Formerly reserved for aerospace and the medical field, titanium has established itself in watchmaking as a material of choice. Lighter than steel, more resistant to corrosion, hypoallergenic and modern, it embodies a new vision of luxury: technique, discreet and comfortable. But what explains this craze? What brands are on him and why? This article deciphers the reasons for its success.

What is titanium?

Titanium is a silver gray metal, discovered in 1791, known for its unique combination of Lightness, resistance and chemical inertia. It weighs around 40 % less than steel while being just as robust. In addition, he does not rust, even in a salt environment, which makes him ideal for diving watches.

Why do clocks use it?

Titanium has several major advantages:

• Lightness : Ideal for large watches or for a comfortable daily port.
• Corrosion resistance : Perfect for humid or sailor environments.
• Hypoallergenic : Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Modern look : Its mat and technical appearance is very appreciated.

Titanium is also a vector of innovation: some houses combine it with other materials (carbon, ceramic, rubber) or apply special treatments (duratect, sandblasting, microbillage).

Titanium grades used in watchmaking

We mainly distinguish:

• Grade 2 : pure, easy to work, light, but less resistant to scratches.
• Grade 5 : titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy, more solid, more resistant, more complex to machine.
• Grade 9 and 23 : rarer, but used for medical or highly technical applications.

These grades influence the price, sustainability and finishing possibilities. Discover more in our guide to titanium grades.

Titanium: luxury material or technical revolution?

Some amateurs regret the "weight of luxury" given by steel or gold, but for others, the lightness of the titanium is a major asset. More discreet, more comfortable, more technical, titanium strengthens the image of an innovative watchmaking, in line with its time.

Brands that bet on titanium

• Citizen : pioneer with the X8 Chronometer (1970), inventor of Super Titanium.
• IWC : first Swiss to market titanium with the Porsche Design Titan Chronograph.
• Rolex : Deepsea Challenge and Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium (grade 5).
• Bulgari,, Tudor,, Omega,, Mido,, Longines,, Bell & Ross,, Pequignet,, Artya … All of them offer titanium collections today.

What uses for what watches?

Titanium is frequently used for:

• THE diving watches : lightness, corrosion resistance.
• THE Sports or connected watches : Comfort in the port.
• THE Contemporary dressed watches : modern and refined aesthetic.

Some models combine titanium and other materials for even more performance (Hublot, Herbelin, Tag Heuer).

The titanium has conquered watchmaking for good reasons: technical, modern, sustainable material, it is part of a dynamic of innovation. Increasingly accessible, it is called to become a standard, far beyond niche watches. An intelligent choice for the future? No doubt.

Faq

• Why choose a titanium watch rather than steel?For its lightness, comfort and corrosion resistance.
• Is titanium more expensive?Yes, due to its machining difficulty, but prices are democrating.
• Is it a lasting material?Yes, the titanium is very resistant and offers excellent longevity.