Key takeaways
- A black dial is the most understated choice: it goes with every outfit and every occasion.
- An all-black watch is darker and more minimal; a black dial on steel is more classic.
- Black with gold adds warmth and contrast for evenings.
- Our picks: Caspian Obsidian, Santos Noir, Imperial Onyx and the all-black Aura.
A black watch is the easiest watch to wear: it suits every outfit, from a T-shirt to a suit, and never looks out of place. The main choice is between a black dial on a steel or gold case and a fully black watch. Read on for how to choose one, how to wear it and our picks.
In this guide
All-black or black dial?
A black dial watch pairs a black dial with a steel, silver or gold case and bracelet. It looks classic and the contrast makes the dial easy to read.
An all-black watch takes the black through the whole watch. It is the most minimal look you can wear, quiet and modern. The Aura ($79.99) is our all-black watch: all black, nothing extra, with a stainless steel case, 30 m water resistance and a 10 mm profile, in Monarch and Midnight.
Why a black watch works
Black is the one dial colour that never clashes. It goes with black, navy, grey, white, beige and brown, with denim and with a suit. If you only want one watch, a black dial is the safest choice you can make.
It also suits different moods. On steel it looks sharp and technical, on gold it looks warm and dressy, and fully black it looks modern and understated.
Our black watch picks
The modern one: Caspian ($79.99)
The Caspian in Obsidian has a horizontally textured gradient dial in a 40 mm cushion-shaped case of 316L stainless steel, with a date window at 3 o'clock and an integrated bracelet.
The dressy one: Santos ($129.99)
A fluted bezel, sunburst dial and day and date windows in a 40 mm stainless steel case. Choose Noir or Obsidian on steel, or Gold Noir for black with gold.
The sporty one: Imperial ($129.99)
A two-tone bezel and a sporty bracelet in a 40.7 mm stainless steel case, 13.6 mm thick. For a dark look, choose Onyx or Noir.
The practical one: Brone ($79.99)
Day and date at a glance and luminous hands for low light, in a 40 mm stainless steel case only 10 mm thin. Available in Obsidian.
The understated one: Wraith ($79.99)
A 40 mm 316L stainless steel case with a slim 10 mm profile. In Obsidian it is about as quiet as a watch gets.
The dive-inspired one: Baretta ($129.99)
A bold bezel on a 41 mm stainless steel case, in Noir or Obsidian.
Black watch picks
What is an all-black watch?
An all-black watch is black from top to bottom: case, dial and bracelet or strap. It looks stealthy and modern and works especially well with dark or monochrome outfits. The Aura is a good example: an all-black minimal watch with a stainless steel case and a 10 mm profile, available in Monarch and Midnight.
All-black watches draw less attention to themselves than a polished steel watch, which is exactly why many people like them. Because the hands and markers have less contrast against a black dial, check that the dial is easy enough to read in the light you are usually in.
How to choose a black dial watch
A black dial on a steel or gold case is the more classic option and it suits almost any outfit. When you compare black dial watches, look at three things:
- Dial finish: a textured or sunburst black dial catches the light and looks less flat. The Caspian has a horizontally textured gradient dial and the Santos a sunburst dial.
- Readability: luminous hands help in low light. The Brone combines day and date windows with luminous hands.
- Case colour: black with steel is cool and sporty, black with gold is warmer and dressier. See silver or gold watch for help choosing.
For a larger, sportier look, the 42 mm Ronin in Obsidian is a strong choice, while the slim Wraith keeps things understated.
Black with steel or gold
The metal decides the mood:
| Look | Feel | In-stock examples |
|---|---|---|
| Black and steel | Sharp, versatile | Caspian Obsidian, Santos Noir, Wraith Obsidian, Chronometer Silver Obsidian |
| Black and gold | Warm, dressy | Santos Gold Noir, Nassau Gold Obsidian, Chronometer Gold Obsidian, Prague Gold Obsidian |
| Black with a sporty bezel | Sporty | Imperial Onyx, Imperial Noir, Baretta Noir |
| Fully black | Minimal, modern | Aura Monarch, Aura Midnight |
| Black skeleton (automatic) | Technical | Spine Obsidian, Prince Oak Obsidian |
Curious about the open-dial automatics? Read What is a skeleton watch?
How to wear a black watch
- Everyday: a black dial on steel works with anything. It is the watch you never have to think about.
- All black: an all-black watch with a black or grey outfit looks clean and deliberate.
- Evening: black with gold looks sharp with a dark suit or a black jumper.
- Weddings and formal events: a black dial with a fluted bezel is a safe, smart choice. See What watch to wear to a wedding.
Want something with a little more colour? Try Blue dial watches or Green dial watches. More styling help in How to match your watch to your outfit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a black watch go with everything?
Almost. A black dial works with every colour and every dress code, which is why it is a popular choice for a first watch.
What is the difference between a black dial and an all-black watch?
A black dial watch has a black dial on a steel, silver or gold case. An all-black watch, like the Aura, takes the black through the whole watch.
Is a black watch formal enough for a suit?
Yes. A black dial on steel or gold looks smart with a suit. A fluted bezel, like on the Santos, makes it dressier.
Does a black dial go with gold?
Very well. Black and gold is a strong, warm contrast. Look at the Santos Gold Noir or the Nassau Gold Obsidian.
Can I return a watch?
Every DIFFRNT order comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. See our refund policy for the conditions.
What is an all-black watch called?
Usually simply an all-black or blacked-out watch: the case, dial and bracelet or strap are all black.
