Titanium for classic looking watches

Jun 01, 2020,04:55 AM
 

I wanted to get everyone’s view on the use of titanium on classic looking dress watches, what are the pros and cons from an aesthetic point of view?

I am drawn to them because of their casual and utilitarian feel. Also, traditionally a dress watch usually comes in precious metal with the exception of stainless steel on “rare occasions”. I find the concept of having a less “noble” metal pair up with an exquisitely finished dial and/or movement contradicting yet alluring.

I particularly like the Dufour and Patek Calatrava ref. 6000 examples. Here are some photos I took from the web for reference:









Would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,
Gatsby


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My mistake. That Dufour is in platinum

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-04:58
But looks like titanium from that photo. So obviously, discard that example or treat it hypothetical.

personally i like some of the versions in Titanium...especially the SBGW259 launched this year by Grand-Seiko is very much my liking !

 
 By: mahesh : June 1st, 2020-06:12
In Titanium at 38mm case, manually wound - a classic styled daily wearer IMHO !! Best, mahesh., ...  

I personally am very partial to titanium

 
 By: sham1 : June 1st, 2020-06:20
and have a titanium Vingt 8 as one of my targets. Saying that I love the lightness of titanium but I know many who prefer the heft of their watches. I on the other hand like the watch to be a part of me and if it feels next to nothing then I do not even n... 

Thanks Sham

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-11:55
I’ve seen a vingt8 in titanium too and it’s gorgeous. I’m definitely warming up to the idea of having a classy dress watch all donned out in a titanium case

What he said. (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : June 1st, 2020-11:21
NT

Thanks mon ami

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-11:55
Really warming up to this idea ... of customizing a watch in such a fashion

Which one? [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 1st, 2020-11:56

PM sent ;-) NT [nt]

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-13:15

They are all great, especially....

 
 By: SALMANPK : June 1st, 2020-06:55
the Gstaad Classic Jules Audemars in Titanium I love it. Pic Source: Unknown S ...  

Monkey metal ? NT

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-11:58

Looks great NT [nt]

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-11:56

I find the use of titanium very fascinating, but chances are that with Patek it's not going to be a metal available in the regular catalog anytime soon...

 
 By: FabR : June 1st, 2020-07:33
The 6000T you found is a "one off" piece. In fact, I looked with some attention into "titanium Pateks" a while ago, and amazingly, it appears that only 12 (twelve!) wristwatches were ever produced in over 180 years....But I'm definitely looking forward fo... 

Wow. What an amazing post and thread

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-11:53
Thanks for your reply Fab. Your earlier 2018 post does put things in better perspective. I don’t know, but I really have a good feeling about titanium...

The best thing about the Dufour and FPJ...

 
 By: mdg : June 1st, 2020-09:04
...is the two-tone nature of the case and dial/hands. Really well done.

I agree

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 1st, 2020-11:57
That combination has charmed me. It is so avante garde

It’s light and stealthy

 
 By: Cookies : June 2nd, 2020-03:57
It’s a dream material for medical people like me. Especially when paired with silicone and rubber strap. With titanium, we don’t have to worry about rust and allergies. Technically, titanium outlasts steel (even 916 steel rusts when exposed to electrolyte... 

Thanks Cookies :-)

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-11:07
My father is in the medical profession and for years he loved wearing his titanium Omega Seamaster my mother bought for him. Great sentimental value...

I Think Titanium Might Be...

 
 By: elliot55 : June 2nd, 2020-17:02
... "The New Black". JLC Worldtime in Titanium Cheers! - Scott ...  

Simply Put...

 
 By: elliot55 : June 3rd, 2020-05:54
... It is an amazing piece. When it got here, it was gaining about a minute a day. So I had it sent to Dallas and those folks turned it around in about three and a half weeks, pandemic and all. so my love affair is not only with this incredible timepiece,... 

Great to know! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 3rd, 2020-06:17

Very beautiful piece

 
 By: Cookies : June 4th, 2020-01:10
It is complicated yet simple. If you ever wanna part with that piece, it will be easy to find someone who'd see it's a great piece.

I Think I Am...

 
 By: elliot55 : June 7th, 2020-16:41
... Stuck with this one.

Wow that looks pretty amazing on your wrist

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-10:53
Definitely a vote of confidence here to wanting to see more titanium used in watches

Mr. Gatsby, You Are Very Kind And ..

 
 By: elliot55 : June 7th, 2020-16:42
... I think I am going to have to go ahead and agree with you.

I’m with youse guys

 
 By: cazalea : June 2nd, 2020-20:18
My two Grand Seiko titanium watches. I’d call these business casual; not full dress but not diver, pilot or rugged. Seiko called this Automatic’s case white or polished titanium. Here’s the famous snowflake. Both cases light and tough, and still looking p...  

Looks great :-)

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-10:55
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and also your photos mate. I am really quite amazed at how most people are so receptive to the idea of titanium versus precious metals.

It can definitely work

 
 By: jleno : June 2nd, 2020-20:52
But just to throw out an argument against it since everyone seems to be pro-titanium: I do think some watches are better suited towards particular metals more than others based on the design and personality. For example, I can't help but think that the si... 

Mate you make an excellent point.

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-11:01
You are right to say that the case material has to match with the design and aesthetics of the watch. I’m just wondering if we switched it all up a bit, would that create a desirable impact or would it be frowned upon ? Imagine for example, a titanium Cal... 

I am a big fan of titanium

 
 By: Geo : June 4th, 2020-02:44
but I realize that it is a material that's difficult to work with. The feel and the weight of the material is very attractive. GEO

I Have An Affinity For...

 
 By: elliot55 : June 6th, 2020-08:42
... Platinum. I have a couple of watches in Platinum but I own only one gold watch - and it's white gold. Since discovering Titanium, I now seek pieces in this metal. Even Jaeger LeCoultre makes a repeater in Titanium.

Think I might be following in your footsteps

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-11:05
Thanks Elliot. Nice to know we kinda see it in a similar way

No Doubt...

 
 By: elliot55 : June 7th, 2020-16:44
... From my standpoint, titanium is strong AND light. It's like having a piece of the space shuttle on your wrist. I have a titanium G-Shock and it also makes me very happy. ...  

Thanks Geo

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-11:04
I often find myself attracted to the heftiness of my precious metal dress watches. However I also do like the casual feel of lighter materials such as steel. Titanium really feels a tad light for me, but I like the utilitarian feel of it and am willing to... 

Thanks everyone

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : June 7th, 2020-11:18
It’s refreshing to hear so many people chime in to share their thoughts and post photos of their watches. Really enjoyed seeing the watches and also hearing from all of you. Indeed it is true, a classic looking design matches effortlessly with precious me...