20 of the best integrated bracelet watches, from least to most expensive

Zach Blass

Integrated bracelet watch. These three words are rampant within the watch world and collecting community. If you have any level of interest in watchmaking, you have likely come across the terms and various designs – particularly icons like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus which have crossed over so much into the mainstream it is no longer such niche knowledge. That being said, as such a buzz phrase and trending category, there is a bit of a spectrum as to what qualifies as a true integrated bracelet watch. For this buying guide, where we list some of the best you can buy from least to most expensive, we are working off of the “can it NATO?” rule, coined by our friends over at The Grey NATO podcast. Essentially, these are all watches in which the bracelet truly integrates into the case, the manner of which prevents conventional aftermarket options from being compatible. The entries are also all pieces you can buy at an authorised retailer, some easier than others.

Citizen Tsuyosa

Our most budget-friendly pick is the recently debuted Citizen Tsuyosa, which, upon its release, drew a lot of attention thanks to its wide range of colour options for its dial (many of which have been compared to the popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stella-inspired hues). Despite being under US$500, the watch is completely manufactured in-house – including its 8210 automatic movement with 42 hours of power reserve. Clocking in at 40mm in diameter, it carries a modern sweet spot size for most, and its 50-metre depth rating is robust enough for surface swimming giving it further daily-wear cache. Price: US$450 (on sale now for US$360)

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 (40mm)

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 has long been a value-driven champion in this segment, with many owners known to be pleased with the fit and finish and integrated aesthetic. An arena the Swatch Group dominates in, while being a watch that is less than US$1,000, it boasts an automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve – a level of endurance watches that are far more expensive hardly ever hit. With a slender 10.9mm thickness and compact lug-to-lug, it is very wearable (although there is also a 35mm variant and a 42mm chronograph variant for added variety), and its 100-metre depth rating offers vacation-level robustness. Plus, it has an interchangeable strap system as well if you want to explore Tissot’s rubber straps.  Price: starting at US$725 (in steel). You can purchase the PRX Powermatic 80 in our Melbourne Discovery Studio or via the Time+Tide online shop.

Christopher Ward The Twelve

When this watch first launched, many drew comparisons to the aesthetic of the Czapek Antarctique. By no means are they identical twins, but there are, perhaps, some parallels. The Twelve is not as high-end as the Antarctique, but it is also nowhere near the same price – nearly twenty times less, in fact. Available in 36mm and 40mm sizes, both a slender 9.95mm thick and each 100 metres water-resistant with a screw-down crown, many find the overall quality of the piece punching far above its price bracket close to US$1,000. Sellita workhorse automatics power The Twelve, offering robust performance that is easier to maintain financially over time. The collection has also since expanded to now include titanium variants along with variants in each metal with skeletonised dials as well. The titanium models, while US$670 more, have the added benefit of an upgraded Sellita calibre that not only offers a longer 56-hour power reserve instead of 38 hours, but also COSC-certification. They are also 1mm thinner. Wherever you land within the collection, you will be glad to know there are plenty of dial colours to choose from. Price: starting at US$995 (in steel on rubber strap), US$1,225 (in steel on bracelet)

Nivada Grenchen F77 Lapis Lazuli

Originally launched in 1977, Nivada Grenchen, known for faithful reissues after the revival of the brand in recent years, has relaunched its integrated bracelet design: the F77. Kept at its classic 37mm sizing, there is now a wide range of variants to explore within the lineup. But, a key point of difference, especially at its price point, is how the line democratises access to stone dials. One of our personal favourites, the lapis lazuli variant, offers a 100-metre water-resistant steel case with a screw-down crown, that is a reasonable 12.65mm thick, and a rock-solid 38-hour automatic Swiss calibre that features a genuine stone dial. If this is not your style, more standard dial models, with or without a date complication, come in at US$1,260. The jump to titanium is just a few hundred more at US$1,490, and a titanium model with a meteorite dial comes in at just US$1,690. Price: US$1,390. You can purchase the Nivada Grenchen F77 Lapis Lazuli in our Melbourne Discovery Studio or via the Time+Tide online shop.

