Different Types of Watches
Inspired by growing industries and materials used in medicine, transportation, and aerospace, watchmakers of today are experimenting with different combinations of lightweight and aesthetically pleasing watch materials. Amongst these are alloy watch metals, carbon bondings and coatings that increase the jewlery’s durability and resistance to damage. Modern combinations of these materials also adds a visual appeal that watches of old couldn’t achieve.
This guide provides a full list of only the best watch materials used in the 21st century. So, what are watches made of today?
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Stainless Steel
This is the most popular material used for watches due to its high-quality, yet affordable, pricing. Made of iron-carbon alloy fused with chromium and nickel, this medium has the undeniable strength of steel, while maintaining a shine. Stainless steel’s reputation stands on its ability to resist scratches, corrosion, rust, and moisture.
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Ceramic
This smooth and modern take on a watch combines non-metallic zirconium oxide with several hues and finishes with a series of heating and cooling. The immense high-yield durability explains why ceramic is oftentimes used in reliable applications like jet engines, and is known for its scratch and heat resistance. These are all useful qualities to also have in a timepiece, especially one you want to pass on to future generations.
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Titanium
Titanium has been much more than a watch material for decades. Used on space shuttles, aeroplanes, and even missiles, titanium is characterized by its strength. Its brawn equates to three times that of stainless steel with the highest strength to weight ratio, making it a first pick for luxury sport-watch wearers. As a conglomeration of alloyed metals, titanium is the perfect balance of weight and function with hypoallergenic and stress-resistant qualities. Who wouldn’t want to add a titanium watch to their collection?
Where PVD Fits In
Also known as physical vapor deposition, PVD isn’t a watch material but rather the process of plating parts of a watch base material such as steel with properties found in oxides, carbides, or nitrides to change the watch coloring. The ionic attraction between the two creates a lasting gold, silver, or black finish on the watch.
Strap on More Watch Materials
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Stainless Steel
Include gold plaited This is a staple watch material that we couldn’t live without. It’s a tough old bird and yet it still conveys clear class. It withstands the wear of perspiration, rain, and even salt water. If you come across a watch that appears to have a gold bracelet, quite often it’s a plaited (coated) stainless steel.
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Ceramic
Ceramic watches and watch straps are much more durable than many believe. Unlike the ceramic you’ll find in your kitchen, watch ceramic is typically made of different metals and alloys to craft a less-breakable material.
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Rubber
Rubber straps prove that a watch is ready for adventure. Waterproof and strong, a quality piece of rubber won’t be affected by the elements and it isn’t prone to cracking or staining. You’ll often see rubber straps on waterproof or outdoor watches.
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Silicone
Used mainly in watch straps, this rubber-like material is composed of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and silicone to create an utterly waterproof product. Its high-grade feel, color palette combinations, and non temperature-conducting features make silicone the perfect material for a fun day in the ocean to a busy Saturday running errands around town.
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Leather
The classic leather watch is so satisfying and iconic. Whether heather grey, kodiak or natural, a leather accessory adds both a sophistication and versatility that every outfit combination deserves. Leather material ages beautifully and uniquely. And while it doesn’t have the scratch-resistant benefits of hard materials, high-quality leather is quite durable.
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Nylon
Nylon watch straps are designed to hold up in any environment. This watch strap material is a polymer, with long and heavy molecules arranged in repeating sections of atoms. This intricate design creates strong and water resistant features to any watchface.
Engineered to Do More than Last
From uniquely designed men’s stainless steel watches to women’s minimalist leather straps, which watch material you choose reflects your personal brand. We hope this guide has prepared you to make such a meaningful decision.