ART THROUGH THE AGES

With high-tech ceramics, it’s tough to get an even colour, especially when that colour is something other than black or white. For the first time, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment II (BOC II) by Blancpain features an entirely blue ceramic body – from its 43.6mm case, right down to its crown and pushers. The watch pays tribute to the life aquatic, and not just with its ocean-blue hue.

For each timepiece sold, 1,000 euros (S$1,500) will be donated in support of scientific expeditions

In a watch, the use of leather is typically confined to its strap. But if it’s Berluti’s beautifully patinated Venezia leather, why not use it for a watch’s dial as well? Created in collaboration with the fashion house, the Hublot Classic Fusion Berluti All Black contrasts the organic ruggedness of leather with the cool toughness of a 45mm black ceramic case, which features a mix of polished and satin finishes.

The IWC Ingenieur Automatic AMG Black Series Ceramic takes its design cues from premium Mercedes AMG vehicles in several ways. For one thing, the black zirconium oxide used to make the watch’s 46mm case, as well as its bezel, caseback ring and crown, is inspired by the ceramic disc brakes used in these vehicles. It’s not just rugged on the outside: This timepiece is driven by the in-house 80110 calibre, which is one of IWC’s hardiest movements, thanks to an integrated shock-absorption system.

At first glance, the Rado Hyperchrome Match Point looks like it is made from steel. But this watch will not set off any metal detectors: Its case and bracelet are actually crafted from the brand’s signature plasma high-tech ceramic, which marries a metallic sheen with the qualities of ceramic (light, scratchresistant and hypoallergenic).

The 45mmautomatic timepiece features three chronograph subdials, with the hour subdial bearing a net-like detail inspired by tennis.

Behind its cheerful, contrasting colours and easy-to-wear lightness (thanks to its ceramic case), the JaegerLeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic is a true heavyweight.

Powered by an automatic inhouse movement, the 46mm watch has features such as a chronograph, second time zone and a day/ night indicator.

It also boasts the manufacture’s patented compression key, which locks the crown in place and ensures water resistance of 100m.

Inky high-tech ceramic lends a modern, edgy feel to Panerai’s signature cushionshaped case in the Luminor 1950 10 days Automatic GMT Ceramica (PAM 335). The 44mm case and its distinctive crown protector are both crafted from this material, which is resistant to corrosion and scratches. Such hardiness is a handy quality for a dual-time zone watch designed to be a useful companion for frequent fliers.

(Also impressive: The 10-day power reserve of its automatic movement.)

Omega’s latest Seamaster Planet Ocean collection is called “Deep Black”, and its inky palette certainly proves it.

Lightweight and scratch-resistant, a single block of polished black ceramic forms this model’s case body, and the same material is also used for its dial and unidirectional bezel. The 45.5mm watch is powered by the anti-magnetic Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8906, and is water-resistant to 600m.