Bell & Ross BR 05 Auto

Bell & Ross, for a time, was largely known for its squared, aviation instrument-inspired watches that were complemented by the occasional more conventional and circular design. As the integrated bracelet trend continued to boom, Bell & Ross would then throw its hat in the ring with a softer and rounder take on its squared watch with the BR 05. The model introduces the familiarity of some well-known integrated bracelet design cues, while also retaining distinct Bell & Ross signatures. It is available in a variety of materials and dial colours, including steel, gold, and ceramic. It features a 100-metre water-resistant 40mm case and is powered by a modified 38-hour, automatic Sellita calibre made to the brand’s specifications. Price: starting at US$4,600 (in steel on rubber strap), US$5,100 (in steel on bracelet)

Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton

Now we begin to jump into a higher price tier. With the discontinuation of the Defy Classic, Zenith ushered in the era of the Defy Skyline which replaced it. The Defy Classic, rightfully or wrongfully, was often compared to the Royal Oak as a less expensive alternative. The Skyline, however, dug deeper into Zenith’s history, introducing a dodecagonal bezel that harkens to the original Defy watch that was born three years before the Royal Oak. Furthermore, the Skyline introduced a 1/10th of a second counter in place of a traditional running seconds.

While contentious for some, the move ultimately allowed the brand to create further distinction by emphasising its mastery of high-beat movements. The Defy Skyline was then followed up with the Defy Skyline Skeleton, discarding the date complication and shifting the 1/10th of a second counter to the more symmetrical 6 o’clock position rather 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, automatic El Primero 3620 movement with 60 hours of power reserve. The Skyline Skeleton, unlike the Classic, also features an interchangeable strap system. It can be purchased in either steel or ceramic or, if you were lucky, in micro-blasted titanium for the first time with our Night Surfer limited edition sequel pictured above. Price: starting at US$11,300 (in steel)

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40

A highly anticipated release, at Watches and Wonders 2023 the next generation of Ingenieur watches was finally introduced. Returning to a design more in line with Gerald Genta’s original vision when it first launched in 1976, the renewed Ingenieur Automatic 40 presented a wrist-friendly Ingenieur that notably upgraded to a five-day automatic movement and a grid-textured dial that IWC felt better conveyed the high tech feel and origins of the watch – born to resist against the effects of magnetism. At 100 metres water-resistant with a screw-down crown, it is more than equipped to adventure into water. Within the steel range, there are three dial colours, and on top of that, there is a titanium configuration with a grey dial that results in a highly monochromatic look. Price: US$11,700 (in steel), US$14,600 (in titanium)

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo collection holds countless ultra-thin records to its name, notably once again boasting the thinnest watch in the world with the Ultra COSC which is just 1.7mm tall. There are also a range of complications hosted within the range, including a chronograph GMT, tourbillon, and perpetual calendar. But the cleanest is of course the simple automatic, which is by no means simple. Very thin in its original titanium form at just 5.15mm, it would later expand into stainless steel that upped the thickness to 6.4mm in exchange for an increased 100-metre depth rating (up from 30 metres). Now the Octo Finissimo Automatic is available with a wide variety of dial colours, and is available in steel, titanium, ceramic, gold, and carbon. Inside, an ultra-thin micro-rotor calibre ticks away, handsomely decorated, and offering 60 hours of power reserve. Price: starting at US$13,500 (in steel)

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Classic

Often stacked up against the Nautilus, but born a year prior in 1975, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato has had more and more momentum behind it due to both the unobtanium nature of its more famous peers and a more educated consumer base waking up to the value it has always offered. There is immense variety within the Laureato range, with cases in steel, titanium, ceramic, and gold. Whether in its 38mm size or 42mm size, you will always find an in-house automatic calibre and a 100-metre depth rating. And, in the 42mm size, you can also explore chronographs – one of which is notably in titanium. Price: starting at US$14,300 (in steel)

Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm

The porthole-like fins and bezel screws are common hallmarks of coveted integrated bracelet designs – but those two aspects are where the similarities end. When the renewed St. Moritz originally born in 1980 was launched as the Alpine Eagle, watch enthusiasts were drawn in thanks to its distinct eagle iris dial texture and bracelet shape with raised and squared centre links. It also made the market more familiar with Chopard’s Lucent Steel which is notably 50% harder than standard steel, and has a lustre more akin to what you would normally find with white gold – all while incorporating 80% recycled material. There are a plethora of sizes, dial colours, and materials to explore, all of which flex Chopard’s strong in-house calibres. Price: starting at US$14,800 (in Lucent Steel)

