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Zach Blass
Built-in bracelet watch. These three phrases are rampant throughout the watch world and the amassing neighborhood. When you’ve got any stage of curiosity in watchmaking, you will have seemingly come throughout the phrases and varied designs – notably icons just like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus which have crossed over a lot into the mainstream it’s now not such area of interest data. That being mentioned, as such a buzz phrase and trending class, there’s a little bit of a spectrum as to what qualifies as a real built-in bracelet watch.
For this shopping for information, the place we record a few of the finest you should purchase from least to costliest, we’re working off the “can it NATO?” rule, coined by our associates over at The Gray NATO podcast. Primarily, these are all watches through which the bracelet actually integrates into the case, the way of which prevents standard aftermarket choices from being appropriate. Beneath are 21 of the most effective built-in bracelet watches from least to costliest.
Citizen Tsuyosa
Our most budget-friendly choose is the Citizen Tsuyosa, which, upon its launch, drew loads of consideration due to its big selection of color choices for its dial (lots of which have been in comparison with “Stella dial” Rolex Oyster Perpetuals). Regardless of being beneath US$500, the watch is totally manufactured in-house, together with its 8210 automated motion with 42 hours of energy reserve. Clocking in at 40mm in diameter, it carries a contemporary candy spot dimension for many, and its 50-metre depth ranking is powerful sufficient for floor swimming, giving it additional daily-wear cache. Value: US$450
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 (40mm)
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 has lengthy been a value-driven champion on this phase, with many house owners identified to be happy with the match and end and built-in aesthetic. An area the Swatch Group dominates in, whereas being a watch that’s lower than US$1,000, it boasts an automated motion with 80 hours of energy reserve – a stage of endurance that watches which can be far dearer hardly ever hit. With a slender 10.9mm thickness and compact lug-to-lug, it is vitally wearable (though there may be additionally a 35mm variant and a 42mm chronograph variant for added selection), and its 100-metre depth ranking provides vacation-level robustness. Plus, it has an interchangeable strap system as nicely if you wish to discover Tissot’s rubber straps. Value (as pictured): US$757 from the Time+Tide Store
Christopher Ward The Twelve
When this watch first launched, many drew comparisons to the aesthetic of the Czapek Antarctique. They’re in no way an identical twins, however there are, maybe, some parallels. The Twelve isn’t as high-end because the Antarctique, however it is usually nowhere close to the identical worth – practically twenty occasions much less, in actual fact. Accessible in 36mm and 40mm sizes, each a slender 9.95mm thick and every 100 metres water resistant with a screw-down crown, many discover the general high quality of the piece punching far above its worth bracket near US$1,000. Sellita workhorse automatics energy The Twelve, providing sturdy efficiency that’s simpler to keep up financially over time. The gathering has additionally since expanded to now embody titanium variants together with variants in every steel with skeletonised dials as nicely. The titanium fashions, whereas US$670 extra, have the additional advantage of an upgraded Sellita calibre that not solely provides an extended 56-hour energy reserve as a substitute of 38 hours, but in addition COSC certification and are additionally 1mm thinner. Wherever you land throughout the assortment, you may be glad to know there are many dial colors to select from. Value: beginning at US$1,267 from the Time+Tide Store
Nivada Grenchen F77 Lapis Lazuli
Initially launched in 1977, Nivada Grenchen, identified for devoted reissues after the revival of the model lately, has relaunched its built-in bracelet design: the F77. Stored at its basic 37mm sizing, there may be now a variety of variants to discover throughout the lineup. A key level of distinction, nevertheless, particularly at its worth level, is how the road democratises entry to stone dials. One in every of our private favourites, the lapis lazuli variant, provides a 100-metre water resistant metal case with a screw-down crown, that may be a cheap 12.65mm thick, and a rock-solid 38-hour automated Swiss calibre that includes a real stone dial. If this isn’t your fashion, extra normal dial fashions, with or and not using a date complication, are available at US$1,260. The leap to titanium is only a few hundred extra at US$1,490, and a titanium mannequin with a meteorite dial is available in at simply US$1,690. Value (as pictured): US$1,390 from the Time+Tide Store
