Titanium also warms readily on the skin. I have one titanium watch and while my stainless watches can occasionally feel cool or even chilly in cold weather or when you put them on first thing in the morning, the titanium watch never really ever feels cool or cold when I put it on... part of the reason why they seem to disappear from your wrist when you put them on.
its because titanium does conduct heat way slower than steel. Thats also a reason why titanium is more expensive because it takes longer to machine because the drills and... heat up and the titanium does dissipate this heat very slowly
@@harrie205 Reason why something feels cold is because it takes heat away from you. You can test it by leaving two objects outside to chill: one made of steel and one made of plastic. Temperature of both objects will be same but to your touch steel will feel colder. School, it's great thing.
@@UltraCasualPenguin can't help but feel you are being a dick by being so condescending. @harrie205 said precisely the same thing about titanium being a worse conductor than steel.
Its not about "taking heat from you" becouse both steel and plastic are absorbing temperature but steel is more dense and absorbs slower so feels cold for longer
@@jedrzejkwiatkowski3893It really is about heat moving from your body, into the metal. Marc’s the scientist; I am not. But I recall the property of how much heat energy it takes to raise the temp of a material varies from one material to the next. That property is called the *specific heat* of the material. Is specific heat just another way of saying density? I don’t know, but intuitively it seems to make sense.
Love my Seiko SARX055- it’s the best when I don’t wanna feel like I’m hardly wearing anything. It has some nicely polished surfaces. Now looking at the Mido Ocean Star captain so I have a titanium diver.
I own a titanium Omega Planet Ocean and love it. Simply a fantastic material. Great look and awesome strength to weight ratio makes it very comfortable to wear.
Thanks Mark. this was a fantastic report. I have a 20 year old titanium Seiko quartz, that has developed a sheen over time. Just using a soft cloth every once in a while, also reduces the scratches. If I get a steel watch, I have to put it on a cloth strap, as I hate heavy watches. About 3 years ago, scientists developed "beta Titanium 3 Gold", which is as hard as steel, and used in the medical implant industry. I'd love a watch made from this alloy, but no such thing yet, as far as I know. I'd always buy a titanium watch over any other material. The Seiko diashield is a great invention.
Hi Marc. This is an older video, but both yourself and TGV have stirred my passion in watches again. I've bought a few since Christmas and I'm very happy with my collection now. I do have a Titanium chrono, but I did want to add the Citizen Pro drive divers, super Titanium watch. This video is super interesting. Thank you 😊
I agree that TI is a great material for a watch and I love the flat matte color. My wife bought me a Citizen TI watch for a wedding present 32 years ago and I still have it and wear it. I am not hard on my watches and this one still looks practically brand new. Great video.
Thanks for the details on titanium. I have a couple watches with titanium case and bracelet that I love. Part of it is "romance", as I am a huge fan of the SR-71 Blackbird!
Thanks, Marc. Bertucci is a rising star in the market. I am impressed with every model I see, and their stuff is slowly moving up my wish list. So glad you sell them.
Thanks, a Tudor Pelagos is on my dream list. And I do know that it’s not coated. Also Titanium is cool because of the connection to aviation and the military.
Mark, you must be a heck of a salesman - your tone of voice and delivery are top notch! ( I own an aluminum Bertucci - best on the market and my co-workers love it!)
Wow, those Bertucci are really reasonable for titanium, will have to check them out. I am a big fan of Ti in general, primarily for the look (I prefer matte to shiny) and the hypoallergenic properties. I also just like the way it feels. It kind of seems like it adjusts to skin temperature better than stainless, if that makes sense.
I really like titanium as a material and I was thinking during the video that Mark must mention this "feels warm" thingy, because it always surprises me for a metal. This warm feeling comes mostly from the fact that it has quite low thermal (and electrical) conductivity for a metal. Also the weight contributes to this indirectly. It makes titanium wearables very comfortable to wear.
I owned a fossil titanium watch from 2000 to 2013. Loved that watch. Wearing a titanium watch feels like nothing on your wrist. I know many people prefer the weight of a steel watch, but you must try a titanium watch at least once in your lifetime. Contemplating that Shogun watch for next purchase.
I've had mine for 5 months and it hasn't left my wrist. It's fantastic. My boss has Breitling, Tudor, grand seiko and didn't want to give the shogun back when I let him try it on.
My fossil watch in Titanium dates from 1999. It had to have a new movement in 2017 ($150 AUD). I checked other options in Titanium and plumped for renewal. Unfortunately, I think the movement is playing up again, hence I'm looking at my options. I have a steel watch, however, it is sooo much heavier. What would people recommend today on a daily wear titanium watch?
I recently picked up a Casio Oceanus, all titanium bracelet etc. I got it in a Black Ion coating (not even sure what that is), after a month, no scratches! Very impressive, and the all black look is a good change of pace from my steel watch on bracelet.
I love titanium, exactly for the reasons you highlight. I own a Swiss Military GMT all titanium. Not an expensive watch by any means but it is my favourite because it is so light, durable and accurate. When I travel it comes with me. I wear it when I'm working on a job and the only downside is that it leaves a dark band of dirt if I get sweaty and am in a dusty environment, probably because it is softer so some of the metal must be abrading from the grit. I certainly don't think of titanium as a down market material, quite the contrary. Love the channel, I'll be checking out your upcoming sales extravaganza!
