When on the battlefield, the camouflage pattern used by soldiers serves, as its name suggests, to go unnoticed. To camouflage. But in the world of fashion, it’s quite the opposite: this army style is regularly highlighted by men’s ready-to-wear brands… but also by some watch brands.
At the start of 2024, the “camo” pattern seems to be more popular than ever in the watchmaking sector. The proof with these 5 watches designed to go unnoticed… or not!
Certina DS Podium Lap Timer
Member of the Swatch Group, Certina has only recently returned to France, driven by two flagship models, the DS-7 and the DS Action Diver, which we tested here.
But it’s another version of its “Double Security” watch that’s in the spotlight here, with the Podium Lap Timer. If the DS collection usually seems tailored for diving enthusiasts, this model draws its inspiration from the world of motocross. This limited edition indeed pays tribute to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team with its camo dial and strap.
Powered by a quartz ETA movement, this watch is equipped with a real-time tenth of a second chronometer, a 60-minute chronograph, and a lap counter (lap timer).
Hamilton Aviation X-Wind
When we associate watchmaking and military style, it’s hard (if not impossible) to overlook Hamilton! The brand is indeed one of the references in the field, thanks to its iconic Khaki Field.
With this Khaki Aviation X-Wind Day Date Automatic, we discover a watch designed for pilots. It features a generous 45mm diameter steel case and a rotating inner bezel capable of displaying the calculation of crosswinds and drift angle. To perfect its robust and stylish toolwatch look, Hamilton has fitted it with a fabric strap and 4 rivets.
Powered by the automatic H-30 caliber, this X-Wind benefits from a comfortable power reserve of about 80 hours.
Ralph Lauren RL Safari
With the Stirrup, Ralph Lauren had already shared his love for horse riding. The Safari, for its part, evolves in a more adventurous register… but no less elegant.
If it already existed in 39 and 45 mm versions, the brand is now launching it in a new 42 mm diameter that suits it perfectly. Its aged steel case surrounds a dial adorned with large luminescent numbers and a bright orange second hand, on a camo background. The other distinguishing element of this watch is its 3-part Bund style leather strap, which perfectly fits the wrist.
Equipped with a RL300-1 caliber with a 50-hour power reserve and waterproof up to 100 meters deep, this RL Safari is comfortable on all terrains.
Ralf Tech WRX Electric Black Camo
100,000 hours, or almost 12 years. This is the operational promise made by Ralf Tech for its new micro-hybrid movement RTE001. By reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying the quartz supply as much as possible, the brand aims to offer the best of both worlds between traditional watchmaking and classic battery-operated watches.
Beyond this technical aspect, this WRX is equipped with a large surgical steel case with a black PVD treatment of 47.5 mm in diameter. Topped by a black ceramic bezel, it highlights a dial with a camouflage pattern that offers all shades of gray. Its wide hands promise excellent readability in the dark… or in deep waters, since, as often with Ralf Tech, this watch is waterproof up to 1000 meters!
Perrelet Turbine Camouflage
If there is a brand that perfectly masters the art of camouflage, it is indeed Perrelet! At rest, its iconic Turbine only partially reveals the dial; but when the 10 blades kick into action, the watch sometimes reveals a completely different spectacle!
At the heart of the 44mm steel case, this Turbine fully embraces the army style, as the dial features the pattern that can also be found on the rubber strap (not a total camo look, but almost!). The P-331 caliber which powers the watch and its blades offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
