When summer hits, lightness on our wrist appeals. A watch that is comfortable, resists scratches, and is safe to wear in sea water, chlorine and… when things get sweaty. Too much to ask? Not when it comes to titanium watches, the go-to material for anyone who fancies mixing up functionality and style.
In our quest for the best titanium watches, we asked Homer Narvaez and Masaharu Wada, the founders of Tokyo Watch Club, for some recommendations (trust us, anyone who has experienced sauna-like Tokyo in August knows the importance of lightness).
“For me, true luxury is defined by having peace of mind, and titanium watches have all the qualities that help me achieve that,” says Narvaez. “Lightweight yet highly robust, meaning the watch can go with me without me having to worry about it.”
So, why should you add a titanium watch to your collection? “Titanium has the highest strength-to-density ratio. Titanium can be as strong as steel while being only half the weight of steel,” he says. While titanium has been used in watchmaking for several decades, its surge in popularity is a recent thing. “Because of its strong properties, titanium alloys are harder to machine than other metals, which causes higher tooling costs and risks of fire. This is why not all watchmakers opt for the use of titanium, and those who do are making extra efforts that benefit watch enthusiasts.”
Keep things light this summer with the 10 best titanium watches.
Not your regular heavy duty dive watch. “The contrast between the fully matte-finished grade 2 titanium case and the radially satin-finished ceramic bezel is striking,” says Wada of the slimmed-down Tudor model, which comes at 39mm. “The combination of the titanium case and T-fit clasp brings the lightweight feel of titanium and comfort.” £4,040. At tudorwatch.com
All titanium is not created equal, and for this model, Blancpain used grade 23. “This is a material used for medical purposes because it is lightweight, has excellent strength and corrosion resistance, and does not cause allergic reactions,” explains Wada. “While Blancpain is best known for its Villeret and Fifty Fathoms timepieces, Air Commande is a valuable reminder of the company's commitment to excellence in the aviation world as well.” £19,100. At blancpain.com
Casio going all-out with the ultimate G-Shock watch for purists. “Casio took the very first G-Shock design, the DW-500C, and completely re-engineered so that it would be made out of titanium, while still retaining the durability that G-Shocks are known for,” says Narvaez. “It’s a watch for true G-Shock lovers, for those who grew up with G-Shocks and want to relive the memories of their youth with a hint of luxury.” £3,600. At g-shock.co.uk
The RM-002 is made of titanium both in and out, with a signature RM tonneau-shaped case. “Nobody was doing this type of work back then and is still very rare even now given the difficulty of working with titanium, so imagine the conviction of Mr Mille when he launched this watch!,” says Narvaez. “The watch is very wearable and despite the smaller size, is still recognisable as a Richard Mille watch from afar.” POA. At richardmille.com
When titanium meet haute horlogerie. Also titanium in and out, but with a tourbillon. “David Candaux is a combination of Philippe Dufour-style watchmaking with a hint of futurism,” says Narvaez. “The watch is a work of art, combining the traditional hand-decoration work with the modern alloy that is titanium. It is very hard to make titanium look elegant because of its naturally raw aesthetic, but Mr Candaux has found ways to make it very beautiful.” POA. At curatedmenswatches.com
We’ll never run out of reasons to love Bulgari's Octo Finissimo. “This watch is Bulgari's statement to the world watch industry saying that they are here to compete at the high levels and that they are serious!” says Narvaez. “To make the entire case and bracelet in titanium makes me think how Bulgari really wanted push the envelope in design and performance, while also making the watch relatively attainable.” £15,300. At bulgari.com
Lumed up titanium to channel Lewis Hamilton. “This watch is a little bit of an exception because the material itself is titanium formed through a ceramic production process. Ceratanium has the lightness and durability of titanium, while having the hardness and scratch-resistance of ceramic,” says Narvaez. ”The watch itself looks very cool with a monochrome dial, case, and strap.” £11,100. At iwc.com
Most likely Grand Seiko’s most iconic model, with a textured snowy white dial inspired by the snow-capped mountains near the brand’s design studio in northern Japan (yes, it does get cold in some parts of the country). The lightweight quality of titanium is even meant to match the dial’s snow flurry. Now that's accessible luxury. £5,800. at grandseikoboutique.co.uk
Looks like stainless steel, but it’s not. “The Credor Locomotive is the only watch (outside the ones done for the Gérald Genta brand) that Gérald Genta named himself,” says Wada about the 1978 collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and the Japanese brand, re-released for Credor’s 50th anniversary. “The case and bracelet are made of high-intensity titanium, giving it the lightness and scratch resistance of titanium but with the similar appearance of stainless steel.” POA. At credor.com
You might never acquire the tennis skills of Roger Federer, but you can flex the same watch. The Rolex Yacht-Master, one of just two Rollies made of titanium, measures a comfortable 42mm wide, as opposed to the hefty 50mm Deepsea Challenge, the other titanium model. At just 100 grams, it’s light as a feather, or as light as two small Cadbury’s chocolate bars. You can at least try to get your hands on it. £12,350. At rolex.com