Bell & Ross BR 05 Auto
Bell & Ross, for a time, was largely identified for its squared, aviation instrument-inspired watches that had been complemented by the occasional extra standard and round design. Because the built-in bracelet development continued to growth, Bell & Ross would then throw its hat within the ring with a softer and rounder tackle its squared watch with the BR 05. The mannequin introduces the familiarity of some well-known built-in bracelet design cues, whereas additionally retaining distinct Bell & Ross signatures. It’s accessible in a wide range of supplies and dial colors, together with metal, gold, and ceramic. It includes a 100-metre water resistant 40mm case and is powered by a modified 38-hour, automated Sellita calibre made to the model’s specs. Value: US$4,600 (in metal on rubber strap), US$5,100 (in metal on bracelet)
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton
Now we start to leap into a better worth tier. With the discontinuation of the Defy Basic, Zenith ushered within the period of the Defy Skyline which changed it. The Defy Basic, rightfully or wrongfully, was usually in comparison with the Royal Oak as a cheaper different. The Skyline, nevertheless, dug deeper into Zenith’s historical past, introducing a dodecagonal bezel that harkens to the unique Defy watch that was born three years earlier than the Royal Oak. Moreover, the Skyline launched a 1/tenth of a second counter instead of a standard operating seconds – an idiosyncratic visible illustration of its El Primero motion.
Whereas contentious for some, the transfer finally allowed the model to create additional distinction by emphasising its mastery of high-beat actions. The Defy Skyline was then adopted up with the Defy Skyline Skeleton, discarding the date complication and shifting the 1/tenth of a second counter to the extra symmetrical 6 o’clock place somewhat than the offset 9 o’clock. The Skyline Skeleton, 41mm in diameter, 11.6mm thick, and 46.3mm lug-to-lug, utilises a 100-metre water resistant case with a screw-down crown, and is powered by the in-house, automated El Primero 3620 motion with 60 hours of energy reserve. The Skyline Skeleton, not like the Basic, additionally options an interchangeable strap system. It may be bought in both metal or ceramic or, should you had been fortunate, in micro-blasted titanium for the primary time with our long-sold-out Evening Surfer restricted version sequel pictured above. Value: beginning at US$11,300
IWC Ingenieur Automated 40
A extremely anticipated launch, at Watches and Wonders 2023, the subsequent technology of Ingenieur watches was lastly launched. Returning to a design extra according to Gérald Genta’s unique imaginative and prescient when it first launched in 1976, the renewed Ingenieur Automated 40 offered a wrist-friendly Ingenieur that notably upgraded to a five-day automated motion and a grid-textured dial that higher conveys the watch’s high-tech really feel and origins – born to withstand towards the results of magnetism. At 100 metres water resistant with a screw-down crown, it’s greater than outfitted for journey in water. Inside the metal vary, there are three dial colors, and on high of that, there’s a titanium configuration with a gray dial that leads to a extremely monochromatic look. And for extra choices, a slew of recent Ingenieurs debuted at Watches and Wonders 2025, together with a brand new 42mm totally ceramic mannequin. Value: US$11,700 (metal), US$14,600 (titanium), US$46,600 (pink gold)
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automated
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo assortment holds numerous ultra-thin data to its title, notably as soon as once more boasting the thinnest watch on the planet with the Extremely COSC, which is simply 1.7mm tall. There may be additionally a spread of issues hosted throughout the vary, together with a chronograph GMT, tourbillon, and perpetual calendar. However the cleanest is, of cours,e the easy automated, which is in no way easy. Very skinny in its unique titanium type at simply 5.15mm, it might later increase into stainless-steel that upped the thickness to six.4mm in alternate for an elevated 100-metre depth ranking (up from 30 metres). Now the Octo Finissimo Automated is accessible with all kinds of dial colors, and is accessible in metal, titanium, ceramic, gold, and carbon. Inside, an ultra-thin micro-rotor calibre ticks away, handsomely adorned, and providing 60 hours of energy reserve. Value: beginning at US$13,500 (in metal)
