7 Types of Material Used for Making Watches
If you’re reading this, you probably already have developed a love for watches. If you’re like us, that love is rooted in the design and style of some of the world’s most incredible timepieces. Many watch fans are drawn to the way a watch looks, gaining an appreciation for the technology inside after many hours of research and education about the technical aspects of watch movements. But what about the actual making of a watch? If you love collecting watches, surely some questions come to your mind about them. Have you ever thought about how watches are made? Whether you are new to collecting or an old hand, there will be a deeper connection with your pieces when you identify the materials watchmakers use to create these luxurious, timeless pieces. Join us as we explore seven of the most popular materials used in watchmaking.
1. Gold
Gold, no matter what color, is always the metal of choice for luxury items, especially watches. Humans have been using gold for all things precious and unique since time immemorial and its value is still incredibly strong today.
With its many colors, like rose, white, and yellow, watchmakers can create various designs and patterns using gold. Because natural yellow gold is usually more malleable, the material is mixed with other materials like aluminum, nickel, copper, and silver to strengthen it and build resistance.
2. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular material used to create watch cases. From expensive designer watches for women and men to more casual and affordable designs, this durable and long-lasting material is a go-to choice for most people. It’s lightweight, resistant to rust, and cost-effective—characteristics that everyone loves!
4. Carbon
Watchmakers use carbon tech and other carbon fiber composite materials for making rugged and utilitarian designer watches. Carbon is a particularly excellent material to use in watch cases thanks to its extreme durability and unique appearance. Its grainy patterns create exciting looks, and these watches perform as well as they appear!
5. Titanium
Titanium is a tough and lightweight material, which makes it perfect for watchmaking. The strength of its material can withstand impact against a fall, and it’s also lighter than stainless steel. But beyond these benefits, people adore titanium because it is hypoallergenic and has a unique, warm appearance. Because it is also resistant against corrosion, titanium is often used in watch cases, particularly for diving watches and sports watches.
6. Ceramic
Ceramic is hardened clay used to make heat-resistant and scratch-proof watches. The use of ceramic is popular in luxury brand watches because of its shine, lighter weight, and resistance to scratches. Moreover, ceramic is non-porous, easy to clean, and durable. Though ceramic watches are strong and scratch-resistant, it is notable that they are more prone to breakage, so you have to take extra care against falls and scuffs that could crack the case.
7. Tungsten
Tungsten is durable, scratch resistant, and perfect for the outdoors. Fans of cases infused with tungsten enjoy the weightiness and heft. Usually found in men’s watches, tungsten cases are rare and wholly unique!
The Value is in the Materials
Material is the foundation of watches, and it plays a vital role in the look and function of every timepiece. The material dictates the durability, style, look, and feel of the watch on your skin. It influences the environments it will thrive in, its strength, and the care it needs to maintain its beauty. Some materials are more precious than others, so make sure you make the right choice.
Once you find the perfect match for your taste, get ready to buy watches online at Feldmar Watches, home to luxury brands like Breitling, Breguet, Gucci, Tissot, Blancpain, and a whole lot more. Check out our full list of brand partners today!
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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