Another Friday, another list! This week, we will continue our exploration of modern materials used in the watch world. After picking our favorite ceramic and titanium watches, we will now turn to carbon. We do not see this material as often as the other two, but it stands out when we do. Let’s find out what our five favorite recently released carbon watches are.
Before we get into the list, let me specify what “recently released” means. We have covered different materials for the past few weeks and picked watches that came out three years ago at most. For this list, we have applied the same parameter to ensure we have a group of relevant releases. Of the five we chose this week, four came out in the past 12 months. Could this mean that carbon watches are “a thing”? We’ll share our five picks and then invite you to share your thoughts.
Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon”
Our first pick was a no-brainer. When the Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon” was unveiled, it stood out for multiple reasons. First, it is the third and last of the modern “Cover Girl” reissues. We were treated to a stainless steel version of the legendary A3818 in 2020, followed by a titanium version of the same model in 2022. Then, the full-carbon version that came out earlier this year completed the series in style. And the “full-carbon” description also brings me to the second reason why this watch caught our attention.
The “Cover Girl Carbon” was a 150-piece limited edition delivered on a carbon Velcro strap. However, an additional 10 pieces were available on a carbon ladder bracelet. It’s not the first time we’ve seen an all-carbon bracelet, but seeing it used for a classic like the A3818 is rather spectacular. The total weight of the watch on the bracelet is 59 grams, compared to 110.6 grams for the stainless steel model and 78.2 grams for the titanium version. Remarkably, this makes it the lightest watch that Zenith has ever produced.
Black carbon reigns supreme
The watch features the signature blocky 37mm case with a 12.5mm thickness and 47mm length, this time in forged carbon. Even the pushers, crown, and dial are made of carbon, giving this version of the “Cover Girl” a very distinct look. To keep the watch water resistant to 50 meters, the brand decided to use a PVD-treated Grade 5 titanium case back with the same look as the actual carbon parts.
The brand considered using a blue carbon dial, but the raw look of the black material looked better, so this carbon version of the “Cover Girl” came to life. The majority of the markings on the dial are treated with Super-LumiNova to ensure they light up in the dark.
Inside the case, you will find the Zenith El Primero 400 caliber. This high-beat chronograph movement operates at 36,000vph and offers 50 hours of power reserve. The caliber is visible through the case back’s sapphire display, adding to the overall technical feel of the watch. The Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon” is the perfect final addition to the “Cover Girl” series, and you can still buy it on the Velcro strap for €14,000.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon
While brands offering rather expensive watches often use carbon, we have also seen some more affordable options pop up recently. One that we love is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you are probably familiar with the massive success of the PRX line.
But as Thomas said in his hands-on review of the carbon PRX, there are only so many new dial variations that can be introduced to keep things interesting. That’s why this new forged carbon version was a breath of fresh air.
To realize this new version, Tissot followed a familiar recipe. The movement, dial, case back, and crystal are all mounted in or on a central black PVD steel cylinder, while the mid-case, bezel, and dial are forged carbon. As a result of this construction, the watch is slightly bigger and thicker than the regular stainless steel PRX models. The forged carbon case measures 40.5mm across by just under 46mm long and 11.2mm thick. However, while it is visually striking, the watch doesn’t look bigger than the steel versions.
A stealthy and handsome watch with familiar tech inside
Inside the case, Tissot uses the popular Swatch Group Powermatic 80 movement. The caliber is visible through the sapphire crystal on the back. Compared to the regular models, the brand used an upgraded Powermatic 80 with a silicon hairspring instead of a Nivachron one. The caliber operates at 21,600vph and offers 80 hours of power reserve. That said, this watch’s magic is mostly on the front. The PRX looks super cool in forged carbon, and it only weighs 75 grams with a black rubber strap.
Besides the attractive look and low weight, the best thing is that Tissot managed to keep the price friendly. The PRX Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon costs €1,095. That’s just €300 more than its steel counterparts, and it’s still very reasonable compared to some of the other picks on this list. It makes this watch an excellent pick for people with a smaller budget.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
Our next pick was quite divisive when it first came out. Honestly, I also had my doubts when I first saw the images of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25.” Generally, I am not the biggest fan of collaborative efforts with non-watch brands. For me, they often amount to empty marketing exercises, especially if I don’t care about the other partner. That is the case with the “Carbon 25,” as it was created for this year’s Miami F1 Grand Prix. The new Black Bay Chrono celebrates Tudor’s collaboration with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) Formula 1 team with a 2,025-piece limited run.
Because of this, the watch features a dial with the colors of the racing livery of the VCARB F1 team. Combined with the new forged carbon case, it’s certainly an eye-catcher. Since I don’t have any specific sentiment for the VCARB team or Formula 1, this created a disconnect. My immediate reaction was, “This one is not for me.” However, after a second look, I noticed that the design doesn’t incorporate the VCARB F1 team logo or any of its visual design language other than the team colors.
Much more refined than the colors suggest
A carbon version of the Black Bay Chrono is also an interesting step for Tudor, so after I realized these things, I was intrigued to learn more. That’s when I found out that Tudor completely redesigned and re-engineered the case. Its 42mm diameter means a 1mm increase from the stainless steel versions, but the 14.3mm total thickness marks a 0.1mm reduction. This carbon case features an integrated tachymeter bezel and a 200m water resistance rating. The crown, pushers, and case back are titanium with a black PVD coating.