Rolex Land-Dweller
One way or the other each straightforward to hate and onerous to not like, Rolex stole the highlight at Watches and Wonders 2025 with its new Land-Dweller assortment. Not solely does it characteristic a “flat-link” Jubilee bracelet that integrates into the case (akin to ’70s Oysterquartz watches), however a brand new in-house high-beat automated motion with a brand new Dynapulse escapement that’s 30% extra environment friendly than a standard Swiss-lever escapement (although not a real pure escapement as some had initially believed). We’re eager to see how the Land-Dweller continues to evolve, however no less than for now, it’s a specific novelty as an built-in Rolex. Value: beginning at US$13,900 (metal/36mm)
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Basic
Typically stacked up towards the Nautilus, however born a 12 months prior in 1975, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato has had increasingly momentum behind it because of each the unobtanium nature of its extra well-known friends and a extra educated shopper base waking as much as the worth it has all the time provided. There may be immense selection throughout the Laureato vary, with instances in metal, titanium, ceramic, and gold. Whether or not in its 38mm dimension or 42mm dimension, you’ll all the time discover an in-house automated calibre and a 100-metre depth ranking. And, within the 42mm dimension, you can too discover chronographs – considered one of which is notably in titanium. Value: beginning at US$14,300 (in metal), beginning at US$25,000 (Aston Martin Version, as pictured)
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm
The porthole-like fins and bezel screws are widespread hallmarks of coveted built-in bracelet designs – however these two facets are the place the similarities finish. When Chopard’s Nineteen Eighties-era St. Moritz was revived because the Alpine Eagle, watch lovers had been drawn in due to its distinct eagle iris dial texture and bracelet form with raised and squared centre hyperlinks. It additionally made the market extra acquainted with Chopard’s Lucent Metal, which is notably 50% tougher than normal metal, and has a lustre extra akin to what you’d usually discover with white gold – all whereas incorporating 80% recycled materials. There are a plethora of sizes, dial colors, and supplies to discover, all of which flex Chopard’s sturdy in-house calibres. Value: beginning at US$14,800 (in Lucent Metal)
Louis Vuitton Tambour
Too usually we see homes usually related to vogue cop flak from self-proclaimed watchmaking die-hards. In recent times, and with efforts to domesticate unbiased watchmakers exterior of the model and elevate in-house know-how, Louis Vuitton has turn out to be a first-rate instance of not counting out a model that does all of it. Positive, {the catalogue} was due for a little bit of an overhaul. At this time, Louis Vuitton watchmaking has by no means been stronger beneath the stewardship of Jean Arnault (Director of Louis Vuitton Watches) and watchmaking legends Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini. With the brand new technology of Tambour, Louis Vuitton was capable of introduce a watch that gives every little thing most individuals love about built-in bracelet designs whereas having a definite and stylish aesthetic befitting the Louis Vuitton title on the dial. Fast spec-check: 40mm in diameter, a slender 8.3mm thick, varied good-looking dial colors and finishes, and varied 50-metre water resistant steel case choices. Additionally, the micro-rotor calibre made by Les Cercle des Horlogers is kind of a beaut as nicely. Value: beginning at US$18,500 (in metal)
Hublot Massive Bang Built-in Time Solely Sky Blue Ceramic
There at the moment are a ton of built-in bracelet watches from Hublot to discover, however, whereas for others on this record, I’ve showcased collections as an entire, right here I wish to hone in on a single mannequin: the Massive Bang Built-in Time Solely Sky Blue Ceramic. Don’t blame Hublot, as they name it “Sky Blue”, however in a world the place Tiffany Blue-incorporating watches are pink sizzling, I believe we will all agree this watch does an amazing job of scratching the itch. Hublot is objectively a grasp of colored ceramics, and I’ve by no means seen one other model execute ceramic on this blue hue. The ceramic is completed nicely, and the bevelled edges of the case and bracelet hyperlinks blended with the brushed surfaces are extremely good-looking within the “steel”. Contained in the 40mm watch, you will have Hublot’s tackle the Zenith Elite motion, and but, all in all, the watch is priced very pretty compared to its opponents from manufacturers reminiscent of Audemars Piguet. Value: US$20,800
