Women's black silicone watch ERNEST

39 mm across: how it sits on the wrist

The case measures 39 mm in diameter. That is a diameter with presence: above the usual size for a women's watch, easy to read from across a room, and noticeable on a slim wrist. The metal sides are rounded rather than squared off, so the case follows the curve of the wrist instead of perching on top of it. On the right-hand side, the crown sits between two side buttons that carry on the same metal line.

A black bezel framing a white dial

The bezel is marked from 10 through to 60 and its black ring closes tightly around the white face. Grey-silver numerals, slim hands and a track of minute dots do the rest, with no accent colour anywhere to compete with them.

Three sub-dials, kept deliberately small

Three sub-dials are set into the centre of the face. They stay small enough that the main numerals still come first, and the white ground reads clearly between them.

The segmented silicone strap

The strap is black segmented silicone, moulded in short blocks that echo the ridges of the case, with a short white insert on each side where it meets the lugs. The same case comes in other colours if black feels too severe.

What the black and white goes with

Black and white go with almost anything: denim, camel, grey marl, a bright winter coat. If you would rather have a strap that buckles shut, our faux-leather alternatives are worth a look.

What the black ERNEST is made of

Cleaning the strap without dulling the metal

Wipe the strap and the case with a soft cloth, working into the grooves between the segments where dust settles. Household cleaners can dull the finish, so keep them well away.