Use dish detergent, or shampoo. Don't use soap and you are fine. Soaps strip metal. I use microfiber cloth I use for my glasses with dilute dishsoap, it gets sparkly new.
i think it is important to differentiate between different types of Titanium generally there are 2 basic Types used in watches (unfortunatly it is not always easy to get the information on which type is used in a watch) 1. Grade 2 or Pure Titanium this is a soft extremly corrosion resistant Metal which is softer(scratches more easily) an not as strong as Stainless Steel (316l for example), also Grade 2 is Hypoallergenic (no body is allergic to this metall) Grade 2 is to my knowledge used by Breitling, Oris, 2.Grade 5 is a Titanium Alloy which is corrosion resistant, Stronger then the commonly by watchmakers used Stainless steels (316l, 904l) and is Harder than these steels to(these watches will scratch less than stainless steel ones) but the Elements used to Alloy this Titanium can Cause allergic Reactions(to my knowledge the reactions to grade 5 are less comon than reactions to Stainless Steel) I think this Grade is used by Brands like Seiko(some modells), Omega(most titanium Models), Rolex(Deepsea caseback), Blancpain(not sure(opinion is based on a forum articel)), So after all the common Known "Titanium Facts" like Easy Scratch and Hypoallergenic are not true for many Titanium watches
@@Org80 if its a Seiko Tuna or something like that) it should be Grade 2 If its a Grand Seiko it should be Grade 5 (i think theyre high intensity titanium is marketing speech for Grade 5) just an educated gues
@@harrie205 Hi Harrie, thanks for your reply. I hear all the words but the BP FF i bought last week brand new had a lot of small marks and scratches for a watch I wore for 2 days. I've checked a couple of my steel watches that I've worn for months and they aren't as dented etc so I have to say Grade 23 is NOT harder. Have you a link for technical specifications of hardness of Ti Grade 5 & 23? I have found some that contradict each other so I'm not sure what to believe, thanks WL.
I had no idea titanium looked like that, or could look like that. I love it. I was one of those with the titanium bias, because I enjoy the heft of Stainless watch. Now, I really like that first one you held up. Thanks for showing that watch.
Great explanation of titanium. Just getting interested in watches but have been into bikes and knives for awhile so have some knowledge of these materials. I read about these expensive watches and find it odd many use cheap stainless steel like what is used on a fridge! Some companies seem to be interested in improving performance like Sinn but I ,personally, find their use of submarine steel to be much more marketing than real upgrade. I mean, its a submarine, they are not going to use premium steel on a government contracted vessel of that magnitude. Put it this way titanium would never be in the running simply due to cost regardless of its superiority so the fact its submarine steel does nothing for me. Not sure exactly which steel it is but I know its nothing expensive. If hardness and corrosion resistance are most important ,strength of any steel is really unquestionable for this application, why not use what would be a high end blade steel like X15 or LC200N, nitrogen steels with far less nickel than 316l and far more potential for hardening? Yeah, its pricey but with the asking prices of watches, case material really doesn;t seem to factor considering titanium is used in sub $200 watches. Rant over.
Thank you! I have been preaching about Bertucci's for years. They are indestructible. Everyone loves G-Chocks, but I have had my Bertucci A2-T for years. Because of the design the crystal has never been scratched, the case shows sleeve and glove wear from working with it on, and it's been in swimming holes and hot springs for years. Oh yeah and it's lost 2 seconds in the last year. The most accurate watch I own. These watches don't get the love they deserve. I think they are as tough as anything out there.
Good series, very good info. As for Ti, there are a LOT of different grades. As far as i know grade 2 is common for watches (and 5?). If it's not mentioned or they use strange names or different numbers, be sure to check / ask for details. Titanium is also used in surgical tools, you won't get allergic reactions for sure
I have a Titanium Samurai and the SKZ 40th Anniversary Titanium. Both are very light which is good because the SKZ is pretty big. It also has a Tungsten bezel and a graphite face. The only places they get scratched are on the back from the clasp. They are both very comfortable to wear. A Titanium Turtle would be interesting.
I had a Shogun (with sapphire) and sold it because i needed the money for something else. I also had a Sumo in blue (with sapphire) and kept that one. The Sumo is on a stunning rubber strap from Crafterblue and i wear it very often. Beautiful watch and Seiko is increasing the price of the current Sumo generation because it is a awesome watch with an awesome shaped case. It just was priced too low i guess.
Titanium seems to be a very good base for a properly applied DLC coating. I've seen such a watch actually scratch other metal instead of receive the scratch. So, it's a good way to mitigate titanium's easier scratching, while keeping the great light weight (as long as you like a black case). The DLC coating pulled off metal and the metal, an assumed scratch on 1st glance, was able to be buffed off the DLC without compromising the coating adhering to the case. The watch did have wear in the coating on the crown stem in a couple places. The lugs were kinda sharp and the DLC had been worn off on one bit of the underside edge of a lug. Other than that, after a year of daily wear, the coating had either patinated to a slightly lighter and more matte hue than new (or wasn't entirely clean). It was a Fortis Marine Master Mars 500 and the DLC looked in great shape over the titanium compared to some concerns I'd heard of DLC wearing, scratching or chipping off, which wasn't true of this peice except the couple areas mentioned. I don't know if that was typical of DLC on titanium or if Fortis did a great job coating it. Note, PVD is a coating process, not a coating material. DLC is a coating material that can be applied via PVD. Not all PVD is DLC. Usually if a coating is DLC it's stated "DLC". If a watch says it has a "PVD" coating, it is probably not DLC, otherwise they would advertise it as DLC (as DLC is about the best PVD coating you can get). But, a watch with a "PVD" coating could be DLC and a poor marketing team.
Love that Breitling model and always wanted one. The only watch l regret selling was a Momentum Format 4 titanium. I love the material, weight, feel of ti. Its really versatile in terms.of finishing options and wish more companies would use it for their divers and field watches. Shogun is on my wishlist but for the $ it should really have a ceramic bezel and saphire crystal. Any plans for a Long Island Ti diver!?
Hello Marc: I own several titanium bicycle frames and they are an alloy of titanium and aluminum. Are these watch cases pure titanium or are they alloyed with aluminum?
Whats the coating that can protect titanium and how do i do it, will a boutique watch shop do it? Like omega? And how long does the coating last? Do you have to reapply and what are the downsides of the coating?
Thinking grand seiko for my next watch and wanted to see all the perks of titanium vs stainless. This video told me anything and everything I needed to know and more. Thank you mark. One of my fav watch channels. Question Mark, I would deff imagine grand seiko puts the coating you talked about on their watches. I know you said it was alot more scratch resistant than regular stainless. Do you think it's as scratch resistant as the oyster steel by rolex? Not that it would break my decision on my next watch but I would like your opinion on that. Thanks!!
Titanium has different "galling" and seizing properties than stainless steel. I'd be concerned about threaded components, such as a screw-in caseback, being very difficult to unscrew after a long period of time not being removed or lubricated. Also, titanium threading needs a different type of lubrication to prevent galling. Learned this with a titanium bolt kit that came with a unique thread lubricant, which wasn't the usual grease, or oil.
