Image via Complex Original
Let's be real for a minute: black is still the new black. It’s the one color that commands attention without being over the top. It’s understated yet always respected; it’s less about flash and more about stealth, which is precisely what makes it so versatile in the realm of men’s style.
In the world of watches, the black-on-black trend has been hot for a minute. It's not a new look by any means, but it has shown staying power. Just look at the wristwear lineup from your favorite watch brands. As you'll see below, they all offer a murdered-out (black face/black strap) timepiece to help channel your inner menace (read: badass)—and look fly while doing it.
As with any type of watch, the only limit to how hard you can stunt with an all-black timepiece is the thickness of your wallet. However, we've kept it at a reasonable price point this time around. (Shoutout to you ballers with that black Apple Watch money.)
Nixon Corporal
Buy it now: $200
Nixon prides the Corporal on two key elements: ruggedness and functionality. The watch features a clean, no-nonsense design, with the 24 mm canvas band providing some contrast to the stainless and enamel case. It has a water rating of 100 meters, so whether you just get caught in the rain or hit the waves for a surf session, you’re covered.
Tsovet SVT-NM85
Buy it now: $475
The SVT takes cues from the rugged and reliable diving watches used in the nautical world, particularly by Navy divers. Tough at heart, the watch is submersible up to 100 meters and features a fixed bezel and an 11mm locking screw-down crown for a clean, crisp look.
Fossil Aeroflite
Buy it now: $120
Where the Tsovet SVT draws inspiration from the sea, the Fossil Aeroflite is all about the air, with its aviation-inspired dial displaying everything from the time, day, and week. The watch is compatible with a variety of interchangeable straps, but this murdered-out version is really the best way to go.
Swatch Black Rebel
Buy it now: $54
Staying true to its name, the Black Rebel is the epitome of murdered-out watches. The black hands atop the black dial paired with a black resin case and a black silicone strap provide the perfect remedy for anyone looking to blackout their wrist. And with precise quartz movement, you get the functionality to match the style.
Mondaine Helvetica No1 Bold
Buy it now: $420
Mondaine brings one of the world’s most popular and aesthetically appealing typefaces to your wrist. The Helvetica looks simple on the outside but is actually quite sophisticated under the hood. It features an extremely precise quartz movement and a mineral glass lens for the highest quality of time-telling. Consider this a serious watch for the not-so-serious type of dude.
Triwa Sort of Black
Buy it now: $230
TRIWA tabbed fellow Swede and fashion icon Rasmus Storm to help design the Sort of Black, which despite its name, is actually mostly black. The refined aesthetic of the watch is a nod to the sleek, minimalist Scandinavian design that we’ve all come to know and love so much. What sets this watch apart is its depth. While the color black is the main focus, the variation of texture seen between the different parts is what sets this watch off. We’re not mad at the gold detailing on the hands either.
Lacoste.12.12
Buy it now: $125
Classic styling and a complete range of features (as well as a reasonable price point) make the 12.12 the go-to option as far as all-black watches go. It’s the type of watch you rock during the summer when you’re firing up the grill with the boys or headed to the beach with the whole crew. This one’s best worn with tees and polos.
Nixon Re-Run
Buy it now: $123
If this watch has you feeling all nostalgic and shit, we don’t blame you. A welcomed departure from the industry-standard circular face, the octagonal Re-Run draws inspiration from ‘80s styling, complete with an all-digital calendar, dual time, alarm, countdown, and a light. The murdered-out treatment, however, gives the watch a modern look, helping bridges the gap time gap.
Timex Chicago
Buy it now: $52
The brand that has brought you countless classic watches over the years comes through once again with a murdered-out Chicago style that puts the focus on stylish simplicity and contemporary details. The watch is powered by a precise Quartz movement and features three subdials and a date window.
MVMT Black/Black
Buy it now: $95
The thing that MVMT does so well is that all of the brand’s wristpieces are understated and simple, which is precisely what makes them so appealing. There’s nothing fancy or complicated about this black-on-black watch with a minimalist design that can be worn with both casual and professional attire—all without breaking the bank. It just works.
Void V03D-Ghostly
Buy it now: $230
The product of a collaboration between Void Watches and independent record label Ghostly International, the VO3D-Ghostly emphasizes great design and creativity. The matte black stainless steel case pairs nicely with the black leather strap. Inside, the watch is powered by quality Japanese Miyota movement to give you accurate time and date. What really sets this watch off is the Ghostly International logo on the face and crown.
Movado Bold
Buy it now: $750
The large Movado Bold chronograph is the watch that you strap on when you’re on that boss tip. It’s 44mm stainless steel case houses a Museum dial with a black dot marker at twelve o’clock, along with three subdials and a date window.
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
Buy it now: $634
One of the few American watch brands featured on this list, Hamilton combines rugged construction with elegant design in the Khaki Field Automatic for a watch that’s fit for both military personnel and civilians alike. The titanium-coated watch is extremely durable, while the Swiss automatic movement checks off the functionality box. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters.
Void V01 MKII
Buy it now: $340
Analog will forever be the classic, most timeless (no pun intended) watch type. However, for the sake of variety, it’s key to have a digital timepiece in your wrist rotation. Enter, the V01 MKII. A standard watch in the body of a smartwatch, the MKII has contemporary written all over it. The thin, rectangular case has a nice minimalist yet sophisticated appeal to it, with the scratch-resistant LCD display keeping you on schedule. It features a premium calfskin leather upper and is waterproof up to 50 meters.
Shore Projects Falmouth
Buy it now: $205
The Falmouth is a vintage-inspired watch with modern design features. It’s unapologetically simple, with a toned-down case and black mesh strap that looks good regardless of whether you’re rocking a tux or a casual tee.
Shinola The Brakeman
Buy it now: $625
Shinola is certainly doing its part to hold it down for the classic American style of watch. The Brakeman, inspired by early-1900s train brakemen, features a handsome case complete with a magnified date window and luminous markers that are easy to read. The genuine leather strap is just the cherry on top.