A black watch goes with almost any outfit and gives the wrist a sharp, defined look. But “black” covers many styles: all-black watches with a black case and band, models where only the dial is black, models with a black strap, and models that pair black with silver or gold. This article selects 6 watches covered on R13 Picks whose product images and specs in our articles confirm a black-based design, and organizes them with a comparison table and use-case recommendations. Whether you are looking for a men’s black watch or want to compare black watches by design, this guide helps you choose by how the black is used.
Models in this guide
ROLEX Submariner Date 16610
Black dial / business
Check price on the store page
Read more
LAD WEATHER LAD017
Black strap / casual & outdoor
Check price on the store page
Read more
BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK
All-black / fashion-forward
Check price on the store page
Read more
BRILLAMICO GRACE MIA BLACK
Black square / smart
Check price on the store page
Read more
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER
Black × silver / accent
Check price on the store page
Read more
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x GOLD
Black × gold / accent
Check price on the store page
Read more*Colors may look different depending on the photography and your monitor. For models with multiple colors, check the color you choose on the sales page. Prices change often, so they are not listed.
Why choose a black watch, and how to pick one
The appeal of a black watch
Black works with smart outfits such as suits and jackets as well as casual ones like T-shirts and denim. It gives the wrist a defined look, which is one reason black watches are seen as cool. With a black-based outfit it creates a unified look, and models that pair black with silver or gold also work as an accent.
All-black or partly black
An all-black watch has a black case and band. Of these 6, the BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK, with a matte black finish on both body and band, fits this description, and the GRACE MIA BLACK also shows a black face and black metal band in our article image. The ROLEX Submariner Date 16610, on the other hand, pairs a stainless steel case and bracelet with a black dial, and the LAD WEATHER LAD017 is shown with a black nylon strap. Where the black appears changes the impression, so check the product photos.
Dial color
A black-dial watch creates a calm look through the dial regardless of the case or band color. The ROLEX 16610 sales page lists the dial as black. BRILLAMICO’s LILY series uses a mother-of-pearl (MOP) dial: the BLACK x SILVER and BLACK x GOLD combine black with a metal tone, while the LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK is finished in an overall black look.
Band material
Band material also changes how black reads. A stainless steel bracelet looks smart, a black metal band leans fashion-forward, a leather strap looks calm, and a nylon strap looks casual. Of these 6, the ROLEX 16610 has a stainless steel bracelet, the LILY LIMITED and GRACE MIA BLACK have metal bands, the two LILY 46MM models have leather straps, and the LAD017 has a nylon strap.
Case size
Around 40mm is a common case size, and 44mm or more tends to look large. This guide ranges from the 40mm ROLEX 16610 and the approx. 43mm LAD017 to three 46.5mm LILY models and the 3 × 2.3cm square GRACE MIA BLACK. Black tends to look compact, but a larger case still stands out on the wrist, so check the balance with your wrist in the photos.
Movement and water resistance
The ROLEX 16610 is automatic (Cal.3135 per the retailer), the LAD017 uses solar charging with radio reception (2 Japanese stations), and the 4 BRILLAMICO models use Japanese quartz movements. For water resistance, the ROLEX 16610 is listed by the retailer as 300m, the LAD017 as 100m, and the 4 BRILLAMICO models as 3 ATM (everyday water resistance). The ROLEX 16610 is a pre-owned piece, so its current water resistance may vary with its servicing condition. If you plan to use a watch around water, check the instruction manual or the retailer’s guidance.
Business, casual, and outdoor
For business or smart outfits, the ROLEX 16610 with a black dial on a stainless steel bracelet and the GRACE MIA BLACK with a black square face and metal band are easy to match. For casual or outdoor wear, there is the LAD017 with a nylon strap and 100m water resistance. As an accent for black outfits or a fashion-forward look, the all-black LILY LIMITED and the black × silver / black × gold LILY 46MM models are candidates.
Price range
These 6 range from models available under 10,000 yen to a pre-owned brand watch. The ROLEX 16610 is a one-of-a-kind pre-owned piece whose price and stock can change easily. Prices are not fixed in this article, so check the latest price on each sales page to see whether it fits your budget.