1:36 i care about strenght. Its the reason i made the step to metals in the first place. After the 4th resin strap break in 2 years, i was done with resin. So i first went stainless. But the watch felt out of balance. The strap was heavier than the clock i think. I swapped to titanium. Felt perfect. And no i wont go leather. I wear 24/7, it needs to be waterproof.
I don't have a Titanium watch but want one for how it transfers heat? I live in a very hot climate and have had Stainless etc... watches get were they are to hot to wear. I have heard that Titanium will not have that problem. Any opinion of that??
Hmmm always fancied a Tudor Pelagos but was put off by people saying it was a scratch magnet. Is it? I own a very cheap Accurist Quartz in Titanium great watch for the money around $80. That's not covered in scratches and I don't baby it at all.
What about the differences between the grades of titanium, e.g. grade 5 compared to grade 2? Would you consider the scratch resistance of grade 5 titanium superior to the scratch resistance of stainless steel?
Great video Marc. Why does one company uses Grade 2 and another Grade 5 titanium. Is the use of a stainless steel caseback a cost reduction? That's the part touching your skin the most and should make the most sense to be from titanium....
Mark, you're right about it disappearing on your wrist. I have a titanium IWC on a strap and when I wear it I probably glance at my wrist 3-4 times per day thinking I forgot to put on a watch.
Mark, could you address this odd offering from Orient? It's not listed on their website are the Orient "Oyster" Classic Automatic Sapphire Blue Dial Watch line legit?
I have the early version, Repetition Minutes Aerospace, only issue is replacing the battery every 2 years or so. But its light as a feather, it has minor scratches but still looks great, my favorite watch.
I have a baby snowflake and l love how light it is on the wrist. As others have said it just disappears on my wrist. Love it compared to my other watches. Great video btw.
Thanks. Just a point on Nickel allergy. I'm a sufferer. The nickel in stainless in watches does cause irritation. About 15 years ago I switched to titanium. Result, no more irritation/reaction. I recently bought a stainless watch. Instant reaction. Scratching on my titanium Seiko hasn't been a problem. Symptoms range from itching - which people put down to sweat/heat rash, probably incorrectly, to eczema type reactions, again often put down to heat/sweat. My personal opinion is that many people have an undiagnosed reaction to nickel. And it's be good to suggest that either people try titanium, or investigate straps that prevent skin to watch contact. But I don't know if straps like this would provide an adequate barrier. If there are nickel free cases, I'd love to hear about it. As an aside, stainless used for piercings caused a lot of problems, until they switched to nickel free stainless. Same issue with nickel in the alloys they used to make glasses frames.
My Titanium watch has *shock* Invicta engraved in the case side. Cost was about £106. It's the 0420. The bracelet has invicta's ghastly mirror finished central portion on its links, got scuffed up pretty fast in my usual desk based wear. The nh35 movement has after a couple of timegrapher sessions settled to almost 0+-/24hr so is very satisfactory. On a black Zulu NATO strap it's a handsome piece, moreso than with its own rather nasty bracelet. Its screwback is also Titanium, and the watch while worn is easily overlooked by being so light. The lume is pretty lousy, dim at best and fades away too quickly. Even so this one's a keeper.
My first watch was a Timex with plated brass hardware that scarred my wrist over the course of a summer. To this day, in the same areas, my wrist can still get irritated even with good quality stainless steel. Nato straps help most of the time but titanium is nice if my wrist is really irritated.
Titanium is a VASTLY superior metal. For a watch, your wrist shrinks and swells. The titanium watch won't flop around like a stainless. It stays where you want it to. I think it looks far more masculine and smart. I have two Ti watches. Both are stellar comfy.
Corrosion resistant is the MAIN REASON, #1 REASON, titanium is chosen for dive watches. Salt water is way more aggressive than fresh water. Ask any scuba diver who has two dive knives, one stainless steel, one titanium. It has NOTHING to do with WEIGHT. The weight difference is completely IRRELEVANT UNDERWATER. Titanium can be problematic too. Titanium are prone to ignite and even explode while in contact with oxygen-rich environments (high pressure systems/NITROX). Titanium regulators are not recommended for NITROX for example. From the diver’s perspective, titanium watches have only benefits, no downside.
Marc, my man, i live in a nasty tropical conditions and some days i cant stand my Seiko Monster cause getting to hot on my wrist. So, my question is, titanium is more fresh than steel??? Any titanium diver for less than 400 dlls??? Thanks.
Very informative, thanks. I've always wondered why nobody's made a watch with a tungsten case. Heavy, yes, but durable, solid and feels like it's got value because of that, plus all the other properties you mention here, non-magnetic, hypo etc.
I do have a titanium watch. My wife bought it for me. It is a Tissot. I love the feel but I wish it was a mechanical watch. Electric is better but I am a bit old fashioned.
Harrison Ford has worn that particular Breitling for years and years...I think Once you get used to the lack of weight it kind of spoils you albeit I have Worn the Omega P O 600 meter etc.... I enjoy always wearing a watch, whether jogging, tennis or golf and cant think of A better watch for these particular activities than that of a Titanium diver, more preferably a Tudor Pelegos. Tudor Pelegos has grown significantly on me and appreciate it is a perfect tool watch. Anyway, imo...Titanium is such a great metal. Thanks Bill
Great video Mark glad to see another installment of the “Watch and Learn” series. I also own an Aerospace (I LOVE it btw) but it really amazes me every time I put it on how it just disappears on the wrist as you said. I am cautious when I wear any of my nicer watches but they all have had a few bumps and bruises and from my experience the titanium Aerospace does not scratch or mark up any easier than my steel pieces. But I do know that there are different grades of titanium as well, Grade 2 and Grade 5 are commonly used the higher the grade the harder and consequently darker the titanium is. The Aerospace uses Grade 2 which is pure titanium with no other alloys present so it’s actually the more pure, softer of the commonly used grades. Love your video I always learn something, keep up the fantastic work. Jamison
I have a couple titanium dive watches. The only negative is maybe they are more scratch prone, but scratches are easy to remove. The look of titanium is a good alternate to SS.
