The Best Black Watches in 2019

Mags Tan
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The Best Black Watches in 2019

Black is timeless and classic, subtle yet bold. Easy to dress up or down, a good black watch can be the finishing touch to an outfit, an invaluable tool, and an essential piece of any load out. Below you’ll find a list of our favorite black timepieces for every style and at every price point.

The Best Black Watches

Content
Timex x Todd Snyder Military

Timex x Todd Snyder Military

Purchase
Key Features
24-hour dial
Military styling
NATO strap
Mineral crystal glass
Specifications
Case Diameter
40 mm
Band Width
20 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
50 meters
Reviews


Price
$$$
White numerals on a black face give this field watch excellent readability. A NATO strap and 24-hour markings hearken to inspiration drawn from 1970’s military watches.
Timex Field Chronograph

Timex Field Chronograph

Purchase
Key Features
Chronograph
NATO strap
Indiglo backlight
Day/date window
Specifications
Case Diameter
43 mm
Band Width
20 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
100 meters
Reviews


Price
$$
Inspired by vintage military watches, the chronograph adds utility to the analog display. A backlight, 100 meters of water resistance, and durable band material lets this watch follow you on any adventure.
Casio G-Shock DW-5600BB

Casio G-Shock DW-5600BB

Purchase
Key Features
Negative LCD
Stopwatch / timer / alarm
LED backlight
Calendar
Specifications
Case Diameter
49 mm
Band Width
30 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
200 meters
Reviews


Price
$
One of Casio’s original models is also one of their most timeless, dressed in this black colorway that strips it of all but the most important face details. A negative LCD adds to the minimalist design.
Casio G-shock DW-5900

Casio G-shock DW-5900

Purchase
Key Features
Stopwatch / timer / alarm
World time
LED backlight
Calendar
Specifications
Case Diameter
46 mm
Band Width
19 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
200 meters
Reviews


Price
$
Casio brings back their iconic “3-eyed” LCD face for their 35th anniversary in the DW-5900. Ever-present are the standard features of digital G-Shocks, such as world time, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and alarms.
Orient Ray II FAA020003B9

Orient Ray II FAA020003B9

Purchase
Key Features
Day/date window
Unidirectional bezel
High lume
Mineral crystal glass
Specifications
Case Diameter
42 mm
Band Width
22 mm
Movement
Automatic
Water Resistance
200 meters
Reviews


Price
$$$
An upgrade of the classic Ray, this new version now boasts a reliable hand-winding automatic movement and unilateral bezel with 120 clicks. Bright lume on its indices and a classic aesthetic bring both style and utility.
Seiko 5 SNZG1TJ1

Seiko 5 SNZG1TJ1

Purchase
Key Features
24-hour dial
Push/pull crown
40-hour power reserve
Lumed hands and markers
Specifications
Case Diameter
41 mm
Band Width
20 mm
Movement
Automatic
Water Resistance
100 meters
Reviews


Price
$$$
A diving watch with casual styling that’s easy to wear. Ion-plated stainless steel construction and Seiko Caliber 7S36 automatic movement will keep this watch kicking for years to come. It includes a day/date display at the 3 o’clock position, 24-hour markers, and a bi-directional crown.
Bertucci Field 11015

Bertucci Field 11015

Purchase
Key Features
Mineral crystal glass
Offset crown
Poly-resin case
24-hour dial
Specifications
Case Diameter
40 mm
Band Width
22.23 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
50 meters
Reviews


Price
$
This Bertucci field watch comes with a rugged poly-resin case and mil-spec nylon band to keep up with anything you throw at it. The black dial features highly luminous 12 and 24 hour markings and an offset crown at the 4 o’clock position.
Marathon Pilot WW194013

Marathon Pilot WW194013

Purchase
Key Features
Acrylic crystal glass
Battery life indicator
Tritium hands
Nylon strap
Specifications
Case Diameter
42.8 mm
Band Width
20 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
300 meters
Reviews


Price
$$$$
This pilot watch is built to military standards, with a robust fibershell case that is both lightweight and durable. A high-torque jewel guarantees a high degree of accuracy, and the acrylic crystal that resists cracking from rapid pressure changes makes it perfect for pilots and parachuters.
Traser P59 Black Nato

Traser P59 Black Nato

Purchase
Key Features
Sapphire glass
Stainless steel case
NATO strap
Lumed hands and markers
Specifications
Case Diameter
42 mm
Band Width
22 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
100 meters
Reviews


Price
$$$$
A comfortable and versatile option with military styling and backed by Swiss quality. One of the most legible watch faces in low light thanks to Traser’s self-illuminating Trigalight technology.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough

Purchase
Key Features
Cordura strap
Day/date window
Eco-Drive technology
Lumed hands and markers
Specifications
Case Diameter
42 mm
Band Width
20 mm
Movement
Quartz
Water Resistance
200 meters
Reviews


Price
$$$$
A diving watch that features a monocoque construction, resulting in a case that is extremely rigid and shock-resistant. The Promaster is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive, which ensures your watch never needs a battery change.

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Discussion (11 total)

Kevin J Meyer ·
For those of you who didn't already know, a little reminder: A "water resistance" rating of 50m for example, doesn't mean you can go diving with it, up to 50 meters underwater. In most cases it means "splash proof" not even showering is OK with a 50m rating, depending on the brand. Make sure to check the ratings (and their meaning) before your purchase.
3 Reply
Lon V ·
On my Timex Expedtion Scout, 50M rated watch, it has held up to everything I have put it through. Salt water, high pressure water, etc. I do not baby it and figured, if it dies, it dies and I won't buy another one. But it is still going strong. :)
1 Reply
Seth ·
Definitely brand dependent. I have Timex and Seiko watches which, rated at 50M, I don't think twice about in most circumstances. My Hamilton, however, I won't even shower with.
1 Reply
Mark Tully ·
Also forgot to mention the badass Nixon Regulus which is minimalist and with a retro sci-fi look. Something Ripley on the Nostromo would wear.
2 Reply
ando ·
I love retro sci-fi! Checked out the watch and love it in any colors! The whole gear in the latest Alien movie is so sick!
0 Reply
David Hughes ·
Nice. Can anyone tell me how you find South with a battery dependent, digital watch?

Enquiring minds need to know.
1 Reply
Seth ·
When I saw four dollar signs I definitely expected more than $275. On most watch sites the $$$$ moniker is definitely higher than low hundreds...

I need to stop looking at Hodinkee, I can't afford anything on there anyway. 😂😂
1 Reply
Fatr Dezs ·
Forgot to mention the new all black seiko 5, srpd79
1 Reply
Magnum ·
I have been wearing a Luminox Blackout with an aftermarket paracord band every day for close to 10 years and could not be happier. Lightweight, will go through most metal detectors without removal, accuracy is within about 1 minute over 6 months and excellent night visibility. I reset it when the time changes twice a year. The watch is suitable for swimming and diving, just make sure to have the batteries changed by a well qualified watch shop that pressure tests it each time.

When buying a Luminox beware of fakes!
0 Reply
JrgMyr ·
A watch can serve different needs: decoration or timepiece being two important ones.
If it is meant as serious timepiece then radio-controlled and solar-powered is the combination to go for.
One example being Casio LCW170 Titanium Black which is also black and water-proof and lightweight (Titanium).
0 Reply
NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Nice list with some fun watches Someone else mentioned the Nixon Regulus-- I second that.

Very glad to see that I didn't need to go out of my way to point out how bad Luminox watches are yet again-- oh wait, nevermind I just did.
0 Reply