Montre titane Bulgari Octo Finissimo

Why Has This Alloy Become Essential?


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).

Artya Wavy Wavy HMS Mirror watch

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.

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