As far as the Titanium case and bracelet my only concern is that there might be any steel pins holding it together that would lose it's temper as far as the Titanium you can heat up to I think about 1800°f to get very pale greens, lower temp's range from bronze to bluish purple.
Titanium heat treating or anodizing don't add too much to the surface hardness. Color is dependent on the surface thickness, the longer the chemical dip the different the color. If you want a cheap mat finish, you could bead blast with a aluminum dioxide. Or you could use a vibratory finishing machine with the appropriate media, both give it a dark grey finish. Titanium oxidizes almost immediately, that is why it is called self healing. If you want a tough finish, PVD coating is the solution now, it is just not very colorful.
I alwayd liked titanium watches, my first was an Oakley Timebomb, which after 20 years has stood up well, I think the sand blasted finish has helped hide a few of the minor scratches it's picked up over the years, and if you have a brushed finish you can sort that out yourself with a plastic scourer as you demonstrated in a previous video. With the addvent of DLC and alloys being applied makes it a very good material for watches.
Well done Marc, all the negative talk about Ti really gets up my nose! I have used Ti watches (and other things) and I have never worried about the wear and tear.
I have a seiko sgg731 in route for an upscale daily watch. Titanium case and bracelet w a sapphire crystal that was pretty affordable also. Love my mechanical watches but sometimes a no fuss quartz is easy when on the run.
Hi.. Just ran into your video and caught my attention as you discussed the differences between steal and titanium metals. I am currently looking into the Citizen Eco-Drive model number BN0200-56E. What are your thoughts about this watch? Do you also sell watches? if so, what is your website? Thanks.
Titanium is also often used for implants because it has a high capacity for osseointegration. That is a fancy way of saying that it is one of the few materials that naturally fuses to bone.
Sinn's Tegimented steel is not coated with anything. It's Sinn's blend of Uboat steel with the surface steel hardened through their "tegimenting" process. It's built in, essentially, and not something that can scratch off. It is also VERY heavy, in complete contrast to titanium (which is very light). The tegimented steel may have a greyish flat look sort of like titanium, but has a feel unlike normal stainless steel or titanium. The tegimented steel does live up to the scratch resistance hype Sinn gives it, though!
Hey mark something interesting about titanium is that when you get light scratches desk diving your actually removing the protective oxidation that gives it that sandblasted look and if you leave it alone the scratch will oxidizes itself again. So it's self healing.
You're talking about the outer oxide coating. If you scratch deep enough, which isn't hard as that outer bit is very thin, the actual metal will be scretched. And, titanium does scratch easier than stainless steel. Scratches in the metal aren't self healing. I found a rough treated 90s titanium watch that's been sitting untouched for years and scratched to hell.
Titanium also warms readily on the skin. I have one titanium watch and while my stainless watches can occasionally feel cool or even chilly in cold weather or when you put them on first thing in the morning, the titanium watch never really ever feels cool or cold when I put it on... part of the reason why they seem to disappear from your wrist when you put them on.
its because titanium does conduct heat way slower than steel. Thats also a reason why titanium is more expensive because it takes longer to machine because the drills and... heat up and the titanium does dissipate this heat very slowly
@@harrie205 Reason why something feels cold is because it takes heat away from you.
You can test it by leaving two objects outside to chill: one made of steel and one made of plastic. Temperature of both objects will be same but to your touch steel will feel colder.
School, it's great thing.
@@UltraCasualPenguin can't help but feel you are being a dick by being so condescending. @harrie205 said precisely the same thing about titanium being a worse conductor than steel.
Its not about "taking heat from you" becouse both steel and plastic are absorbing temperature but steel is more dense and absorbs slower so feels cold for longer
@@jedrzejkwiatkowski3893It really is about heat moving from your body, into the metal.
Marc’s the scientist; I am not. But I recall the property of how much heat energy it takes to raise the temp of a material varies from one material to the next. That property is called the *specific heat* of the material. Is specific heat just another way of saying density? I don’t know, but intuitively it seems to make sense.
Love my Seiko SARX055- it’s the best when I don’t wanna feel like I’m hardly wearing anything. It has some nicely polished surfaces. Now looking at the Mido Ocean Star captain so I have a titanium diver.
I own a titanium Omega Planet Ocean and love it. Simply a fantastic material. Great look and awesome strength to weight ratio makes it very comfortable to wear.
That's titanium in a nutshell.
Brian do you still wear your Titanium p O or have you moved on to different type watches.
Bill
Ga
Thanks Mark. this was a fantastic report. I have a 20 year old titanium Seiko quartz, that has developed a sheen over time. Just using a soft cloth every once in a while, also reduces the scratches. If I get a steel watch, I have to put it on a cloth strap, as I hate heavy watches. About 3 years ago, scientists developed "beta Titanium 3 Gold", which is as hard as steel, and used in the medical implant industry. I'd love a watch made from this alloy, but no such thing yet, as far as I know. I'd always buy a titanium watch over any other material. The Seiko diashield is a great invention.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Marc. This is an older video, but both yourself and TGV have stirred my passion in watches again. I've bought a few since Christmas and I'm very happy with my collection now. I do have a Titanium chrono, but I did want to add the Citizen Pro drive divers, super Titanium watch. This video is super interesting. Thank you 😊
As i am allergic to stainless steel it`s essential for me to wear a titanium watch. Your channel is a pleasure to WATch many many thanks.
I agree that TI is a great material for a watch and I love the flat matte color. My wife bought me a Citizen TI watch for a wedding present 32 years ago and I still have it and wear it. I am not hard on my watches and this one still looks practically brand new. Great video.
Wow, that's awesome!
Thanks for the details on titanium. I have a couple watches with titanium case and bracelet that I love. Part of it is "romance", as I am a huge fan of the SR-71 Blackbird!
Thanks, Marc.
Bertucci is a rising star in the market. I am impressed with every model I see, and their stuff is slowly moving up my wish list. So glad you sell them.
Thanks Dan!
Thanks, a Tudor Pelagos is on my dream list. And I do know that it’s not coated. Also Titanium is cool because of the connection to aviation and the military.
