing lines, And the bracelet links and bezel bevels are finished with high polishing for contrast. Achieving such detail with a hard material like ceramic is extremely difficult, And this finishing naturally connects the ceramic Royal Oak to the traditional Royal Oak lineage, Emphasizing AP's DNA.

15416CE, 26585CE / © Photo by Austen Chu

Subsequently, The Double Balance Wheel Openworked model was released in 2019, Followed by the Openworked Perpetual Calendar in 2021. At the peak of the resale culture boom, The ceramic Royal Oak became one of the hottest watches in the world.

15707CB / © aBlogtoWatch

The White Ceramic Royal Oak is also extremely popular. AP took its first step into white ceramic with the Royal Oak Offshore Diver (Ref. 15707CB) in 2014, And the full ceramic model was released in 2019 as Ref. 26579CB.

The 26579CB was discontinued after a very short production period between 2023 and 2024, But it still maintains high demand among collectors.

Reference Key Points - Royal Oak Ceramic

Perpetual Calendar Black Ceramic
26579CE.OO.1225CE.01
Double Balance Wheel Black Ceramic
5416CE.OO.1225CE.01
Perpetual Calendar Openworked Black Ceramic
26585CE.OO.1225CE.01
Perpetual Calendar White Ceramic
26579CB.OO.1225CB.01

AP X Cactus Jack 26585CM.OO.D301VE.01<br/>© Audemars Piguet

In 2023, The collaboration model between Audemars Piguet and rapper Travis Scott's lifestyle/fashion brand 'Cactus Jack' also attracted much attention. Some fans questioned AP's choice, But this watch, Featuring a brown ceramic case, Ultimately achieved great success and was frequently seen on the wrists of famous artists. The Ref. 26585CM, Limited to just 200 pieces, Was priced at $201, 000 (about 262 million KRW) at launch. In the resale market, It is now traded at up to three times the original price.

26579CS, 15416CD<br/>© Swisswatches Media, Hodinkee

Black, White, Blue, Brown – with a total of four colors produced, A new chapter began in April 2025 with the introduction of 'Bleu Nuit'. According to sources, This was a color that former CEO Bennahmias had wanted for years, And in recognition of this, The previous bright blue version was discontinued. This color was also applied to the full ceramic Offshore Chronograph 26238CD and the strap version 26420SO.

Does the name 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50' sound familiar? It is the color code of the dial of the original 1972 Royal Oak 'Jumbo' Ref. 5402ST. By reinterpreting this dark blue shade in ceramic, It has become a color with special meaning for both the brand and enthusiasts.

What is the biggest barrier to purchasing a Royal Oak? After rarity, The price itself is the biggest obstacle. Fortunately, AP offers relatively accessible white and black ceramic models in a 34mm size.

The Next Challenge - Multi-Color

Just when it seemed ceramic technology had reached maturity, Hublot and AP are once again shaking up the market. In early 2024, AP introduced the prototype concept of 'Polychrome Ceramic'. According to the official patent, Different ceramic powder compositions are placed in a circular graphite mold and then instantaneously sintered using Spark Plasma Sintering technology, Which applies a powerful electric current. In short, This method achieves extreme high temperatures in the blink of an eye, Which is impossible with conventional kilns and presses. During this process, Compression and heat create different patterns and shades, Resulting in a unique camouflage pattern with visual consistency.

So far, Only monochromatic colors have been achieved, And there are no commercialized models yet. The model in the image above is a non-commercial prototype, Heralding AP's next ceramic innovation.

Meanwhile, Hublot took the lead by releasing a commercialized model in 2025. This material, Called 'Magic Ceramic', Uses organic pigments (powdered colorants) to reveal unique patterns and colors at different sintering temperatures.

While typical two-tone ceramics are made in a single color and then given a secondary color only on the surface through thermochemical treatment, Magic Ceramic features a perfect multi-color pattern that runs throughout the material. If you cut the bezel, You will find the same colors inside, Just like a rainbow cake or cookie.

Ceramic material has become a new means of expression in watchmaking. The limitless possibilities that lie ahead are highly anticipated.

Young

Writer

My dream is to become the king of watches.