Titanium watches offer the modern man a lot of advantages. Not only are they lightweight, but they’re also corrosion and temperature-resistant. Welcome to my guide to the best men’s titanium watches.
Titanium watches are incredibly robust and lightweight. The machining process for making titanium watches is different from more conventional watches like stainless steel.
The material is becoming increasingly popular for its qualities as a tool watch.
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Advantages of Titanium Watches
The most common type of titanium used in watchmaking is grade 5. It offers an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. In fact, titanium is around 40% lighter than stainless steel and 3-4 times stronger.
The material’s high-tensile properties allow for a robust and lightweight watch for all manner of outdoor and indoor pursuits.
The aerospace and spacecraft industry uses Grade 5 titanium. The material is exceptionally resilient. Thanks to its many advantageous properties, titanium watches are less susceptible to heat, magnetism, and abrasion.
Titanium also has great qualities for use in sports watches. Its dark metallic grey shimmer evokes a modern, high-tech look.
Popular Titanium Watches
You may have seen titanium cases used in some of the world’s most popular watch designs. The Avenger, Super Avenger, and Aerospace watches are Breitling’s most celebrated takes on the titanium watch.
IWC also uses titanium in its Ingenieur watch collection. In actual fact, the brand was one of the first manufacturers to produce watches in titanium. At the time, many rivals were experimenting with gold, platinum, or steel, enabling IWC to stand out.
The iconic Porche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 is no longer in production, increasing its desirability on the market.
Hublot Titatanium Watches
Of course, it wouldn’t be worth talking about titanium watches without mentioning one particular pioneer of innovative materials. Hublot, the Nyon-based company, has a distinctive identity and makes watches from some unusual materials.
Its metallurgy and materials department developed the patented Magic Gold alloy in 2011, known for its scratch resistance. Yet its use of titanium watches is also well-documented.
The Classic Fusion watch range offers titanium versions, not to mention their iconic Big Bang series. Despite the large and imposing size of some Hublot watches, their titanium cases still wear very comfortably on the wrist.
The Expense of Titanium Watches
One small thing to note about Titanium is that the material is not cheap. Some titanium watches can actually cost more than a gem-set timepiece. It might surprise you to know that titanium isn’t a rare element, but the processes involved in watchmaking are more costly than others.
As an oxide, titanium is taken from the Earth’s crust, where it is found as an oxide. The oxygen and titanium compound forms in rocks and sand. Predominantly mined in Canada, South Africa, and Scandinavia, the mining process requires lots of energy and resources.
Refining and perfecting titanium watch cases took a while. Up until the 1980s, brands were still researching and overcoming obstacles.
The material needs cooling properly and is incredibly difficult to work with. Considering all these factors, it’s clear to see why titanium watches cost more than stainless steel.
Some of the Best Men’s Titanium Watches
There are so many titanium watches to choose from on the market right now. Here are a few of the best.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Titanium
Over the last few years, we have seen a rapid expansion of the Octo Finissimo line by Bulgari. What’s more, the brand offers the watch in this sandblasted titanium case, which looks exceptionally stylish.
The titanium version lives and breathes the Octo Finissimo concept perfectly. Its 40mm is a bit large for those with smaller wrists, but passable for most.
A sapphire glass front seals the watch adequately.
If you flip this titanium watch over, you get to watch the Calibre BVL 138 perform behind a sapphire exhibition case back.
The watch also boasts a recognizable dial font. Crisp black Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock and balance the remaining stick markers.
The dial also features the off-center sub-dial for the subsidiary small seconds at 7 o’clock.
Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium 38
I spoke earlier about the expense of titanium watches. Here is where Hamilton stands out. The
Hamilton Khaki Field watch is probably one of the very few affordable alternatives out there. It comes in a larger 42mm option, yet the 38mm is particularly vintage-looking. Its brushed titanium case accompanies a green or blue dial as well as black PVD options.
Powering the hands around the dial of the Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium is the Caliber H-10.
It’s the brand’s version of the steadfast Powermatic 80 movement, offering a power reserve of 80 hours once fully wound.
Perhaps the most tasteful feature of the watch is its brown calf leather strap. It just pairs so well with the military green tones of the dial.
Longines Avigation BigEye
If you like the Spirit Titanium and Ultra-Chron Diver, you’ll love the Longines Avigation BigEye. The brand uses the lightweight material as a base for this stunning blue dial watch, complete with the pilot’s chronograph features.
Thanks to its reduced weight, its case thickness of 14.5mm is barely noticeable. The 41mm model shows off a blue-to-black gradient dial with striking Arabic numerals in an unusual brown lume.
A brown leather strap completes the look of this Longines chronograph watch, as do the black concentric circle-filled chrono sub-counters.
Breitling Super Avenger
The lightweight case of the Super Avenger Chronograph 48 Night Mission is just one of its appealing qualities. Look closer, and you’ll see that Breitling packs in all features needed for night-based missions.
A black DLC-coated finish across the case gives the titanium model extra protection and stealth.
The huge 48mm watch also features a blue dial to match its blue military leather band and chronograph complication.
The Arabic numerals on the dial of this titanium watch by Breitling evoke the stenciled numbers used on aircraft carriers. The Breitling 13 automatic movement powers this 300-meter water-resistant watch.
IWC Ingenieur
The IWC Ingenieur 40mm model is a true heir to the original Gerald Genta design. Its sandblasted titanium case gives the model some nice texture. It also wears thin at a depth of 10.7mm.
Behind a closed caseback is the caliber 32111. It sits inside a 100-meter water-resistant case and sends the hands around a beautifully textured silver dial.
Its beautiful form, perfected by the distinct crown design, underscores the character of this popular sports watch.
The design language of the model is still evident in this modern Ingenieur watch. It promises superb ergonomics combined with the charm of the steel sports watch era.
Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
Based on the X-33 Skywalker, the digital Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer has a broad 45mm titanium case that demands attention.
The Speedmaster range itself is impressively vast, so there are many options to peruse. But this X-33 Marstimer watch has a red hermetic bezel color inspired by the dust on Mars.
The Speedmasters watch’s connection to space couldn’t be more prominent than in this design. Its Grade 2 titanium case and bracelet are also perfect for enjoying dressier attire.
What’s more, a thermo-compensated quartz caliber 5622 lies at the heart of this watch. It joins the model’s solar compass in unique features, constituting a great collector’s piece.
FAQs
As with any decision in life, there are pros and cons to weigh up. To help you decide whether to opt for a titanium watch or not, take a look at some FAQs.
Are Titanium Watches Worth It?
Titanium is a tough metal and will last a long time. It is for this reason that many watch enthusiasts choose titanium over stainless steel. Although more expensive, it offers an ideal strength-to-weight ratio, making it a great choice for sports and tool watches.
What Is the Disadvantage of Titanium Watches?
Aside from the expense of a titanium watch, the material is not completely scratch-proof. Over time, a titanium watch may pick up minor scratches, but then again, what material doesn’t?
How Long Do Titanium Watches Last?
The good news about titanium is that watches made from this material are tough and durable. If you spend good money on a titanium watch made by a reputable luxury watch brand, it will probably last a lifetime.
The Takeaway: Titanium is Tough
With so many impressive releases, titanium watches are becoming much more exceptional. Many brands have turned their hand to making a titanium watch or two.
Today, you can enjoy everything from a sporty chronograph to a classic dress watch in titanium.
Titanium watches will be just as popular and just as lightweight in years to come. But will they be as expensive?
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