John Dziki same😍
Right on!
Mark, you must be a heck of a salesman - your tone of voice and delivery are top notch! ( I own an aluminum Bertucci - best on the market and my co-workers love it!)
Wow, those Bertucci are really reasonable for titanium, will have to check them out. I am a big fan of Ti in general, primarily for the look (I prefer matte to shiny) and the hypoallergenic properties. I also just like the way it feels. It kind of seems like it adjusts to skin temperature better than stainless, if that makes sense.
It does!
Lol...Imma get me one-a them burr-tucky!
I really like titanium as a material and I was thinking during the video that Mark must mention this "feels warm" thingy, because it always surprises me for a metal. This warm feeling comes mostly from the fact that it has quite low thermal (and electrical) conductivity for a metal. Also the weight contributes to this indirectly. It makes titanium wearables very comfortable to wear.
Titanium still feels itchy, so it isn't totally scatfree to use titanium. When my arm gets wet, I switch between arms until the left gets dry.
I owned a fossil titanium watch from 2000 to 2013. Loved that watch. Wearing a titanium watch feels like nothing on your wrist. I know many people prefer the weight of a steel watch, but you must try a titanium watch at least once in your lifetime. Contemplating that Shogun watch for next purchase.
Zzygyy, you nailed it. There truly is nothing like it. It's the most bizarre feeling when you start wearing one.
It's good to be lightweight.
I've had mine for 5 months and it hasn't left my wrist. It's fantastic. My boss has Breitling, Tudor, grand seiko and didn't want to give the shogun back when I let him try it on.
My fossil watch in Titanium dates from 1999. It had to have a new movement in 2017 ($150 AUD). I checked other options in Titanium and plumped for renewal. Unfortunately, I think the movement is playing up again, hence I'm looking at my options. I have a steel watch, however, it is sooo much heavier. What would people recommend today on a daily wear titanium watch?
Alan Mellon seiko shogun if you can afford it.
I recently picked up a Casio Oceanus, all titanium bracelet etc. I got it in a Black Ion coating (not even sure what that is), after a month, no scratches! Very impressive, and the all black look is a good change of pace from my steel watch on bracelet.
Sounds great, thanks for sharing.
Good info. I’m in a Citizen titanium phase at the moment.
I love titanium, exactly for the reasons you highlight. I own a Swiss Military GMT all titanium. Not an expensive watch by any means but it is my favourite because it is so light, durable and accurate. When I travel it comes with me. I wear it when I'm working on a job and the only downside is that it leaves a dark band of dirt if I get sweaty and am in a dusty environment, probably because it is softer so some of the metal must be abrading from the grit. I certainly don't think of titanium as a down market material, quite the contrary. Love the channel, I'll be checking out your upcoming sales extravaganza!
Use dish detergent, or shampoo. Don't use soap and you are fine. Soaps strip metal.
I use microfiber cloth I use for my glasses with dilute dishsoap, it gets sparkly new.
i think it is important to differentiate between different types of Titanium
generally there are 2 basic Types used in watches (unfortunatly it is not always easy to get the information on which type is used in a watch)
1. Grade 2 or Pure Titanium this is a soft extremly corrosion resistant Metal which is softer(scratches more easily) an not as strong as Stainless Steel (316l for example), also Grade 2 is Hypoallergenic (no body is allergic to this metall)
Grade 2 is to my knowledge used by Breitling, Oris,
2.Grade 5 is a Titanium Alloy which is corrosion resistant, Stronger then the commonly by watchmakers used Stainless steels (316l, 904l) and is Harder than these steels to(these watches will scratch less than stainless steel ones) but the Elements used to Alloy this Titanium can Cause allergic Reactions(to my knowledge the reactions to grade 5 are less comon than reactions to Stainless Steel)
I think this Grade is used by Brands like Seiko(some modells), Omega(most titanium Models), Rolex(Deepsea caseback), Blancpain(not sure(opinion is based on a forum articel)),
So after all the common Known "Titanium Facts" like Easy Scratch and Hypoallergenic are not true for many Titanium watches
@@Org80 if its a Seiko Tuna or something like that) it should be Grade 2
If its a Grand Seiko it should be Grade 5 (i think theyre high intensity titanium is marketing speech for Grade 5)
just an educated gues
Blancpain FF 5015 use Ti grade 23. And it scratches easily, more easy than steel.
@@watchlover8297 Grade 23 is close to grade 5 so its harder than then the usual stainless steels (316l...)of watches
@@harrie205 Hi Harrie, thanks for your reply. I hear all the words but the BP FF i bought last week brand new had a lot of small marks and scratches for a watch I wore for 2 days. I've checked a couple of my steel watches that I've worn for months and they aren't as dented etc so I have to say Grade 23 is NOT harder. Have you a link for technical specifications of hardness of Ti Grade 5 & 23? I have found some that contradict each other so I'm not sure what to believe, thanks WL.
True, I need to watch my arm doesn't sweat wearing the seiko sgg731, or it gets itchy.
Cant believe this 4yr old vid is still the best at explaining the diff! Well done
I had no idea titanium looked like that, or could look like that. I love it. I was one of those with the titanium bias, because I enjoy the heft of Stainless watch. Now, I really like that first one you held up. Thanks for showing that watch.
Thanks Jerry
I received the Citizen today in the coolest faux oxygen tank, and I was absolutely floored by the weight versus steel.
Great explanation of titanium.
Just getting interested in watches but have been into bikes and knives for awhile so have some knowledge of these materials.
I read about these expensive watches and find it odd many use cheap stainless steel like what is used on a fridge!
Some companies seem to be interested in improving performance like Sinn but I ,personally, find their use of submarine steel to be much more marketing than real upgrade. I mean, its a submarine, they are not going to use premium steel on a government contracted vessel of that magnitude. Put it this way titanium would never be in the running simply due to cost regardless of its superiority so the fact its submarine steel does nothing for me. Not sure exactly which steel it is but I know its nothing expensive.
If hardness and corrosion resistance are most important ,strength of any steel is really unquestionable for this application, why not use what would be a high end blade steel like X15 or LC200N, nitrogen steels with far less nickel than 316l and far more potential for hardening? Yeah, its pricey but with the asking prices of watches, case material really doesn;t seem to factor considering titanium is used in sub $200 watches.
