Introducing Earthen’s Debut Summit Collection of Ceramic Watches for Skiing and Active Lifestyle
The Hong Kong–based brand, created by watch enthusiasts, is setting out to democratize ceramic watches and make its mark.
Johnathan Chan is a passionate watch collector I first met at last year’s Geneva Watch Days. He is also a co-founder of the Hong Kong Horology Club. Despite his young age, he already has collaborations with Cartier, Sartory Billard, Habring², Sylvain Pinaud, Trilobe, and Holthinrichs, a lineup that many watch clubs would envy. I even wrote an interview with him last February.
In June this year, I visited Hong Kong and Johnathan reached out with something new to show me. We met in a Central coffee shop, and I hardly recognized the watches on the table, or even the brand itself. No wonder, they were prototypes for a new watch brand he and his partner Stanley were preparing to launch.
The ceramic-cased field watches, inspired by Alpine ski trips, gave off a fresh and youthful outdoor vibe as I tried them on. After hearing the price, I couldn’t help but tell Johnathan, “I want to buy one.”
At first, I was surprised that Johnathan was taking the plunge to launch a watch brand. But after reflecting on his past collaborations, it felt like a natural next step. He wanted to create something from ground up, this time under his own banner.
The debut of the new watches is scheduled for August 31 at 9pm Hong Kong time (GMT+8). The slope is ready, let’s take a run.
Affordable Ceramic Watches
When I think of ceramic watches, three brands immediately come to mind. First is Rado, the pioneer in using ceramic for watch cases and bracelets. I still recall their TV ads from my childhood promoting these innovative creations.
Second is Audemars Piguet, known for reserving ceramic cases and bracelets for its high-end models, such as the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in deep blue ceramic (Ref. 15416CD.OO.1225CD.01). Third is IWC, a brand that has embraced ceramic broadly, using it for Pilot’s Watches in green, blue, brown, and white, along with the black Ingenieur Automatic 42.
Ceramic offers several advantages. It resists scratches, remains light for daily and outdoor wear, can be made in various colors, and its surface can be finished with striking textures. Yet, because of high production costs, ceramic has not been widely adopted. Rolex, for instance, uses it only for bezels in some models.
Earthen aims to change that. The name itself, meaning “made of or resembling earth or clay,” points directly to ceramic. Johnathan and his team intend to make ceramic accessible with watches priced under $1,000.
The Summit Collection
The brand’s first release is a trio of field watches designed to be “ceramic tough” and adventure ready. Inspired by Alpine skiing, the series is aptly called the Summit Collection. These are versatile companions for ski trips, outdoor pursuits, and everyday wear.
“We’re not watchmakers—we’re collectors and designers first,” says Johnathan Chan, Co-founder of Earthen Company. “Our goal? Take everything we love about watches—the thrill of a vintage design, the innovation of modern materials—and make it accessible. Ceramic is our secret weapon: it doesn’t scratch, plays with color like no other material, and lets us reimagine classic styles for today’s adventurers.”
The three models reflect shifting mountain conditions: Overcast (all black), Whiteout (black dial with white case), and Blue Bird (all white). Each is a time-only watch with a 38 mm ceramic case and slim profile. Every watch includes two straps, a sailcloth rubber and a NATO.
Behind the closed caseback is the Miyota 9039 automatic movement, part of a Citizen company’s premium 90-series. The timing accuracy is rated as ｰ10～＋30 sec/day and the power reserve is 42 hours. Measuring only 3.9 mm in thickness, this movement enables a thin, minimalist design.
Each model in the Summit Collection is priced at $899 before taxes.
Here are some pictures of the Overcast provided by Earthen:
Here are the Whiteout:
Lastly, the Blue Bird:
Intriguing Details
As the brand’s first release, the Summit Collection comes under a logo inspired by Alpine adventure and downhill skiing. Positioned above the 6 o’clock marker, it aligns perfectly with the sweeping counterweight of the seconds hand once per minute.
Each model has its own lume personality: Whiteout glows blue, Overcast blends blue and green, and Blue Bird shines with full-dial lume. With designs this good, how do you even choose?
The ceramic cases are finished with various methods including sandblasting, brushing, and polishing. These contrasts create striking visual effects, more pronounced on the black case than on the white. It is clear that Earthen and its manufacturing partners have invested great effort into refining surface treatments.
How to Order
Each Summit Collection model is priced at $899 before taxes and duties. The first run is limited to 100 pieces per design, with restocks planned immediately afterward. Orders can be placed through the Earthen website, and updates are shared on Instagram at @earthen.company.
The toughest part may be deciding which model to own. I’m drawn to the Blue Bird’s color scheme, yet the Overcast has my favorite lume design. The Whiteout, with its black dial and white case, offers a striking contrast. A difficult choice indeed.
The Earthen team has delivered a labor of love for enthusiasts at this price point. With the Summit Collection, ceramic watchmaking feels much more approachable, giving every watch lover the chance to enjoy this exciting material. They’re perfect companions for your next adventure.
Congratulations to Johnathan (@watchbruh) and Stanley (@hosls) for bringing their vision to life.
