The integrated bracelet has become one of the most popular bracelet designs of all time, and for good reason. It’s timeless, sporty, elegant, and refined- what’s not to love? In this article, we’ll take a look at the best of the best, showcasing the 5 best watches with integrated bracelets of all time.
5. Santos De Cartier
Coming in at number 5 is the Cartier Santos De Cartier. First created in 1904, this watch has over a century of heritage, and its iconic design is still one of the best in the world to date.
The Santos De Cartier has one of the most elegant dials of all time. Adopting a square design, with massive Arabic numerals on the outside of the dial, and a smaller square pattern housing the hands, there’s really nothing else like the Santos on the market.
But what really sets the Santos De Cartier apart is that gorgeous integrated bracelet. Each individual link has been domed very slightly to add a layer of depth to the surface. The links are also fully brushed, giving the Santos an extra shine underneath light. And perhaps the most striking feature is the set of screws running down each end of the links. These screws match the case and add a sense of refinement to the Santos that you simply won’t find from other brands. (Just try to forget about the fact that the screws aren’t aligned!).
Ultimately, there’s a reason why the Cartier Santos De Cartier has remained popular for decades upon decades- it’s one of the classiest watches with an integrated bracelet in the world.
You can pick up a Santos De Cartier for $9,400 CA.
4. Vacheron Constantin Historique 222
Upping the ante a little, the number four spot goes to the Vacheron Constantin Historique 222. Priced at just under $75,000, this is definitely on the more aspirational side for most watch collectors. But, what you’re getting for the money is absolutely gorgeous.
The Historique 222 is comprised entirely of 18 Karat 3N yellow gold, and it’s safe to say that you’ll look like a member of the mafia whenever you wear it! Aside from this, the 222 is actually pretty subdued, opting for a very standard dial design, with basic indices, a date window at 3 O’clock, and Vacheron’s logo just below 12 O’clock.
The integrated bracelet design gives the 222 a very sporty feel and allows you to really dress it up or down. The diamond links are timeless, and give the 222 a flowing look on the wrist.
The 222’s heart is the Caliber 2455/2 Swiss-made movement. This movement uses 194 different parts, which is incredible for a date-only movement. It also uses 27 jewels, has a frequency of 4 hertz, and a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound.
3. Czapek Antarctique
Czapek is a very modern brand in the luxury watch world and doesn’t have the heritage of other brands like Rolex, Patek, and Omega. However, the company more than makes up for this with its bold designs, like its hit model- the Antarctique.
The Antarctique is either 38.5mm or 40mm, depending on the specific model that you go for, and there are plenty of different dial options to choose from. There’s a skeleton design, a more subtle black dial, a deep blue waffle-texture dial, and even a diamond-encrusted option. All of these look awesome, but if you’re looking for the most elegant, the ‘Sashiko’ and ‘Terre Adelie’ models are some of the best to go for.
Something that stays consistent throughout all the models, however, is the integrated bracelet. Using ‘C’ shaped links and a tapered design, this is easily one of the sportiest bracelet designs that you’ll see on the market today.
The bracelet has also been designed with comfort in mind, and Czapek has stated that “the comfort in every situation and lightness are as important as the timepiece’s visual and technical qualities”. To achieve this, wearers are able to micro-adjust the bracelet on the fly, to ensure maximum comfort.
You can pick up a Czapek Antarctique for around $37,000 CA, depending on the specific model you choose. Depending on where you live, a small import fee may also be added.
2. Patek Phillipe Nautilus
Taking the number two spot is arguably one of the most recognizable watches in the world- the Patek Phillipe Nautilus. Patek is renowned as one of the “big three” in the watch game, and the Nautilus is undoubtedly one of the best of the best.
Just like the Antartique, the Nautilus comes in a variety of sizes and dials, all adopting a ‘pie pan’ dial. Some of the most popular include the ‘Travel Time’ (Ref: 5990/1A-001), Rose Gold (Ref: 5712R-001), and of course the Tiffany dial (Ref: 5711/1A-018)
The bracelet on the Nautilus is simply gorgeous. The integrated design blends the case with the contours of the wearer’s wrist, giving it an effortlessly sporty, yet elegant, design. The use of both polishing and brushing on the bracelet and links enhances this elegance and makes the Nautilus look even better under artificial light.
The specific movement in the Nautilus varies from piece to piece, but all are made in-house and have an accuracy of -3/+2 seconds per day.
The only sticking point with the Nautilus? The price. Everyone and their mother wants one of these timepieces, and as such, prices can range from a few hundred thousand to $6.5 million USD for popular models like the ‘Tiffany’ dial.
1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
And finally, the king of the integrated bracelet space is undoubtedly the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Another one of the big three, AP is one of the most prestigious watch brands of all time, and its most popular timepiece is, without a shadow of a doubt, the Royal Oak. But what makes it so special?
Well, for starters, the Royal Oak has one of the sportiest designs that you’ll see. The octagonal case, coupled with 8 hexagonal screws is so unique and loud. The excellent brushing on the case and ‘waffle’ textured dial add to this refined, sporty look. And the integrated bracelet is just the icing on the cake, giving the Royal Oak a chunky and sporty feel on the wrist.
Furthermore, the Royal Oak has one of the most impressive movements on the market. Again, the specific movement varies between models, but every single Royal Oak has a very high accuracy and is made with the most robust materials available.
Finally, the sheer variety that the Royal Oak lineup offers is incredible. You can opt for a more subtle dial like the textured black Supersonnerie (Ref: 26591TI.OO.1252TI.03) or go completely crazy with the Grande Complication (Ref. 26605CB.OO.1248CB.01). skeleton dial with four dials!
Prices for the Royal Oak start at around $70,000 CA.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, the five best watches with integrated bracelets. Ultimately, these watches perfectly embody what the integrated bracelet is all about: sportiness, refinement, and quality.
Is there anything that you would add to this list? If so, let us know your picks in the comments box below!
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