Speake-Marin Ripples
The Speake-Marin Ripples serves up some acquainted built-in bracelet watch design cues as nicely, however, just like the Alpine Eagle, it provides some very distinct aesthetic signatures that permit it to face out. A Speake-Marin signature, the small seconds register is positioned at a really unconventional place between 1 and a pair of o’clock. One other level of distinction is its dial texture that, in some respects, appears like côtes de Genève, however is in actual fact impressed by British structure. Equally enticing inside as it’s exterior, the Le Cercle des Horlogers micro-rotor calibre inside is finely adorned to a stage the place you’ll ponder whether you wish to put on the watch backward in your wrist. The watch is now provided with a wide range of dial colors and variations with or and not using a date complication. Value: beginning at US$22,900 (in metal)
H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds
Talking of very distinct built-in bracelet designs, the H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds is arguably probably the most distinct – a silhouette that would by no means be confused with some other watch design. H. Moser & Cie is a model that refuses to do watchmaking like others, a talented insurgent on the planet of unbiased watchmaking. Total, Moser signatures are daring colors and clear dials that don’t bear any overt branding. The Streamliner, whereas additionally utilising such signatures, stands out with a largely rounded, but sharply angled cushioned type, and a bracelet that seamlessly embeds itself throughout the case that utilises wavy, scalloped hyperlinks. As you’d count on from Moser, the motion is somewhat spectacular as nicely. The in-house automated HMC 201 options 72 hours of energy reserve and is adorned with an anthracite remedy, double Moser striping, and high quality bevelling. Value: US$24,100 (in metal)
Czapek Antarctique
François Czapek was a celebrated watchmaker who notably co-founded Patek, Czapek & Cie alongside Antoine Norbert de Patek in 1839 – which, after the tip of their six-year partnership, would later turn out to be Patek Philippe. In 1845, Czapek & Cie was based, and went on to have a celebrated run of making high quality timepieces that was minimize comparatively brief in 1871 after the model mysteriously disappeared. The model was revived in 2012 as unbiased watchmaking was coming again to the forefront. Expectedly, the mannequin that introduced Czapek into the highlight for collectors within the fashionable period was its watch that spoke to the built-in bracelet development – the Czapek Antarctique. The watch carries a definite aesthetic, with every little thing from the case to the bracelet not being harking back to different designs throughout the saturated class – one thing to be lauded. With its good-looking exterior touches, and finely completed and extremely openworked motion that bares all for gearheads to see, the Antarctique, accessible in a wide range of colors, metals, and sizes, is an integrated-bracelet watch everybody at a watch meetup will ask you to take it off to allow them to strive it on. Plus, you will have quick-release bundled straps to play with as a bonus. Value: beginning at US$25,000 (in metal)
Vacheron Constantin Abroad 41mm
Now we break into the Holy Trinity with Vacheron Constantin and its Abroad. Accessible in a wide range of sizes, case and bracelet metals, and with various issues, we’re focusing in on the favored 41mm time and date fashions. The fashionable Abroad makes use of the model’s brand as its inspiration, with its tonneau case outfitted with a Maltese cross-inspired bezel and bracelet. The Abroad is notably the one Holy Trinity integrated-bracelet watch that includes a quick-release strap system that additionally permits Vacheron Constantin to lift the bar by providing not one, however three complete straps included: a steel bracelet, a rubber strap, and a leather-based strap. Together with the truth that there are a selection of references to discover, the three bundled straps let you make any Abroad you select really feel like multiple watch. The most recent inexperienced and gold configuration has definitely garnered favour, however the boutique blue dial fashions will all the time be the gang favorite. It is among the finest blue dials in the marketplace. Value: beginning at US$25,000 (in metal)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Further-Skinny
