From Rado to Chanel: 12 best high-tech ceramic watches — as picked by our expert

 (ES Comp)
(ES Comp)

It’s high time to switch your steel watches for ceramic, says Shane C Kurup. They’re the toughest ones going.

Here, discover 12 of the best.

Rado Anatom Automatic

 (Rado)
(Rado)

The newest bi-tone iteration of the watch immortalised by Andy Warhol in his 1987 pop art painting is made from glossy plasma high-tech ceramic. It deserves its own plinth in MoMA.

£4,200, rado.com

Chanel J12 Atomaton Calibre 6

 (Chanel)
(Chanel)

This ‘haute horology’ model is a fine match for CHANEL’s couture. Its diamond-set ceramic case houses an automaton movement, which makes Madame Coco dance at the touch of the button.

£215,000, chanel.com

Bremont Supermarine Full Ceramic, Jungle Green

 (Bremont)
(Bremont)

With its deep green hue and military-inspired NATO strap, this watch is ready for field duty at all hours – especially given that it’s been tested in the wild by former Marines Commando and adventurer, Aldo Kane.

£6,450, bremont.com

Piaget Polo Skeleton Ceramic

 (Piaget)
(Piaget)

If you needed proof that ceramics are big right now, then this Polo skeleton-dial model from Piaget – known for its fancy dress watches made of precious metals – should convince you.

£36,700, piaget.com

Richard Mille RM-07 Coloured Ceramics, Blush Pink

 (Richard Mille)
(Richard Mille)

Looking like a Bassetts Allsorts on the outside, this distinctive ticker has a shockproof self-winding movement inside and is sure to sweeten your day when it’s on your wrist.

£158,000, richardmille.com

Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph Night Mission

 (Breitling)
(Breitling)

Breitling is known for its burly divers and vintage-inspired pilot watches and this Avenger with its abstract camo dial and chunky ceramic case is the ultimate boy’s toy.

£7,800, breitling.com

Hublot Big Bang Ingerated Time Only Ceramic, Sky Blue

 (Hublot)
(Hublot)

Hublot shows off its mastery in ceramics with this sky-blue model, which has a slick integrated bracelet and openwork dial offering a glimpse into the wondrous mechanics beneath.

£17,900, hublot.com

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin, 42mm

 (Girard Perregaux)
(Girard Perregaux)

A watchmaking and motoring match made in Switzerland, this limited edition ceramic timepiece has a crosshatched dial inspired by the quilted upholstery of Aston Martin seats.

£21,000, girard-perregaux.com

Bell & Ross BR-05 Ceramic

 (Bell & Ross)
(Bell & Ross)

The BR-05 from Bell & Ross takes its cues from the dials of fighter jet cockpits. This all-black version made with a combination of polished and matte ceramic is as fly as they come.

£6,500, bellandross.com

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ceramic

At just 5.5mm thick with a self-winding movement and an integrated bracelet engineered with the precision of fine jewellery, this waif-like ceramic ticker wins the size-0 award.

 (Bulgari)
(Bulgari)

£18,000, bulgari.com

Zenith x Porter Pilot Automatic

 (Zenith)
(Zenith)

Combining the high-altitude aesthetics of Zenith’s signature pilot watch with the style clout of Japanese brand Porter-Yoshida & Co, this is green-dialled wingman is all set to fly.

£10,200, zenith-watches.com

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, Apollo 8

 (Omega)
(Omega)

One of the most popular watch models of all time has received a Lunar-worthy makeover, with a ceramic case, dial lasered to mimic the moon’s surface and a rocket-shaped seconds hand.

£13,500, omegawatches.com