Alkiro1 initiates a fascinating discussion on the most unusual and unconventional materials used in watch cases, following up on a previous thread about unique dials. His post showcases several extraordinary examples, inviting the community to contribute their own discoveries of horological material innovation.
Hi all,
We recently talked about the most unusual dials ever made (link below). Now, it’s time to talk about the most unusual materials used to make watch cases.
http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-17/pi-9231171/ti-1168281/s-0/t--a-selection-of-the-most-unusual-materials-to-make-a-dial-what-are-your-thoughts-and-inputs/
If steel, gold, platinum, titanium or ceramic are mainly used to make watch cases, few brands and watchmakers have a lot of imagination when it comes to create and make very unusual cases.
Here we go for few examples. Of course, your inputs and suggestions are most welcome 😉
The Moser Swiss Mad Watch and its case made of cheese. A unique piece made as a thumb your nose at the new “Swiss Made” law.
Credit: Moser
Giuliano Mazzuoli Cemento. Yes, this watch has a case made of cement. To my knowledge, truly unique.
Credit: Chronopassion
Valerii Danevych Retrograde Tourbillon made almost entirely of wood. For me, the most impressive timepiece in this short selection.
A great post wrote by Ornatus Mundi about this timepiece:
http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-16/pi-5910128/ti-867563/s-0/t--baselworld-2013-knock-on-wood-with-ahci-candidate-valerii-danevych/
Credit: Ornatus Mundi
ArtyA Coprolite with a case made of... dinosaur excrements! Yes yes you read well (thank you to Ares501 for this submission 😉)
Credit: Lovetime
Romain Jerome Titanic-DNA Tourbillon Steampunk with a case made of Titanic parts. A well known model made in several versions.
Credit: La Cote des Montres
Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire. Even if many many brands have now made their own sapphire cases, this material is truly original for a watch case as it’s particularly hard to make.
Credit: Foversta
François-Paul Journe Chronomètre Bleu in tantalum. A material which is not particularly spectacular at first sight but which is rarely used by brands unfortunately.
Credit: myself 😁
Of course we could talk about many other materials or alloys used by brands such as Zirconium (Harry Winston), Cermet, Palladium, Bronze... but they’re, maybe, less “crazy” than the ones seen above 😁
Best wishes
Alkiro
