Materials Used To Make Watches

Even though we use them every day, most people don't bother to think about how watches are made, or what materials are used to make them. When shopping for a watch we just choose the watch that fits our budget and lifestyle.

Nowadays, watchmakers have at their disposal a wide range of materials. Each material is highly appreciated by watchmakers for its own unique characteristics. Always thinking about the future, watchmakers spend a lot of their time experimenting with new types of materials

Many of today's watch manufacturers offer their timepieces in a choice of case metals. The three most common alloys used are high-grade stainless steel, eighteen Karat gold and platinum.

Stainless steel

Stainless Steel is the most common alloy used for watchcases today because of its durability and anti-erosion properties. It is a very hard metal, which is ideal for crafting professional sport watches such travel alarm watches, and sport chronographs. A watch made of steel is the practical choice for everyday use in contrast to precious metal watches, such as gold or platinum pieces. Which are usually regarded as dress watches.

Gold

Gold is the second most common metal used in watch making and is regarded as the classic choice for the finest watches. Although it is more malleable than stainless steel, eighteen karat gold is durable and well suited for watches. Eighteen Karat gold alloys can be formulated into three different colors, traditional yellow, pink/rose, or white.

Gold Plated

A gold plated watchcase is produced from a steel base and covered with a thin layer of Gold. This type of watch is obviously less expensive to make.

Platinum

Platinum the most exclusive metal used for watchcases. It is an extremely rare precious metal with excellent heat, wear and corrosion resistant properties, making it an ideal material for exquisite collectable timepieces.

There are other materials less commonly used to make watches, two of these are Titanium and Silicon.

Titanium - this is a white metal appreciated for its supreme durability.

Silicon- has the advantage that it eliminates the need for oil and theoretically reduces the amount of friction, thus prolonging the life of a watch movement.

When buying a watch for yourself you probably will not consciously think about what the watch is made of, you will just look for style and price to suit your needs. However if you are buying a watch for someone else as a gift, you may want that person to know it is a quality gift. In that case, it may matter to you what the watch is made of.

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