Rant over.
I love titanium I have a mido ocean star iv titanium it's by far my favorite watch!
I recently discovered your channel and am so happy that this series is still going
Thanks!
Thank you! I have been preaching about Bertucci's for years. They are indestructible. Everyone loves G-Chocks, but I have had my Bertucci A2-T for years. Because of the design the crystal has never been scratched, the case shows sleeve and glove wear from working with it on, and it's been in swimming holes and hot springs for years. Oh yeah and it's lost 2 seconds in the last year. The most accurate watch I own. These watches don't get the love they deserve. I think they are as tough as anything out there.
Wow, that's amazing. Thank you for sharing the experience.
Good series, very good info. As for Ti, there are a LOT of different grades. As far as i know grade 2 is common for watches (and 5?). If it's not mentioned or they use strange names or different numbers, be sure to check / ask for details.
Titanium is also used in surgical tools, you won't get allergic reactions for sure
When you move up to grade 5 or 6 titanuim....which is used on some richard mille watches its a whole new ball game. Its a superb material
Thanks!
I have a Titanium Samurai and the SKZ 40th Anniversary Titanium. Both are very light which is good because the SKZ is pretty big. It also has a Tungsten bezel and a graphite face. The only places they get scratched are on the back from the clasp. They are both very comfortable to wear. A Titanium Turtle would be interesting.
I had a Shogun (with sapphire) and sold it because i needed the money for something else. I also had a Sumo in blue (with sapphire) and kept that one. The Sumo is on a stunning rubber strap from Crafterblue and i wear it very often. Beautiful watch and Seiko is increasing the price of the current Sumo generation because it is a awesome watch with an awesome shaped case. It just was priced too low i guess.
I am wearing aragon titanium swiss auto watch while watching this channel....love it , good info thanks .
Really enjoying your "Watch and Learn" series, Marc. Keep up the great work! Cheers!
Your an Engineer and a Watch expert and a great guy - so when do we get the Long Island Watch design by Marc???????
Not for a while :)
What a sight to behold ! :D
Boo! I would love to see what comes out of your head, Marc!
Now its been a year and there are some Marc designs out there:)
Titanium seems to be a very good base for a properly applied DLC coating. I've seen such a watch actually scratch other metal instead of receive the scratch. So, it's a good way to mitigate titanium's easier scratching, while keeping the great light weight (as long as you like a black case).
The DLC coating pulled off metal and the metal, an assumed scratch on 1st glance, was able to be buffed off the DLC without compromising the coating adhering to the case.
The watch did have wear in the coating on the crown stem in a couple places. The lugs were kinda sharp and the DLC had been worn off on one bit of the underside edge of a lug. Other than that, after a year of daily wear, the coating had either patinated to a slightly lighter and more matte hue than new (or wasn't entirely clean).
It was a Fortis Marine Master Mars 500 and the DLC looked in great shape over the titanium compared to some concerns I'd heard of DLC wearing, scratching or chipping off, which wasn't true of this peice except the couple areas mentioned. I don't know if that was typical of DLC on titanium or if Fortis did a great job coating it.
Note, PVD is a coating process, not a coating material. DLC is a coating material that can be applied via PVD. Not all PVD is DLC. Usually if a coating is DLC it's stated "DLC". If a watch says it has a "PVD" coating, it is probably not DLC, otherwise they would advertise it as DLC (as DLC is about the best PVD coating you can get). But, a watch with a "PVD" coating could be DLC and a poor marketing team.
Thanks for the feedback.
Love that Breitling model and always wanted one. The only watch l regret selling was a Momentum Format 4 titanium. I love the material, weight, feel of ti. Its really versatile in terms.of finishing options and wish more companies would use it for their divers and field watches. Shogun is on my wishlist but for the $ it should really have a ceramic bezel and saphire crystal. Any plans for a Long Island Ti diver!?
Very informative! Thanks. I have two titanium watches but I learned some new things.
Love My Bertucci Years now. Just got an Invicta Titanium Pro Diver and it fit great. Cant beat price.
Hello Marc: I own several titanium bicycle frames and they are an alloy of titanium and aluminum. Are these watch cases pure titanium or are they alloyed with aluminum?
I love my titanium Omega Planet Ocean. Beautiful, durable, and dead-on accurate.
Whats the coating that can protect titanium and how do i do it, will a boutique watch shop do it? Like omega? And how long does the coating last? Do you have to reapply and what are the downsides of the coating?
Thinking grand seiko for my next watch and wanted to see all the perks of titanium vs stainless. This video told me anything and everything I needed to know and more. Thank you mark. One of my fav watch channels.
Question Mark, I would deff imagine grand seiko puts the coating you talked about on their watches. I know you said it was alot more scratch resistant than regular stainless. Do you think it's as scratch resistant as the oyster steel by rolex? Not that it would break my decision on my next watch but I would like your opinion on that. Thanks!!
Brilliant Mark, thanks. This is helping me decide between the Seiko SARX035 vs SARX057.
I have a MARATAC SR35 made out of titanium. Love the watch and it is very light, and comfortable.
Superb video.... information so very helpful.... Many thanks...
Titanium has different "galling" and seizing properties than stainless steel. I'd be concerned about threaded components, such as a screw-in caseback, being very difficult to unscrew after a long period of time not being removed or lubricated. Also, titanium threading needs a different type of lubrication to prevent galling. Learned this with a titanium bolt kit that came with a unique thread lubricant, which wasn't the usual grease, or oil.
Marc, please make a video about some affordable Titanium watches!
1:36 i care about strenght. Its the reason i made the step to metals in the first place. After the 4th resin strap break in 2 years, i was done with resin.
So i first went stainless. But the watch felt out of balance. The strap was heavier than the clock i think. I swapped to titanium. Felt perfect. And no i wont go leather. I wear 24/7, it needs to be waterproof.
Nice video. I'm considering the titanium Certina 38mm diver.
I don't have a Titanium watch but want one for how it transfers heat?
I live in a very hot climate and have had Stainless etc... watches get were they are to hot to wear.
I have heard that Titanium will not have that problem.
