5 of the best “Stormtrooper” watches
Fergus NashWhether it’s a car, a fridge or sneakers, some things just look fantastic in white. The only thing that can improve them further, is adding a strong black contrast. Affectionately given the nickname of stormtrooper, objects with this colour scheme radiate a sense of high-tech sophistication that just isn’t the same as something like a panda dial. Let’s take a look at some of the best stormtrooper watches out there, that would usually get lost in the worship of panda chronographs.
Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Whitepearl
Bold, clean, and full of attention-grabbing character, the Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Whitepearl looks like a spaceship emerging from snow. The forged carbon case with it’s near-organic streaks of grey is contrasted by the quirky white dial, easily legible thanks to Doxa’s hand-set and thick hour markers. Both the dial and the white parts of the markers are entirely luminous, essentially lighting up the whole watch like a beacon when underwater or in shadows. Not only are the specs of the 42.5mm case impressive with a comfortable 45mm lug-to-lug, but the Sellita SW200-1 movement is also COSC-certified for chronometer accuracy.
Price: A$6,390 in the T+T Shop
Casio G-Shock DW-6900NB-7
Of all the watches on this list, the Casio G-SHOCK SW-6900NB-7 is definitely the closest one to actually looking like a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet. It’s also the most affordable, with classic G-Shock features packed into a shock and water-resistant resin case. It’s definitely a large watch, coming in at 53.2mm x 50mm and 18.7mm thick, but the white resin helps to reduce the visual and physical bulk, as it only weighs 67 grams. Not only does the black dial and white case stand out from most digital watches, but it’s also completed with a negative display that integrates into the dial cleanly.
Price: A$149
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
If you’re a fan of the stormtrooper look but don’t want to stretch too far into stylised looks, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in white offers just a taste of the aesthetic while still remaining versatile. Even if you ignore the heritage and quality you get with a brand like Omega, the proportions of this watch are just stunning. The applied indices have blackened surrounds that are just thick enough to be perfectly legible without seeming over the top, and the ceramic dial with its laser-cut wave pattern offers subtle texture and intrigue. The calibre 8800 is one of Omega’s latest generations of in-house movement, featuring the famous co-axial escapement as well as Master Chronometer certification from METAS.
Price: A$9,575
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe”
IWC aren’t the fastest brand to adopt new developments, but they spend a their time perfecting their skills and ensuring their watches all contribute to the stablished IWC identity. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe” was a significant release in their timeline, introducing their pristine white ceramic in an entirely matte finish. Representative of the white uniforms worn by the US Navy as well as the snowy landscapes surrounding Lake Tahoe, this is a watch full of aviation references and technical achievement. The 44mm case embraces the pilot’s watch tradition of oversized cases, and the calibre 69380 provides 46 hours of power reserve and a column wheel chronograph.
Price: A$15,900
Hublot Big Bang Unico White Ceramic
The Big Bang Unico is one of the best examples of Hublot’s “Art of Fusion”, having been crafted in pretty much everything from purple aluminium to clear sapphire. This version in white ceramic is one of Hublot’s least adventurous colours considering its well-established stability as a material, however it does happen to be one of the most visually striking. The glossy sheen of the white case is sandwiched between black wings and the dial’s chapter ring, and the black edging continues along the lines of the ridged rubber strap. The HUB1280 Unico movement includes both a flyback chronograph complication as well as 72-hours of power reserve, marking it out as a technical success as well as an aesthetic one.
Price: A$33,100