Is titanium the new "hot" metal?

[EdwardC]

At the high horology level, in the past I believe only AP is the only popular brand that makes titanium models. Of course we have more affordable brands like Oris, Omega, Seiko/Grand Seiko producing titanium watches for awhile. And rare examples like de bethune been using titanium too. But now we are seeing Tudor and Rolex doing that, in addition to more indy brands like Czapek.

So, is this a coming out year for titanium?

[syzygy]

Perhaps! I think people are starting to look for something more different than steel, yet without the exponential increase and "flashiness" of a precious metal.

To me, I don't particularly care for the "dullness" that often comes with titanium, and weight is never a deal-breaker for me so I would most likely prefer steel over titanium. But I get that sometimes it's a more comfortable metal to wear, especially for larger watches. The more variety, the better so bring it on!

[llngoc]

Many brands have been doing titanium. GF, MB&F, Voutilainen and many more have been doing titanium for a while. Now, if we can see more tantalum…

[raclaims]

Brands have really figured out titanium from AP to Lange to the indies and even vacheron now. I love it.

[ap1]

All the cool kids are doing it ~ agree it’s in right now and since these guys are all out of ideas they copy each other

[HMHM]

At this point, I think Titanium has already lost its attraction simply because it's no longer used in specialised products that had a purpose. Now it is just a metal for every brand to jump on the bandwagon. Great in terms of lightness, but lack the lustre of SS or PM.

[Schmed]

I almost think the lower density of Ti makes a watch feel cheap. But... titanium is VERY resistant to corrosion, so that's neat. You could soak it in a bucket of bleach every night with no issues. Try that with your Sub and you'll not be happy.

[ts3]

Historically, IWC was among the first to use titanium in many of their 1980s and 1990s tool watches. I had a titanium GST chrono for a while and found the blasted titanium aged less well than my steel watches. I prefer the use of titanium when it matters - mostly for light bicycle, car, or plane parts.

[Lukla]

I think Rolex will come out with their main models in Titanium this year, It is definitely a trend.

[llngoc]

We still have tantalum, niobium and palladium if we want something special.

[enjoythemusic]

Breitling's been using it for many years. The original Emergency Titanium E76321 43mm Superquartz movement.

[phiberoptiks]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Many brands have been doing titanium. GF, MB&F, Voutilainen and many more have been doing titanium for a while. Now, if we can see more tantalum…

Would love more tantalum examples! Certainly a niche.

[mongrelnomoad]

How about Palladium? This 1969 Grand Seiko 6185-8010 VFA in a palladium alloy is a true grail.








(Images from The Grand Seiko Guy)

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by Schmed

I almost think the lower density of Ti makes a watch feel cheap. But... titanium is VERY resistant to corrosion, so that's neat. You could soak it in a bucket of bleach every night with no issues. Try that with your Sub and you'll not be happy.

Why, what happens to a stainless steel Submariner if it's soaked in bleach?

[brandrea]

Does anyone know if Rolex makes their own Ti?

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by phiberoptiks

Would love more tantalum examples! Certainly a niche.

The new Moser tantalum perpetual looks very good. I have a bespoke tantalum watch coming from the small Finnish independent Koivukoski . And another pair of tantalum from the well known Finnish independent. Also, crossing my fingers to hope for a FPJ CB allocation someday.

As you can see, I have some affinity to Tantalum :-)

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

How about Palladium? This 1969 Grand Seiko 6185-8010 VFA in a palladium alloy is a true grail.


(Images from The Grand Seiko Guy)

This is indeed special. It is brushed and all other palladium watches I have seen are polished.

[GB-man]

I’ve been a titanium watch lover since I was gifted a Swiss army in titanium some 25 years ago. I put a huge value in comfort on wrist and am sensitive to weight. If it’s PM it better be thin and on a strap for me.

Here’s my two favorites in titanium

[PhilLynott]

I appreciate the place it has in the watch world but titanium is definitely not for me. I need to feel the watch on wrist remember trying on a pelagos and just couldnt do it.

[londonpilgrim]

From the Casio MRG to the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto, my favourite pieces are titanium.

[Moose500]

I had a Pelagos that was my daily wearer for work and beat it up. I was bummed that Tudor would not polish it as part of their service. To me that is a drawback of titanium, but maybe other watch brands will do the polishing service.

[sportsfan0704]

I understand the WHY behind the use of titanium in watches, but sometimes "too light" feels like "too cheap." I want to feel my watch, especially if it was expensive, to know its there.

[tedo]

I find this quite appealing, and certainly high horology.

[WatchEater666]

High polish titanium looks great imo. Hublot’s integral series uses it and it’s awesome n

[ndrs63]

We’ll definitely see more new titanium models introduced at W&W. Titanium is lighter, more scratch resistant, has a subdued shine. There is clearly a push in that direction, albeit I’m not crazy about it TBH


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[alphadweller]

Not new nor hot.