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, first launched in 1972, hardly requires any introduction. It’s the Genta design that not solely birthed the luxurious metal development, but in addition initiated the built-in bracelet craze. There’s a huge variety of Royal Oak watches to discover at the moment, however the mannequin closest to the OG is the Royal Oak Jumbo Further-Skinny. Its octagonal bezel is so iconic that any model utilizing such a bezel type is accused of using its coattails, and the identical might be mentioned for its bracelet design. Many would proclaim the Royal Oak to have the finest-finished case and bracelet of any watch at the moment, and I’d be inclined to agree – or on the very least not be capable of safely refute. Value: beginning at US$36,000 (in metal)
C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Version Freedom
Whereas unbiased watchmaking has come much more into focus as of late, Romain Gauthier remains to be comparatively undiscovered by most. Identified for intricate actions that boast a few of the highest ranges of ornament and ending on the planet (particularly drool-worthy inside anglage), Romain Gauthier has additionally thrown his hat into the built-in bracelet design ring with the C. Distinct in look and unconventionally utilising a crown on the 2 o’clock place, the C blends a rounded profile with angled breaks seen on the bezel and bracelet hyperlinks. As a lesser-known mannequin, let’s do a fast spec-check. The titanium-cased C clocks in at 41mm in diameter, 9.55mm thick, and 47.8mm lug-to-lug. Titanium watches are sometimes related to being light-weight, with a lot of the load coming from the motion. Right here, the hand-wound, 60-hour calibre is executed in titanium as nicely. And regardless of utilizing the light-weight and notoriously tough to machine materials, it’s exquisitely hand-decorated, befitting of the Romain Gauthier title. Value: US$43,900
Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto
Laurent Ferrier, a third-generation watchmaker who previously labored in Patek Philippe’s esteemed Superior Analysis division, would launch his namesake model in 2010 in an try to have free rein in realising high quality watch designs of his personal. Largely talking, {the catalogue} is comprised of extra basic, dressier timepieces. As an automotive lover and race automotive driver who notably completed simply behind Paul Newman throughout a 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Ferrier would enter the built-in bracelet area together with his racing-inspired Sport Auto. Original in grade 5 titanium, with a 41.5mm diameter, 12.75mm thickness, and 120 metres of water resistance, the rounded design contrasts curves with counter-curves, yielding a design that feels each basic and sporty all in on. However, whereas a sporty watch, the in-house LF 270.01 micro-rotor motion is adorned to a really, very excessive normal. The calibre requires, in accordance with Laurent Ferrier, greater than 139 handbook ending operations, notably together with anglage carried out with gentian wooden. The calibre of this calibre is what many want they’d discover within Patek Philippe’s Nautilus. Value: US$54,000
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811/1G
An ideal segue, no built-in bracelet watch record can be full with out mentioning Genta’s second legendary design from 1976: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Whereas it was broadly thought of to be probably the most sought-after watch on the planet, Patek Philippe surprised the world after they discontinued the coveted 5711/1A – bowing out from {the catalogue} on the peak of its hype. Bored with making easy time and date Nautilus watches anymore in metal (excluding the 7118), Patek would later introduce a white gold successor: the 5811/1G. At this stage, it’s the solely fashionable Nautilus that largely harkens to the unique aesthetic. It’s a disgrace that the entry worth for a 5811 is above US$70k, however then once more, how many people, no matter retail worth, can really count on to ever get an allocation for one? And, the 5811/1G at retail remains to be cheaper than sourcing a 5711/1A on the secondary market – once more, should you someway magically get an allocation. Value: US$70,110
