MATERIAL GAINS

A short essay on popular types of watch materials

Wristwatches come in many forms and sizes.  Wristwatches also come in a variety of materials ranging from the most affordable: plastic, to the most esoteric: ceramic alloy.  Alas, despite being the more affordable option the former is often petroleum-based and is known to have a large carbon footprint causing a significant environmental impact. 

This is why a popular Swiss brand recently came out with an esoteric but affordable material called “bio-ceramic,” a bio-derived hybrid plastic-and-ceramic material partially made from castor beans and other renewable resources.  Unfortunately, when is affordable become too affordable, which is exactly the case with this hybrid material, which for better or for worse retains all the less than upstanding qualities of truly affordable (read: cheap) plastic.

This is why traditional watchmaking can never go wrong with traditional materials, the most popular of which, of course, is stainless steel.  Definitely, the go-to material of most (if not all) watchmakers, stainless steel is durable, corrosion-resistant, and offers a sleek and classic look that will never break the bank.  Best of all, stainless steel can pull double duty with aplomb and is so versatile it is suitable for both casual and formal wear.

Then there is gold, which runs the gamut of yellow, white or rose.  This precious metal often adds luxury and elegance to any watch but is often an alloy mixed with other materials because solid gold watches are highly valued but tend to be more expensive.  A gold-plated alternative cuts the cost even more and is a layer of gold coating over a base metal, offering a more affordable option.

Next up is titanium, a lightweight and robust metal commonly used in high-end and sports watches.  It is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties and is favored by those seeking a high-end albeit durable and lightweight timepiece.

Not to be forgotten is platinum.  Usually seen only in the most high-end watches, the use of platinum is definitely rare, and adds the dimension of “heft” to most applications.  Indeed, processing platinum, as well as finishing it requires special craftsmanship due to its very dense, malleable and ductile characteristics.  This is probably why almost every platinum cased watch tends to sell at a significant premium over their more “pedestrian” 18K gold or even titanium brethren.

Gaining increasing popularity over the years is high-tech ceramic, a highly scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, and lightweight material that can be produced in various colors, including black, white, and vibrant hues.  The go-to material of watchmakers who want something “different,” ceramic offers a very high-tech look giving the watches that benefit from it a very sleek and modern appearance.

Those looking for a little more “bling” often choose to bring precious stones into their life.  Indeed, many luxury watchmakers incorporate precious stones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies into their creations.  These stones are often set on the dial, bezel, or even the entire watchcase, adding a touch of opulence and glamour to the proceedings.

Straps and bracelets can benefit from different materials as well.  While stainless steel is the defacto choice for sports watches, leather is often the traditional choice for dress watches.  Indeed, leather offers a comfortable and stylish option, with a range of textures, colors, and patterns available.  Different types of leather, in fact, such as calfskin, alligator, or ostrich, can be used to create different and distinct effects.

Straps made of rubber or silicone, on the other hand, is often used in sports and casual watches. They are durable, water-resistant, and provide flexibility and comfort and are known for their sporty and contemporary aesthetic.  While fabric or nylon straps offer a more casual and relaxed style. They are lightweight, breathable, and often used in military or outdoor-themed watches. NATO straps, made from nylon, have gained popularity due to their durability and versatility.

In the end, the choice of watch material often depends on personal preferences, as well as the desired style, and intended use of the watch.  It may affect a timepiece’s price point dramatically, but the correct choice of material can and will benefit the watch and the watch’s user in the long run.