While checking the watch specifications around on the internet we commonly face cases made of stainless steel and titanium as well. Both metals are used to make the cases and bracelets of many watches manufactured these days. Sure there are also other materials used like bronze, aluminum, chrome, ceramic, plastic, and more. Well, stainless steel and titanium are the most frequently used ones. Each one of them has its pros and cons, and when it comes to picking the best of them, it is a matter of choice. And sure, other factors like the movement of the watch, its features, and overall aesthetics have a havier impact on buyers’ final decisions. Not to forget about the price tag as well. Those another time. Let us stick with the topic and take a look at Stainless Steel vs Titanium properties.
Stainless Steel Watches Properties
- Affordable solution
- Is shinier (Reflects more light)
- Heavy (Great choice for the ones looking for a substantial watch)
- Is more scratch resistant when compared with titanium
- Durable
Titanium Watches Properties
- Lightweight (30% up to 50% lighter)
- Durable (Anti-Magnetic and fatigue resistant)
- Low Scratch Resistance
- Relatively more expensive
- Biocompatible (does not cause irritations to the skin)
- Easier to polish
- More comfortable
Durability & Resistance to Scratches
In terms of durability, titanium is as strong as stainless steel. What truly makes the material desirable to the watchmaking industry is its low density, which is translated to lightweight watches.
Moreover, titanium has a better endurance to fatigue, most commonly caused by extreme temperatures. As far as I am concerned, most people will not go dive into a volcano or seal themselves into an iceberg, let alone take their watch with them, and need to track the time on that point. So resistance to fatigue does not add points for titanium watches. However, other industries like aerospace, find resistance to fatigue really important.
And what makes stainless steel stand strong in this comparison article, is its scratch resistance. Surprisingly, stainless steel is more durable to scratches when compared with titanium. And there is an explanation for it. Apparently, titanium’s kryptonite is “scratches”. When the metal is scratched it will eventually keep forming a deeper scratch as the natural layer of oxide that protects the metal is now compromised. No worries. Some polishing work and your titanium watch will look brand new.
The same can not be said about stainless steel. The material truly is more resistant to scratches when compared with titanium. However, excessive polishing can make the case lose shape.
Last but not least, anti-magnetism. Titanium got this one. It is the perfect material to use for those tool watches that require an anti-magnetic feature. It can be a truly useful component for scientists or engineers working in environments with a high magnetic field. Lucikly for titanium, it is naturally an anti-magnetic material.
Overall Aesthetics & Comfort
With titanium being somewhat 30% up to 50% lighter than stainless steel, there is no wonder how watch manufacturers all around the world manage to advertise their titanium watches. Well, they don’t actually run those random classic TV commercials anymore, as brand ambassadors, watch blogs, and Instagram influencers, are here to do their job.
And let me tell you that titanium watches won’t make you look better, or get a higher salary, or drastically improve your life. Most of the time, people won’t even notice if your watch is made of stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum.
What really matters is the comfort of your wrist. This is something you can actually be interested in. Well, titanium, except for being lighter, is also very biocompatible, meaning that it is non-toxic to the human body. And if by any chance you got sensitive skin, you should consider titanium watches as a must-have alternative.
As per the appearance stainless steel vs titanium have on your wrist, stainless steel tends to be shinier and reflects more light. Adding here its profound heavyweight, and you got the perfect combination for someone looking for a hefty and substantial watch on their wrist.
Price & Watchmaking
Titanium is cost-prohibitive for many watch manufacturers as it is more expensive than stainless steel. Therefore, expect to find titanium watches, or watch parts made of titanium on a price range from affordable luxury to luxury watches. Moreover, it takes more time and effort to work with titanium and give the desired shape, a factor that automatically affects the final price that the consumer has to pay. That does not necessarily mean that stainless steel watches are of low quality or inferior to titanium watches. It is a matter of choice as you already know, stainless steel has its own properties that make it a better choice than titanium. Its solid weight, brightness, and scratch resistance are some features that can not pass unnoticed. Not to forget about affordability.
On the other hand, if something new is what you want, titanium watches are a great deal. Certainly, you will not find a low-priced watch with titanium components, but in return, you are getting comfort for your wrist, which to some is priceless.