Any opinion of that??
The thermal conductivity is similar, but likely because of the weight, it feels "lower" in temperature on your skin as well.
I currently live in hot and humid climate. I do notice ti does not absorb as much body or surrounding heat as SS.
I love titanium made watches. I have a gshock fisherman with titanium backcase. I love the way it look.
How do you feel about the MTM watches?
Hmmm always fancied a Tudor Pelagos but was put off by people saying it was a scratch magnet. Is it? I own a very cheap Accurist Quartz in Titanium great watch for the money around $80. That's not covered in scratches and I don't baby it at all.
It's not. It's just a misconception.
I have a Pelagos. The bracelet do get scratches easier. Many light scratches. Doesn't bother me.
My titanium Casio Oceanus has been very resilient. I believe it is coated with Titanium Carbide so it is fairly hard.
Cool!
Hi Mark! Is there a solar model for Bertucci titanium watch? I’m just curious. Thanks!
What about the differences between the grades of titanium, e.g. grade 5 compared to grade 2?
Would you consider the scratch resistance of grade 5 titanium superior to the scratch resistance of stainless steel?
Great video Marc. Why does one company uses Grade 2 and another Grade 5 titanium. Is the use of a stainless steel caseback a cost reduction? That's the part touching your skin the most and should make the most sense to be from titanium....
Mark, you're right about it disappearing on your wrist. I have a titanium IWC on a strap and when I wear it I probably glance at my wrist 3-4 times per day thinking I forgot to put on a watch.
Right on! On a soft strap, it's like nothing.
Mark, could you address this odd offering from Orient? It's not listed on their website are the Orient "Oyster" Classic Automatic Sapphire Blue Dial Watch line legit?
I have the early version, Repetition Minutes Aerospace, only issue is replacing the battery every 2 years or so. But its light as a feather, it has minor scratches but still looks great, my favorite watch.
Great watch!
Great video, learned a few things. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks
another watch and learn idea. ETA movement vs inhouse movement (Tudor, Rolex...)
And now that ETA are restricting sales of movements and spares, the other movement makers please.
Last week I got myself a promaster titanium. So far so good! Time will tell how it's gonna hold up.
Do they make Tuscan watches? All my are Stainless steel. But my jewelers rings and Necklaces Bracelets are Titanium and Tuscan and Stainless steel
Thanks for doing a show on titanium!
I have a baby snowflake and l love how light it is on the wrist. As others have said it just disappears on my wrist. Love it compared to my other watches. Great video btw.
Sure does. Thanks for watching.
would the titanium oxide become dull or lost its colour in the long run?
Thanks. Just a point on Nickel allergy. I'm a sufferer. The nickel in stainless in watches does cause irritation. About 15 years ago I switched to titanium. Result, no more irritation/reaction. I recently bought a stainless watch. Instant reaction. Scratching on my titanium Seiko hasn't been a problem.
Symptoms range from itching - which people put down to sweat/heat rash, probably incorrectly, to eczema type reactions, again often put down to heat/sweat.
My personal opinion is that many people have an undiagnosed reaction to nickel. And it's be good to suggest that either people try titanium, or investigate straps that prevent skin to watch contact. But I don't know if straps like this would provide an adequate barrier.
If there are nickel free cases, I'd love to hear about it.
As an aside, stainless used for piercings caused a lot of problems, until they switched to nickel free stainless. Same issue with nickel in the alloys they used to make glasses frames.
Great feedback. I appreciate the info and response.
My Titanium watch has *shock* Invicta engraved in the case side. Cost was about £106. It's the 0420. The bracelet has invicta's ghastly mirror finished central portion on its links, got scuffed up pretty fast in my usual desk based wear. The nh35 movement has after a couple of timegrapher sessions settled to almost 0+-/24hr so is very satisfactory. On a black Zulu NATO strap it's a handsome piece, moreso than with its own rather nasty bracelet. Its screwback is also Titanium, and the watch while worn is easily overlooked by being so light. The lume is pretty lousy, dim at best and fades away too quickly. Even so this one's a keeper.
You are a master at explaining things! Good job sir! Thoroughly enjoy it, thanks.
My first watch was a Timex with plated brass hardware that scarred my wrist over the course of a summer. To this day, in the same areas, my wrist can still get irritated even with good quality stainless steel. Nato straps help most of the time but titanium is nice if my wrist is really irritated.
Thanks for sharing.
Titanium is a VASTLY superior metal. For a watch, your wrist shrinks and swells. The titanium watch won't flop around like a stainless. It stays where you want it to. I think it looks far more masculine and smart. I have two Ti watches. Both are stellar comfy.
Very informative and excellent quality of video.
Corrosion resistant is the MAIN REASON, #1 REASON, titanium is chosen for dive watches. Salt water is way more aggressive than fresh water. Ask any scuba diver who has two dive knives, one stainless steel, one titanium. It has NOTHING to do with WEIGHT. The weight difference is completely IRRELEVANT UNDERWATER.
Titanium can be problematic too. Titanium are prone to ignite and even explode while in contact with oxygen-rich environments (high pressure systems/NITROX). Titanium regulators are not recommended for NITROX for example.
From the diver’s perspective, titanium watches have only benefits, no downside.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the thermal properties of titanium and how it effects how the metal feels.
It is easily serviced and feels warm to the touch - light as leather - I feel it hasn't got enough reputation.
Really enjoy your Watch and Learn videos, so thanks. I like the look of Ti so it was interesting to learn more about its use in watches.
Thank you!
That Seiko looks really cool 😍
Sure does!
Marc, my man, i live in a nasty tropical conditions and some days i cant stand my Seiko Monster cause getting to hot on my wrist.
So, my question is, titanium is more fresh than steel???
Any titanium diver for less than 400 dlls???
Thanks.
It is lighter so feels less sticky to the wrist. This one is close: www.longislandwatch.com/Citizen_NY0070_83E_Watch_p/ny0070-83e.htm
@@islandwatch thanks 😨
Get a plastic watch.
You should show Citizen instead of Seiko beacuse Citizen has by far the best titanium and titanium coating!!
