As summer gives way to autumn, black watches lead the way. These mysterious looking pieces deftly signal the change of seasons with their hightech materials and sleek appeal. This year watchmakers pulled out all the stops, offering PVD coatings and new materials to achieve a midnight shade, often offset with rubber straps, cable-like accents and brushed finishes.

 

This Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback ($7,200) is crafted in a 45.5mm case made of a unique new alloy called Alchron, developed out of aluminum alloy with zinc, magnesium, copper, zirconium, titanium silicium and iron. It is extremely lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion. The dial is black lacquer, the strap alligator. The El Primero 405 B Automatic movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour and offers a flyback chronograph function for 12 hours, 30 minutes and central seconds, as well as a telemeter scale for measuring distance. Cellini Jewelers, 301 Park Ave., NYC, 212-751-9824