There is an incredible range of watches of materials available when it comes to creating a deluxe timepiece. Each has its own advantage, cost consideration, and aesthetic appeal. The material for use in a watch affects how it feels on your wrist, including its form and function. It could even determine the timepiece’s longevity.
These precious metals were commonly accessible hundreds of years ago. The use of gold, silver, and platinum in watchmaking reflects the origins of the watchmaking and jewelry businesses. It wasn’t until the twentieth century that gold was no longer the most popular material for watch cases.
Things were changing as watchmaking evolved itself into a distinct art form and other industries such as medical, aerospace, and automotive began to emerge. Watchmakers were willing to experiment with new materials as they became more common. Overall, this is an important factor to consider when shopping for your next luxury timepiece.
5 rare elements for making valuable timepieces
Case materials continued to evolve at a faster rate than ever before in the latter half of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century. Watchmakers began using titanium in the 1970s. While it is even lighter and more durable than stainless steel, it could be more expensive.
With so many options – and so many factors to consider – a comprehensive guide to luxury watch materials is available. Because, regardless of the benefits, the choice ultimately depends on the preference. Below are some of the rich and exceptional materials available.
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Platinum
A platinum case elevates a luxury watch to new heights. It is not only the most expensive metal, but it is also the heaviest. As a result, platinum is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Platinum is a difficult metal to work with, so watchmakers use it sparingly.
Platinum is a rare precious metal that is 30 times more expensive than gold. Because it is usually 95 percent pure and naturally white, it will not fade or tarnish. It is the most valuable precious metal and is primarily used for cases on high-end premium timepieces.
Platinum’s density makes it extremely durable. Because it is hypoallergenic, it is excellent for people with sensitive skin. Despite its high price, it has a unique property that makes it popular for expensive watches. There is no loss of volume when platinum scratches.
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Titanium
Titanium is a gray metal that is stronger and lighter than steel. It has a tougher structure that provides even more durability at a lower weight. A titanium watch is an excellent companion when embarking on an activity that requires as little impediment as possible. Titanium is ideal for sport and utility watches.
Titanium watches and jewelry are also highly corrosion resistant, so sweat, salt, water, and acids pose no problem. Another significant advantage of titanium is that it is hypoallergenic, which means that it does not react to the skin of the wearer in 99 percent of cases.
It is available in 28 grades, with grades 1-4 becoming the purest titanium. In the world of watchmaking, there isn’t a tougher material. Titanium watches fill two needs: their toughness makes them perfect for diving and sports. They also bridge the gap between entry-level steel models and precious metal timepieces. Even so, fantastic titanium watches such as the Tudor Pelagos, Hublot Classic Fusion, and Breitling Emergency are available.
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Gold
In the world of luxury watches, gold is unbeatable. It’s a classic quality indicator and the material of choice for many of the world’s most prestigious wristwatches. Nothing surpasses gold when it comes to dressing watches or high-end gold watches.
Gold is commonly available in the manufacture of a variety of watch elements and most delicate parts of the movement. This precious metal is too malleable in its purest form. As a result, it is combined with other metals like silver, copper, and palladium to provide the necessary hardness and mechanical resistance. The resulting alloy is more durable and resistant to tarnishing.
Its fineness is measured in carats, which represent the proportion of gold to other base metals. Although 24-carat gold is the purest, many luxury watches use 18-carat gold. This means that 75 percent is pure gold, with the remaining 25 percent being of other metals.
A gold watch is a way to go if you want an investment piece that will stand the test of time. The Rolex President and the IWC Portuguese are two of our favorite gold models.
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Stainless steel
For good reason, stainless steel has become the most popular case material. It’s readily available, simple to work with, and inexpensive for watchmakers. It’s also inexpensive, hypoallergenic, and long-lasting for collectors.
The metal is an iron alloy containing carbon, chromium, and nickel, which makes it scratch and corrosion-resistant. Rolex, on the other hand, has its own stainless steel variant, 904L, that is slightly more scratch and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel is the ideal case material for the ever-popular tool and sports watches that need to be tough. The majority of manufacturers build their cases out of 316L stainless steel. This ensures high-quality watches.
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Diamond-like carbon
DLC is an abbreviation for diamond-like carbon, which refers to layers with hardnesses of up to 3,000 Vickers. In comparison, plaster, which can be scratched with a fingernail, has a hardness of 36 Vickers, while a diamond has a hardness of 10,060 Vickers. In comparison, plaster has a hardness of 36 Vickers that are scratched with a fingernail.
PVD (physical vapor deposition) and DLC (diamond-like carbon) are two metal treatments or coatings that watchmakers can apply. To bond these materials to a metal case, watchmakers employ a specific chemical process. The final outcome is both functional and attractive. DLC is resistant to wear and tear, so your timepiece will never lose its brightly shining luster.
The coating has the advantage of preventing the watch from changing color over time. Furthermore, they offer an incredibly unique and sleek black color for the case. Chopard, Panerai, and Ulysse Nardin have been using PVD and DLC coating to give classic models a modern update.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main theme of this post is to inform 5 valuable materials that construct strong and extravagant watches. The basic element in creating any type of product is the construction materials. In the case of watches, the above-mentioned materials are the basis of realistic timepieces. The material determines the watch’s durability, style, look and feel against your skin. It has an impact on the environments in which it will thrive, its strength, and the care necessary to keep its beauty.
The majority of materials are noble metals in the manufacturing of watches. Automatic watches are also available in these precious materials. Major swiss automatic watch companies use these materials to create stylish or appealing watches for their customers.
