Traditionally, gold has been the standard material used for watches, but over the years styles and looks have changed. Materials widely used in the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries have permeated horology, inspiring watchmakers to experiment with new lightweight elements and fusions such as:
Stainless Steel
Ceramic
Titanium
Carbon Fiber
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)
Diamond-like Carbon (DLC)
Gold
Rubber/Silicone
Let’s see their difference:
STAINLESS STEEL
Made of iron-carbon alloy mixed with chromium and nickel
Features
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Highly corrosion-resistant
Other uses
Architecture, monuments, bridges, automotive and aerospace structures, surgical instruments
CERAMIC
Made of zirconium oxide, a non-metallic material created by the action of heating and cooling
Features
- Durable, lightweight, scratch-resistant, smooth and modern
- Can be produced in a variety of hues and finishes
Other uses
Jet engines, heat shield that protects NASA space shuttle
TITANIUM
Titanium alloyed with iron, aluminum, vanadium, molybdenum, or other metals
Features
- Lightweight, durable, dent and corrosion-resistant
- Non-allergenic
- Highest strength-to-weight ratio
Other uses
Aerospace, naval ships, performance/racing automotive, wide range of medical instruments and sporting goods
CARBON FIBER
Carbon thermally decomposed into braided fibers and surrounded by resin
Features
- Tough
- Lightweight
- Contemporary style
Other uses
Aviation, military, space, aeronautic, and medical instruments
PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION (PVD)
Steel with a vacuum coating of oxides, carbides or nitrides, deposited by ionic attraction
Features
- Increased durability
- Reduced friction on metal components
Other uses
Military, automotive, and aerospace
DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON (DLC)
Carbon coating with similar properties to diamond
Features
- Ultra-hard with strong resistance to wear and scratches
- Low friction; slick
- Resilient to damage or coating dents from physical shock
Other uses
Engines of modern super sport motorcycles, Formula 1 race cars, NASCAR vehicles, aeronautics
A metal in which fineness (the percentage of pure gold versus the percentage of base metals) is expressed in karats. 18 karat gold (75 percent pure gold) is standard for watch cases and high grade jewelry in white, yellow, rose and red gold. This is obtained by adjusting the proportions of copper and silver in the 25% of the alloy not consisting of gold.
Yellow Gold
To create the beautiful color of yellow gold, pure gold is alloyed with a combination of silver and copper. The bold color creates a timeless and classic look for a fine timepiece that will never go out of style.
White Gold
To create the stunning color of white gold, pure gold is alloyed with a combination of nickel, copper, zinc and palladium. A common color choice in watches, white gold is a more subtle look over yellow gold.
Red/Pink/Everose Gold
RUBBER/SILICONE
A rubber-like material comprised of silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Features
- Heat and cold resistant
- Good weatherability
- Water repellent
- Pleasant to the touch with a high-grade feel
Other uses
Medical applications, consumer electronics, office automation, automobiles, electrical wiring, food