6 black watches comparison
| Product | How black is used | Movement | Case size | Water resistance | Band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROLEX Submariner Date 16610 | Black dial (stainless steel case and bracelet) | Automatic (Cal.3135 per the retailer) | 40mm diameter | 300m (per the retailer) | Stainless steel bracelet | Business / smart |
| LAD WEATHER LAD017 | Black strap (black nylon strap in our article image; black and all-black are among the colors) | Solar charging, radio reception (2 Japanese stations) | Approx. 43mm (approx. 12mm thick) | 100m | Nylon | Casual / outdoor |
| BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK | All-black (matte black finish on body and band) | Japanese quartz | 46.5mm diameter (11mm thick) | 3 ATM (everyday water resistance) | Metal band (stainless steel) | Fashion-forward / black outfits |
| BRILLAMICO GRACE MIA BLACK | Black-based square face (black metal band in our article image) | Japanese quartz | 3 × 2.3cm | 3 ATM (everyday water resistance) | Metal band (stainless steel) | Smart / elegant |
| BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER | Black × silver (black leather strap in our article image) | Japanese quartz | Approx. 46.5mm (approx. 11mm thick) | 3 ATM | Leather strap | Accent for black outfits |
| BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x GOLD | Black × gold (black leather strap in our article image) | Japanese quartz | 46.5mm diameter (11mm thick) | 3 ATM (everyday water resistance) | Leather strap (genuine leather, croc-embossed) | Accent for black outfits |
ROLEX Submariner Date 16610
- How black is used
- Black dial (stainless steel case and bracelet)
- Movement
- Automatic (Cal.3135 per the retailer)
- Case size
- 40mm diameter
- Water resistance
- 300m (per the retailer)
- Band
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Best for
- Business / smart
LAD WEATHER LAD017
- How black is used
- Black strap (black nylon strap in our article image; black and all-black are among the colors)
- Movement
- Solar charging, radio reception (2 Japanese stations)
- Case size
- Approx. 43mm (approx. 12mm thick)
- Water resistance
- 100m
- Band
- Nylon
- Best for
- Casual / outdoor
BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK
- How black is used
- All-black (matte black finish on body and band)
- Movement
- Japanese quartz
- Case size
- 46.5mm diameter (11mm thick)
- Water resistance
- 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
- Band
- Metal band (stainless steel)
- Best for
- Fashion-forward / black outfits
BRILLAMICO GRACE MIA BLACK
- How black is used
- Black-based square face (black metal band in our article image)
- Movement
- Japanese quartz
- Case size
- 3 × 2.3cm
- Water resistance
- 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
- Band
- Metal band (stainless steel)
- Best for
- Smart / elegant
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER
- How black is used
- Black × silver (black leather strap in our article image)
- Movement
- Japanese quartz
- Case size
- Approx. 46.5mm (approx. 11mm thick)
- Water resistance
- 3 ATM
- Band
- Leather strap
- Best for
- Accent for black outfits
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x GOLD
- How black is used
- Black × gold (black leather strap in our article image)
- Movement
- Japanese quartz
- Case size
- 46.5mm diameter (11mm thick)
- Water resistance
- 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
- Band
- Leather strap (genuine leather, croc-embossed)
- Best for
- Accent for black outfits
Product details
ROLEX Submariner Date 16610
An automatic dive watch with a black dial, a 40mm stainless steel case, and a unidirectional rotating bezel (pre-owned piece).
Check price on the store page
Key features
- Black dial, 40mm stainless steel case (excluding crown)
- Automatic (Cal.3135 per the retailer), 300m water resistance per the retailer, unidirectional rotating bezel
- Stainless steel bracelet; the retailer’s product name describes a navy-changed bezel
Recommended for
- People looking for a brand watch with a black dial
- People who want a metal bracelet that goes well with suits and smart outfits
Notes
- It is a one-of-a-kind pre-owned piece, so check condition, accessories, and stock on the sales page
- The retailer describes the bezel as navy-changed, so check how the color looks in the photos
LAD WEATHER LAD017
A military watch on a nylon strap with radio-controlled solar (2 Japanese stations) and 100m water resistance.
Check price on the store page
Key features
- Available in 5 colors: black, khaki, navy, beige, and all black (black nylon strap in our article image)
- Solar charging, radio reception (2 Japanese stations), automatic and forced reception, 100m water resistance
- Approx. 43mm stainless steel case, nylon strap, approx. 72g
Recommended for
- People looking for a black watch that is easy to wear casually or outdoors
- People who want less time setting and battery replacement
Notes
- Dial and strap colors depend on the color you choose, so check the sales page photos
- The time cannot be corrected using the crown
BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK
An all-black watch with a matte black body and band, decorated with Swarovski crystals.
Check price on the store page
Key features
- Matte black finish on body and band; the band is a special metal band
- Body and band in stainless steel (SUS316L) with Swarovski crystals, mother-of-pearl (MOP) dial
- 46.5mm diameter, 11mm thick, 149g, Japanese quartz, 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
Recommended for
- People who want an all-black watch to complete a black outfit
- People who like highly decorative designs with Swarovski crystals
Notes
- At 46.5mm it is on the larger side, so check the balance with your wrist in the photos
- Rated 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
BRILLAMICO GRACE MIA BLACK
A watch that pairs a black-based square face with a cubic zirconia dial.