Louis Vuitton Tambour

Too often we see houses normally associated with fashion get flack from self-proclaimed watchmaking die-hards. In recent years, and with efforts to cultivate independent watchmakers outside of the brand and elevate in-house know-how, Louis Vuitton has become a prime example of  not counting out a brand that does it all. Sure, the catalogue was due for a bit of an overhaul. Today, Louis Vuitton watchmaking has never been stronger under the stewardship of Jean Arnault (Director of Louis Vuitton Watches) and watchmaking legends Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini. With the new generation of Tambour, Louis Vuitton was able to introduce a watch that offers everything most people love about integrated bracelet designs while having a distinct and chic aesthetic befitting the Louis Vuitton name on the dial. Quick spec-check: 40mm in diameter, a slender 8.3mm thick, various handsome dial colours and finishes, and various 50-metre water-resistant metal case options. Also, the micro-rotor calibre made by Les Cercle des Horlogers is quite a beaut as well. Price: starting at US$18,500 (in steel)

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Time Only Sky Blue Ceramic

There are now a ton of integrated bracelet watches from Hublot to explore, but, whereas for others on this list, I have showcased collections as a whole, here I want to hone in on a single model: the Big Bang Integrated Time Only Sky Blue Ceramic. Don’t blame Hublot, as they call it “Sky Blue”, but in a world where Tiffany Blue-incorporating watches are red hot, I think we can all agree this watch does a great job of scratching the itch. Hublot is objectively a master of coloured ceramics, and I have never seen another brand execute ceramic in this blue hue. The ceramic is finished well, and the bevelled edges of the case and bracelet links blended with the brushed surfaces are incredibly handsome in the “metal”. Inside the 40mm watch you have Hublot’s take on the Zenith Elite movement, and yet, all in all, the watch is priced very fairly comparable to its competitors from brands such as Audemars Piguet. Price: US$20,800

Speake-Marin Ripples

The Speake-Marin Ripples serves up some familiar integrated bracelet watch design cues as well, but, like the Alpine Eagle, it offers some very distinct aesthetic signatures that allow it to stand out. A Speake-Marin signature, the small seconds register is placed at a very unconventional position between 1 and 2 o’clock. Another point of distinction is its dial texture that, in some respects, feels like côtes de Genève, but is in fact inspired by British architecture. Equally attractive inside as it is outside, the Cercle des Horlogers micro-rotor calibre within is finely decorated to a level where you will wonder whether you want to wear the watch backward on your wrist. The watch is now offered with a variety of dial colours and versions with or without a date complication. Price: starting at US$22,900 (in steel)

H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds

Speaking of very distinct integrated bracelet designs, the H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Centre Seconds is arguably the most distinct – a silhouette that could never be confused with any other watch design. H. Moser & Cie is a brand that refuses to do watchmaking like others, a skilled rebel in the world of independent watchmaking. Overall Moser signatures are bold colours and clean dials that do not carry overt branding of the manufacture’s name. The Streamliner, while also utilising such signatures, stands out with a largely rounded, yet sharply angled cushioned form, and a bracelet that seamlessly embeds itself within the case that utilises wavy scalloped links. As you would expect from Moser, the movement is rather spectacular as well. The in-house automatic HMC 201 features 72 hours of power reserve, and is decorated with an anthracite treatment, double Moser striping, and fine bevelling. Price: US$24,100 (in steel)

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 end of their six-year partnership, would later become Patek Philippe. In 1845, Czapek & Cie was founded, and went on to have a celebrated run of creating fine timepieces that was cut relatively short in 1871 after the brand mysteriously disappeared. Then, the brand was be revived in 2012 as independent watchmaking was coming back to the forefront. Expectedly, the model that brought Czapek into the spotlight for collectors in the modern era was its watch that spoke to the integrated bracelet trend – the Czapek Antarctique. The watch carries a distinct aesthetic, with everything from the case to the bracelet being not reminiscent of other designs within the saturated category – something to be lauded. With its handsome external touches, and finely finished and highly openworked movement that bares all for gearheads to see, the Antarctique, available in a variety of colours, metals, and sizes, is an integrated-bracelet watch everyone at a watch meetup will ask you to take it off so they can try it on. Plus, you have quick-release bundled straps to play with as a bonus. Price: starting at US$25,000 (in steel)

