LightweightThe density of titanium is 4.5g/cm3, which is substantially smaller than the ~8.0g/cm3 density of stainless steel. In practical terms, this implies that titanium will wear substantially lighter on the wrist. To put this into context, the weight of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 is 131g, while a titanium Grand Seiko SBGA211 (Snowflake) is about 100g. Even though 31g might not seem like much, bigger watches, especially divers, really show the difference; weigh the 212g Rolex Sea-Dweller against the 157g Tudor Pelagos.
Grand Seiko SBGA211It might be unsettling at first to see how light titanium is if you’re used to heftier stainless-steel or precious metal watches. In fact, a lot of people unconsciously associate quality with wrist heaviness, thus it can
therefore getting beyond that misconception may take some time. It might be quite a shock the next time you put on a stainless-steel watch once you grow acclimated to the low weight and comfort of a titanium watch.
Power and Sturdiness
Titanium is used in the aircraft sector because it is incredibly strong despite being light weight and low density. With a strength of ~1000 MPa for Grade 5, it is nearly five times stronger than most steels. Although most of us won’t put watches under the type of strain titanium can handle, it’s still helpful to know that we can.
Patina and Color
Since a coating of oxidation (patina) accumulates on the surface, titanium tends to have a deeper gray hue—this is completely subjective. This may give tool watches, such as diving watches, a unique, macho look. That aside, Grand Seiko proves quite plainly with a little zaratsu polishing that titanium does shine up quite beautifully. (Grand Seiko loves titanium and doesn’t mind blending the lines between fashion and sport.)
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