Materials used in watches

We use them every day, but most people don't even think about how watches are made, or what materials are used to make them. At the shopping for a watch we just choose the watch that fits our budget and lifestyle.

Nowadays, watchmakers are using wide range of materials to make the watches more attractive. Each material is highly appreciated by watchmakers for its own unique features. Always thinking about the future, watchmakers spend a lot of their time experimenting with new types of materials and designs.

Many of today's watch manufacturers offer their timepieces in a choice of case metals. The most common materials used are high-grade stainless steel, eighteen Karat gold and platinum.

Stainless steel

Stainless Steel is the most common material used for watchcases and wrist strap today because of its durability and non-erosion properties. It is a very hard metal, which is ideal for crafting professional sport watches such travel alarm watches, and sport chronographs. A watch made of steel is the practical choice for everyday use in contrast to precious metal watches, such as gold or platinum pieces. Which are widely regarded as dress watches.

Gold

Gold is the second most common metal used in watch making and is regarded as the best choice for the finest watches. Although it is more compliant than stainless steel, eighteen karat gold is durable and well suited for watches. Eighteen Karat gold alloys can be Designed or decorated into three different colors such as traditional yellow, pink/rose, or white.

Gold Plated

A gold plated watchcase is produced from a steel base and covered with a thin layer of Gold. This type of watch is obviously less expensive to make.

Platinum

Platinum the most exclusive metal used for watchcases. It is an extremely rare precious metal with excellent heat, wear and oxidization resistant properties, making it an ideal material for gorgeous collectable timepieces.

There are other materials less commonly used to make watches, two of these are Titanium and Silicon.

Titanium

This a white metal appreciated for its supreme durability. Most of the watches made by Titanium are extremely expensive and rarely seen. There are few watch maker dare to use this precious metal for manufacturing watches.

Silicon

The Silicon has the advantage that it eliminates the need for oil and theoretically reduces the amount of friction, thus prolonging the life of a watch movement.

When buying a watch for yourself you probably will not consciously think about what the watch is made of, you will just look for style and price to suit your needs. However if you are buying a watch for someone else as a gift, you may want that person to know it is a quality gift. In that case, it may matter to you what the watch is made of.


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