Tantalum Watches: A Collector's Overview
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Tantalum Watches: A Collector's Overview

By amanico · Nov 25, 2019 · 41 replies
amanico
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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Amanico initiates a comprehensive overview of tantalum watches, a material known for its unique properties and challenging craftsmanship. This post highlights various brands and models that have utilized tantalum, inviting collectors to share additional examples and deepen the community's knowledge of this distinctive metal in horology.

1988 seems to be the first wrist watch using a tantalum ( with rose gold ) case, and it is a... Jaeger Lecoultre. The Odysseus Chronograph with Moon Phase.




We also had the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Off Shore Orchard Road, 



And the Royal Oak PuristS 10th Anniversary. 

The Girard Perregaux  Bi axial Tourbillon: 



The Panerai PAM 172 and PAM 192. Here the PAM 192: 



The FPJ Chronomètre Bleu: 



And the Jaeger Lecoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Three Hybris Artistica Tantalum. 



If my memory serves me well, I think that Hublot made one, too, but I don't remember which one. 

There may well be some others. Do you know some to be added, here? 

Best,

Nicolas

About the Panerai PAM00172 - Luminor Tantalium Ref. PAM172

The PAM172 represents Panerai's exploration of alternative case materials within the Luminor collection, distinguished by its use of tantalum construction. This reference positions itself as a material-focused variant that departs from the brand's typical steel and precious metal offerings.

The 44mm case is crafted entirely from tantalum, paired with a black dial. The tantalum construction provides this reference with distinct material properties compared to conventional case metals, offering collectors an alternative to standard Luminor variants.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking material diversity within the Panerai lineup, particularly those drawn to the technical aspects of tantalum as a case material. The PAM172 serves collectors who value the Luminor case architecture but desire something beyond the typical material offerings in the series.

Specifications

Case
tantalum
Diameter
44mm
Dial
black dial

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
TE
templetowers
Nov 25, 2019

VC Overseas prototype with Tantalum re-enforcement (I wish they would make this one) VC Quai De L'ile Palladium and Tantalum

RE
Reuven Malter
Nov 25, 2019

Btw: There is a purists version of the Royal Oak? Wow!

SP
Spencer Karrington
Nov 25, 2019

Gerald Genta often used Tantalum in his watches as well, they look awesome

AM
amanico
Nov 25, 2019

Credit picture: Touchofmodern:

PA
Park
Nov 25, 2019

Shown at the lower right of the photo, the tantalum RO Championship was a small, quartz Royal Oak in honor of Nick Faldo. It was my first AP, bought on impulse in Hong Kong the day I discovered the octagon. Diane Keaton once took my wrist to admire it. Eventually I found it too small and let it go. Park

TH
TheMadDruid
Nov 25, 2019

In the 1990s the Seamaster was available in RG, Tantalum and Titanium-it was a chronograph.

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