I have more Ti than a FA-18 in me .. good stuff
Very informative, thanks. I've always wondered why nobody's made a watch with a tungsten case. Heavy, yes, but durable, solid and feels like it's got value because of that, plus all the other properties you mention here, non-magnetic, hypo etc.
I have seen some tungsten watches. They weigh a ton.
Imagine the tooling (and cost thereof) required to make a tungsten case!
I do have a titanium watch. My wife bought it for me. It is a Tissot. I love the feel but I wish it was a mechanical watch. Electric is better but I am a bit old fashioned.
I just got a titanium Tissot PR100 and I love how light it is. It feels like I'm wearing nothing.
Yup! The bikini of watch materials :)
I've been wearing the INVICTA #0420 Divers Titanium without any issues. 10+ years
Harrison Ford has worn that particular Breitling for years and years...I think Once you get used to the lack of weight it kind of spoils you albeit I have Worn the Omega P O 600 meter etc....
I enjoy always wearing a watch, whether jogging, tennis or golf and cant think of A better watch for these particular activities than that of a Titanium diver, more preferably a Tudor Pelegos.
Tudor Pelegos has grown significantly on me and appreciate it is a perfect tool watch.
Anyway, imo...Titanium is such a great metal.
Thanks
Bill
Are the pin bars made of titanium?
Wonderful informative vid and some helpful examples.
Thank you for watching.
Great video Mark glad to see another installment of the “Watch and Learn” series. I also own an Aerospace (I LOVE it btw) but it really amazes me every time I put it on how it just disappears on the wrist as you said. I am cautious when I wear any of my nicer watches but they all have had a few bumps and bruises and from my experience the titanium Aerospace does not scratch or mark up any easier than my steel pieces. But I do know that there are different grades of titanium as well, Grade 2 and Grade 5 are commonly used the higher the grade the harder and consequently darker the titanium is. The Aerospace uses Grade 2 which is pure titanium with no other alloys present so it’s actually the more pure, softer of the commonly used grades.
Love your video I always learn something, keep up the fantastic work.
Jamison
Thank you sir!
Grade 5 and 9 are the most popular. Which are both alloys. Grade 2 would probably be the most popular commercially pure. Don't really real with CP Ti.
I love your pressage cause i own it and baught it from long island lol Freaking great value for money.
Wonder what cost comparison would be for two identical watches. One in stainless. One in titanium. Titanium more ?
I have a couple titanium dive watches. The only negative is maybe they are more scratch prone, but scratches are easy to remove. The look of titanium is a good alternate to SS.
Thanks for commenting.
My Titanium Samurai and Seiko 40th Anniversary Titanium Diver are 2 of my favourites. I get them out for a run every now and then.
Sweet!!!
If I break the watch down to components is there any reason that I wouldn't be able to heat anodize the case and bracelet of a Seiko Shogun?
Certainly not a metallurgist, so I wouldn't know. Sorry!
As far as the Titanium case and bracelet my only concern is that there might be any steel pins holding it together that would lose it's temper as far as the Titanium you can heat up to I think about 1800°f to get very pale greens, lower temp's range from bronze to bluish purple.
Titanium heat treating or anodizing don't add too much to the surface hardness. Color is dependent on the surface thickness, the longer the chemical dip the different the color. If you want a cheap mat finish, you could bead blast with a aluminum dioxide. Or you could use a vibratory finishing machine with the appropriate media, both give it a dark grey finish. Titanium oxidizes almost immediately, that is why it is called self healing. If you want a tough finish, PVD coating is the solution now, it is just not very colorful.
I alwayd liked titanium watches, my first was an Oakley Timebomb, which after 20 years has stood up well, I think the sand blasted finish has helped hide a few of the minor scratches it's picked up over the years, and if you have a brushed finish you can sort that out yourself with a plastic scourer as you demonstrated in a previous video.
With the addvent of DLC and alloys being applied makes it a very good material for watches.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Satin is a great surface for "blending scratches".
Well done Marc, all the negative talk about Ti really gets up my nose! I have used Ti watches (and other things) and I have never worried about the wear and tear.
LOL, thank you!
I have a seiko sgg731 in route for an upscale daily watch. Titanium case and bracelet w a sapphire crystal that was pretty affordable also. Love my mechanical watches but sometimes a no fuss quartz is easy when on the run.
Same. What got me is the watch is accurate per month to the second. It is a treat.
Hi.. Just ran into your video and caught my attention as you discussed the differences between steal and titanium metals. I am currently looking into the Citizen Eco-Drive model number BN0200-56E. What are your thoughts about this watch? Do you also sell watches? if so, what is your website? Thanks.
Titanium is also often used for implants because it has a high capacity for osseointegration. That is a fancy way of saying that it is one of the few materials that naturally fuses to bone.
What about sinns tegimented case ? Stainless with coating ?
That's steel. I've discussed it a bit in other videos.
Long Island Watch I didn’t realize that thanks Mark always enjoy the vids
Sinn's Tegimented steel is not coated with anything. It's Sinn's blend of Uboat steel with the surface steel hardened through their "tegimenting" process. It's built in, essentially, and not something that can scratch off.
It is also VERY heavy, in complete contrast to titanium (which is very light). The tegimented steel may have a greyish flat look sort of like titanium, but has a feel unlike normal stainless steel or titanium.
The tegimented steel does live up to the scratch resistance hype Sinn gives it, though!
Damasko watches are almost all ice hardened, too. They’re are supposed to be almost unscratchable!
titanium rocks for me......love citizen titanium !!!!!
Thanks for the explanation. It was interesting to have both Panerai 24 (stainless) and 25(Titanium) I actually liked more the titanium version.
Great info 😊 thanks
Hey mark something interesting about titanium is that when you get light scratches desk diving your actually removing the protective oxidation that gives it that sandblasted look and if you leave it alone the scratch will oxidizes itself again. So it's self healing.
Right, just like aluminum :)
You're talking about the outer oxide coating. If you scratch deep enough, which isn't hard as that outer bit is very thin, the actual metal will be scretched. And, titanium does scratch easier than stainless steel.
Scratches in the metal aren't self healing. I found a rough treated 90s titanium watch that's been sitting untouched for years and scratched to hell.
Long Island Watch didn't know that 👍