Check price on the store page
Key features
- Black-based square face, cubic zirconia dial (per the official site)
- Body size 3 × 2.3cm, 82g, body and band in stainless steel (SUS316L) with cubic zirconia
- Japanese quartz, 3 ATM (everyday water resistance); offered as a limited-quantity item on the official site
Recommended for
- People looking for a square rather than round black watch
- People who want an elegant black watch with some sparkle
Notes
- The official site says it is limited in quantity and will end once stock runs out
- It is a small square case, so check the size on the official product page
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER
A standout watch that combines black-and-silver contrast with mother-of-pearl and Swarovski crystals.
Check price on the store page
Key features
- Color: BLACK x SILVER, mother-of-pearl dial
- Case diameter approx. 46.5mm, approx. 11mm thick, approx. 95g, SUS316L stainless steel case
- Leather strap, Japanese quartz, 3 ATM water resistance
Recommended for
- People who want to add a silver accent to a black-based outfit
- People looking for a watch with a highly decorative design
Notes
- The case is on the larger side, so check the balance with your wrist in the photos
- Rated 3 ATM
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x GOLD
A leather-strap model from the LILY series, known for its moving dial, combining black and gold.
Check price on the store page
Key features
- Color: BLACK x GOLD; the LILY series is presented as featuring a moving dial
- 46.5mm diameter, 11mm thick, 95g, body in stainless steel (SUS316L) with Swarovski crystals, mother-of-pearl (MOP) dial
- Leather strap (genuine leather, croc-embossed), Japanese quartz, 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
Recommended for
- People who want to add a gold accent to a black outfit
- People who like the look of the LILY series with its moving dial
Notes
- The case is on the larger side, so check the balance with your wrist in the photos
- Rated 3 ATM (everyday water resistance)
Recommendations by use case
For an all-black look
BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK
Matte black finish on both body and band. A candidate when you want a black outfit to carry through to your wrist.
For a black dial
ROLEX Submariner Date 16610
A black dial with a stainless steel case and bracelet, a classic black-dial combination.
For a black strap
LAD WEATHER LAD017
Shown with a black nylon strap in our article image. Black and all-black are among the available colors.
For business
ROLEX Submariner Date 16610
A metal bracelet with a black dial is easy to wear with suits and jackets.
For casual wear
LAD WEATHER LAD017
A military design on a nylon strap, relatively light at approx. 72g.
For outdoor use
LAD WEATHER LAD017
100m water resistance, a screw caseback, and luminous hands. Check the instruction manual for the range of water use.
For an elegant square
BRILLAMICO GRACE MIA BLACK
A black-based square face combined with a cubic zirconia dial.
For black × silver
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER
Black-and-silver contrast combined with mother-of-pearl and Swarovski crystals.
For black × gold
BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x GOLD
A LILY series model with a moving dial, combining black and gold.
To compare by price
Best Men’s Watches Under 10,000 Yen: 4 Picks
A roundup of men’s watches under 10,000 yen, including the LAD017.
To compare by features
Best Radio-Controlled Solar Watches: 3 Picks
Compares 3 models with radio reception and solar charging.
To compare for outdoor use
Best Outdoor Watches: 2 Picks
Compares 2 LAD WEATHER models with 100m water resistance by use case, such as hiking and camping.
To compare more widely
Best Men’s Watches: 10 Picks
Compares 10 different types, from affordable and radio-controlled solar to outdoor, brand, and mechanical watches.
Not sure which to choose?
- For a black dial that also works for business → ROLEX Submariner Date 16610
- For a black strap for casual and outdoor wear → LAD WEATHER LAD017
- To go all-black down to your wrist → BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK
- For an elegant black square face → BRILLAMICO GRACE MIA BLACK
- To add a silver / gold accent to black → BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER / BLACK x GOLD
Summary
The impression a black watch gives depends greatly on where the black is used. For a classic black dial among men’s black watches, choose the ROLEX Submariner Date 16610; for a black strap for casual or outdoor wear, the LAD WEATHER LAD017; for an all-black look, the BRILLAMICO LILY LIMITED 46MM MATTE BLACK; for an elegant black square, the GRACE MIA BLACK; and to set off black with silver or gold, the two LILY 46MM models. If price matters, also see “Best Men’s Watches Under 10,000 Yen: 4 Picks”; for features, “Best Radio-Controlled Solar Watches: 3 Picks”; for outdoor use, “Best Outdoor Watches: 2 Picks”; and to compare more widely, “Best Men’s Watches: 10 Picks”. See each product article for detailed specs, and check the latest price and stock on the sales pages.
