Let’s Get Integrated: Five of Our Favorite Integrated Bracelet Sports Watches at Around $10,000

Not everyone loves a nice integrated bracelet watch in their collection, and there’s a few reasonable reasons why that may be. For one, you’re going to be stuck with the same bracelet for the rest of the watch’s natural life unless there’s an OEM leather or rubber equivalent offered by the brand (or perhaps on the aftermarket). Secondly, the integrated bracelet look can be somewhat of an acquired taste, not everyone is into that – and depending on the model the watch can appear dated, reminiscent of those oval cased watches of the past like the Universal Geneve Ultra-Slim Shadow on the Milanese bracelet. 

But, for those of us who have caught the integrated bug, there’s no telling the depths we will explore in order to find that perfect integrated bracelet watch. This is a segment that will require a little more patience and finesse to discover. Once you buy the watch you have your sights set on, you can’t change much about the look afterwards, and the saying buy once, cry once really fits this category here. 

Santos De Cartier

Starting the list off with an absolute classic, and if you want to start here – and end here, I’d have a hard time disagreeing with you. The Santos De Cartier is an absolute icon in the watch world, dating all the way back to 1904 when it was designed by Louis Cartier for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Its roots are deeply ingrained in the evolution of aviation and it retains the title of the world’s first pilot watch. 

Another neat aspect about this watch is the sheer number of variants available, from different sizes, quartz and mechanical movements, and a nice selection of dial colors. Naturally I would lean in the direction of the automatic variant with the caliber 1847 MC. The Santos De Cartier is available in a medium and large size, with the medium leaning towards a nice classic tailored fit and the large version offering a modern presence on the wrist. The white dial option is probably the most classic look with the high contrast of Cartier’s signature roman numerals, but the colored sunburst options really bring the look of this watch to the next level with variants in blue, green and the just recently launched earthy brown at this year’s Watches and Wonders 2024. 

One of the best aspects of this watch is its integrated bracelet, it’s simply superb in design and construction. The bracelet flows into the case of the watch and meets with the polished bezel providing a very congruent appearance. The bracelet is also fitted with screws, although not lined up like what you’d find on a Royal Oak, the screws give the watch a tool-like character not found on any other watch. 

Zenith Defy Skyline 36

The Defy Skyline 36 is a very streamlined watch. It has the same simple integrated look as say the Tissot PRX, which is another great option in the more affordable segment. What the Skyline does different is the infusion of Zenith’s prestigious watchmaking expertise, bringing this seemingly regular looking watch into luxury mode. Upon close inspection the watch has a lot more going on than first perceived, and this will be apparent with the design of the octagonal bezel that comes off as soft and subtle due to the perfect beveling along its edge and excellent light play with the transition from the brushed top to the high polished sides. 

The very clean, almost sterile looking dial, allows the angles of the bracelet integration and case shape to stand out as the main design feature. You’ll notice the dial has essentially no cluttering text beyond the Zenith logo at 12 o’clock, and the color matched date wheel fits in seamlessly with the rest of the baton markers around the dial. The dial does have a tapestry like star pattern on it, kind of like the fluted motif dials found on the now discontinued Rolex Datejust line. 

Coming in at 36mm, and with the combination of the strong tapering of the bracelet, this watch is a perfect fit for those with smaller wrists, or for enthusiasts who appreciate a classic fit.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato (pre-owned)

The Laureato has long been considered a great alternative to the Royal Oak, but I’d say that comparison does this watch a disservice since it has plenty of its own unique style features to differentiate it. While we’re back on the subject of the Royal Oak, I’ll take the opportunity to say; don’t attempt to replace a specific watch you’re after with an alternative, always seek out ways to acquire the watch that you want even if it takes longer, or requires more effort. Buying a watch as an alternative to another almost always results in disappointment in the long run, and you’ll end up eventually selling and losing money that you could have put towards your true first choice.

With that piece of advice out of the way, the Laureato is indeed a unique offering from a really great brand that specializes in high horology watchmaking. Yes, GP is often overlooked and not as hyped up as some other brands, but just have a look through their website and you’ll be amazed at some of their creations. The simple time only Laureato that we’re discussing here is truly one of their more obtainable models in terms of price, but it allows you to get into the door of a very prestigious watchmaker.

The Laureato is offered in both a 38mm and 42mm version, and they each have a nice selection of dial colors. The design of the watch is what I’d consider “very integrated”, that is to say the case shape really cannot be mistaken for a watch that could be compatible with other bracelets or straps. There’s little to no lug length here, rather the bottom of the case is essentially an extension of the bracelet designed to fit the H-Link like a puzzle. This gorgeous continuous flow is really what allows this watch to stand apart from the rest within the integrated bracelet segment. 

The rest of the watch is near perfection on the wrist, with a very slim fitting case of 10.9mm with the help of the automatic in-house calibre GPO3300. Indeed, the caliber is viewable through a display window caseback allowing you to admire the stunning hand finishing of the movement.

Chopard Alpine Eagle (pre-owned)

Here’s an option that steers away from the norm, a far cry away from the likes of Gerald Genta’s design influence, we have the Chopard Alpine Eagle. Is this also the only integrated bracelet watch on our list that has a round case and bezel? Absolutely.

If your idea of a watch with an integrated bracelet is to find something highly unique that makes its own statement without following any sort of trend, this would be a great option. Not only would you be getting something with its own clear design language, but you’re getting a piece of fine watchmaking from Chopard, one of the most prestigious Swiss high-horology brands established in 1860. 

The Alpine Eagle has somewhat of a Nautilus design cue on the case with the flared crown guards on both sides to maintain symmetry. Where the Alpine Eagle really stands out is its use of “Lucent Steel A223”, a unique alloy developed by Chopard themselves. The idea behind the special alloy was to create a steel that is more abrasion resistant, and one that glistens like white gold without the drawback of the softness often associated with precious metals. 

The Alpine Eagle’s bracelet is constructed with a very distinct three link design, with brushed outer links and a single polished center link. The bracelet also does not tapper as one would usually expect on an integrated bracelet watch. There’s plenty to discover on this watch like the use of screws on the bezel and the in-house built Chopard 09.01-C automatic movement that’s viewable through the display back.

Bulgari Octo Roma & Finissimo 

One of my personal favourites in the integrated segment is the Octo Finissimo from Bulgari. This is a watch that’s pushing the price boundaries of this exercise at its retail price, but it’s possible to find one within our price constraints nearly new on the pre-owned market. If you’re set on buying retail you could always swing for the Octo Roma, the Finissimo’s little brother – albeit you’d be settling on a touch less of an integrated look. 

Both of these watches are great examples of designs that have carved out their own path in the watch world, and have done so quite successfully over many years of production. There’s nothing else on the market that looks remotely like these two, and when on wrist they’re unmistakeable.

The Octo Finissimo has one of the most stunning micro-rotor movements ever, the caliber BVL13, an in-house built movement that’s renowned for its ultra-thin 2.23 mm thickness. The wafer-thin movement allows the watch case to be only 6.4 mm thick. It’s quite the experience to observe and feel this watch on the wrist. 

While the Roma is a step down in “wow” factor, it’s no slouch within its own terms. It’s equipped with the caliber BVL 191 with a power reserve of 42 hours. Unfortunately it lacks the micro-rotor of the Finissimo, opting for a traditional full-size rotor. Both models are available in a few choices of dial colors and with a variety of complications to choose from, with the time only grey dialed variants offering the sleekest look.