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 41mm

Now we break into the Holy Trinity with Vacheron Constantin and its Overseas. Available in a variety of sizes, case and bracelet metals, and with varying complications, we are focusing in on the popular 41mm time and date models. The modern Overseas uses the brand’s logo as its inspiration, with its tonneau case outfitted with a Maltese cross-inspired bezel and bracelet. The Overseas is notably the only Holy Trinity integrated-bracelet watch that features a quick-release strap system that also allowed Vacheron Constantin to raise the bar by offering not one, but three total straps included: a metal bracelet, a rubber strap, and a leather strap. In combination with the fact there are a variety of references to explore, the three bundled straps allow you to make any Overseas you choose feel like more than one watch. The latest green and gold configuration has certainly garnered favour, but the boutique blue dial models will always be the crowd favourite. It is one of the best blue dials on the market. Price: starting at US$25,000 (in steel)

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, first launched in 1972, hardly requires any introduction. It is the Genta design that not only birthed the luxury steel trend, but also would initiate the integrated bracelet craze. There is a vast number of Royal Oak watches to explore today, but the model closest to the OG is the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin. Its octagonal bezel is so iconic that any brand using such a bezel form is accused of riding its coattails, and the same could be said for its bracelet design. Many would proclaim the Royal Oak to have the finest-finished case and bracelet of any watch today, and I would be inclined to agree – or at the very least not be able to safely refute. Price: starting at US$36,000 (in steel)

C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition Freedom

While independent watchmaking has come far more into focus as of late, Romain Gauthier is still relatively undiscovered by most. Known for intricate movements that boast some of the highest levels of decoration and finishing in the world (in particular drool-worthy interior anglage), Romain Gauthier has also thrown his hat into the integrated bracelet design ring with the C. Distinct in appearance and unconventionally utilising a crown at the 2 o’clock position, the C blends a rounded profile with angled breaks seen on the bezel and bracelet links. As a lesser-known model, let’s do a quick spec-check. The titanium-cased C clocks in at 41mm in diameter, 9.55mm thick, and 47.8mm lug-to-lug. Titanium watches are often associated with being lightweight, with much of the weight coming from the movement. Here the hand-wound, 60-hour calibre is executed in titanium as well. And despite using the lightweight and notoriously difficult to machine material, it’s exquisitely hand-decorated befitting of the Romain Gauthier name. Price: US$43,900

Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto

Laurent Ferrier, a third-generation watchmaker who formerly worked in Patek Philippe’s esteemed Advanced Research department, would launch his namesake brand in 2010 in an attempt to have free reign in realising fine watch designs of his own. Largely speaking, the catalogue is comprised of more classic, dressier timepieces. As an automotive lover and race car driver who notably finished just behind Paul Newman during a 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Ferrier would enter the integrated bracelet arena with his racing-inspired Sport Auto. Fashioned 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 both classic and sporty all in on. But, while a sporty watch, the in-house LF 270.01 micro-rotor movement is decorated to a very, very high standard. The calibre requires, according to Laurent Ferrier, more than 139 manual finishing operations – notably including anglage performed with gentian wood. The calibre of this calibre is what many wish they would find inside of Patek Philippe’s Nautilus. Price: US$54,000

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811/1G

A perfect segue, no integrated bracelet watch list would be complete without mentioning Genta’s second legendary design from 1976: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. While it was widely considered to be the most sought-after watch in the world, Patek Philippe stunned the world when they discontinued the coveted 5711/1A – bowing out from the catalogue at the peak of its hype. Uninterested in making simple time and date Nautilus watches anymore in steel (excluding the 7118), Patek would later introduce a white gold successor: the 5811/1G. At this stage, it is the only modern Nautilus that largely harkens to the original aesthetic. It is a shame that the entry price for a 5811 is above US$70k, but then again, how many of us, regardless of retail price, can actually expect to ever get an allocation for one? And, the 5811/1G at retail is still less expensive than sourcing a 5711/1A on the secondary market – again, if you somehow magically get an allocation. Price: US$70,110