Inside the black case sits a vibrant opaline white dial. The bright blue outer ring and racing-style minute/seconds track contrast nicely with the stark backdrop, and the depth rating is bright red for an extra pop of color. When I first saw the press images, I thought the dial was too loud for my taste. As soon as I had a chance to put the watch on my wrist, though, I was pleasantly surprised by how refined the dial is.
All in the details
Inside the case, you will find Tudor’s chronometer-certified MT5813. The automatic chronograph caliber operates at 28,800vph and offers 70 hours of power reserve. Tudor tested the MT5813 to run between -2 and +4 seconds per day, making it a reliable “engine” for this racing chronograph.
Once the watch is on the wrist, all the puzzle pieces fall into place. This lightweight Black Bay Chrono sits nicely on the wrist and feels more refined than the flamboyant colorway may suggest. I quickly started liking the watch for what it is, completely forgetting that it was created for the VCARB team. That’s also the biggest compliment I can give Tudor. Regardless of the collaboration, the brand made a super interesting watch. The Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is available now for €7,460.
TAG Heuer Monaco Flyback Chronograph TH-Carbonspring
Another recent highlight among carbon watches is the TAG Heuer Monaco Flyback Chronograph TH-Carbonspring. Not only is it a carbon version of the iconic Monaco, but it also houses the new TH-Carbonspring, which was a decade in the making. TAG Heuer developed it at its in-house innovation center, which researches new proprietary materials and mechanical innovations. As a result, this is not just another carbon watch. The new TH-Carbonspring offers three significant advantages.
First, the material is impervious to strong magnetic fields. Second, it has excellent shock resistance. Finally, since carbon is lightweight, it reduces inertia in a hairspring, thereby increasing chronometric performance. TAG Heuer decided to present this groundbreaking innovation in two watches. The one that we picked for this list is the ever-famous Monaco, executed almost entirely in forged carbon.
A combination of classic shapes and modern-day execution
The watch has a 39mm black forged carbon case with a 14.1mm thickness, a 47.4mm lug-to-lug, and a 100m water resistance rating. It even features forged carbon pushers and a matching crown. Under the boxy sapphire crystal, you will find a special carbon dial with a spiral on it, which refers to the TH-Carbonspring inside. Additionally, it features two black sub-dials with white printing and chapter rings in black gold. Lastly, the black flange displays a white 60-second/minute scale for ultimate contrast.
If you turn the watch around, you will see the in-house TH20-60 movement. This chronometer-certified automatic flyback chronograph caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 33 jewels, and offers an 80-hour power reserve. It also features a special checkered-flag finish and a skeletonized black rotor for extra visual drama. TAG Heuer is producing 50 pieces of this special watch, which will be available starting December 2025 for €17,700.
G-Shock GCW-B5000UN-1 and GCW-B5000UN-6
We’ll close this week’s list with a pair of featherlight G-Shock 40th Anniversary Carbon Editions. This duo immediately stood out among a larger selection of G-Shock watches that we had in for review. Considering the GCW-B5000UN-6’s bright pink, blue, and opal tones combined with the forged carbon material, it’s easy to see why. But the regular black version is also magnificent and might suit you if you like your watches slightly toned down.
These watches use three kinds of carbon. The first is a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, which makes up the monocoque inner case. The second is forged carbon, which is used for the marbled outer case. Lastly, the bracelets are also made of carbon, with special attention given to the clasp.
The clasp’s folding arm is made from laminated multilayer carbon to withstand the pressures of use. In addition to the three kinds of carbon, the watch features a titanium inner ring and pushers to reduce its overall weight. As you will understand, these 65g versions of the GMW-B5000 are truly special.
The usual impressive set of functions
The two watches measure 45mm wide, 49.1mm long, and 14.5mm thick, and with the carbon’s lightweight properties, they are great daily wearers. Underneath their sapphire crystals, both watches feature a negative display that displays the extensive set of functions we have come to know from G-Shock.
The brand’s 3543 module powers these watches. It features Tough Solar power, Multi Band 6 for automatic time correction, and Bluetooth to link the watch to a smartphone for a wide array of extra functions in the brand’s app. Additionally, the module features a significant number of standard functions, as I detailed in the hands-on review.
Regarding the two versions, the black GCW-B5000UN-1 resembles a normal G-Shock apart from the marbled carbon pattern. This alone creates a look that lets you know it’s not just your average G-Shock. But the second model takes that to another level. The GCW-B5000UN-6 features a cool galaxy-inspired design. It consists of a mix of blue and pink resin and specks of opal in the carbon mixture. Add the special feel of forged carbon in general, and you have a watch that stands out in more ways than one.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with both watches, but since I like a good, extravagant G-Shock, the colorful GCW-B5000UN-6 was my favorite of these two anniversary models. Both watches had a serious price tag of €2,000, but what they offered in return was truly special.
Final thoughts on our favorite carbon picks
There you have it — our top five (or six) recently released carbon watches. As always, this is just a small selection of the many available options. Do you think carbon watches are getting more popular, and what are some of your favorites that weren’t on this list? Let us know in the comments section, and we will see you next week for another Top 5.