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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.
