Stainless Steel vs. Titanium - Which Is Better?
Watches are not only fashion accessories, but they are practical as well. When you go to buy one, you are bombarded with different options. While these choices give you the freedom to choose what you like, they also add a bit of stress to decision-making. After all, you are buying a wristwatch that should last you 3-4 years or longer. So that's a long-term commitment that needs to be carefully planned.
Taking each option one step at a time can help in choosing the right material for your wristwatch. In this blog post, we will share the difference between titanium and stainless steel watches to help you make an informed decision. We will go through the difference in price and value, build quality, and much more. So keep reading for an in-depth analysis of titanium and stainless steel watches.
Clash of The Metals
In 1970, Citizen became the first brand to launch a Titanium wristwatch. It blew the wristwatch industry, and people couldn't get their hands of this precious metal. Tons of orders piled in within weeks, and Citizen made a substantial profit from this innovative idea. Over the years, Titanium has been altered to meet the modern design and aesthetics of the wristwatch market.
Fifty years before the launch, Citizen X-8 Chronometer (Titanium wristwatch) stainless steel wristwatches gained popularity in the market. By 1920, stainless steel watches became mainstream, and the wristwatch market was looking for an innovation delivered by Citizen. However, in this day and age, with smartwatches and stainless steel wood watches thrashing the market, it can be hard to decide between two of the oldest choice of metal in the wristwatch industry. With that said, let's get into the differences between stainless steel and titanium wristwatches.
Titanium Watches
Titanium watches are roughly 30% stronger than stainless steel with hypo-allergic properties. Titanium watches are practically weightless, and you won't feel like carrying a heavy instrument on your wrist. Primarily, Titanium was used in NASA for aircraft and space construction due to its strength and lightweight. However, this metal has branched out a bit. One of the best things about Titanium, aside from its lightweight, is its oxide film that prevents corrosion. It's a strong metal, and it's used in making diver watches. Titanium is resistant to water, and it doesn't rust.
Stainless Steel Watches
Dominating the wristwatch market for more than 100 years, stainless steel is used in almost every wristwatch. Wristwatches exclusively made from Titanium tend to be expensive, but those who prefer luxury over durability often buy a titanium watch. Stainless steel is a shiny sharp metal that shines under the sun and can easily be repaired if scratched or scuffed. However, you can't expect to remove scratches and scuff off your titanium watch magically. Additionally, if you ever feel like plating your wristwatch in gold, you can do it with a stainless steel watch and not on a titanium watch.
Price and Value
There is no straightforward method of placing a monetary value on a wristwatch. A lot goes into making a perfect timepiece, and metal plays a small role in determining the price of a wristwatch. In terms of value, you can expect to garner a bit more attention with a titanium.
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Watch, but you'll have to explain to everyone that you are wearing Titanium, not stainless steel watch because both metals look identical.
On the other hand, Titanium is 30% lighter than stainless steel, which will improve your watch-wearing experience. Those who always wear a wristwatch can improve their hand movement and control wristwatch damage with a titanium watch.
Scratches and Durability
Titanium watches scratch easier than stainless steel. The reason behind it is because Titanium reacts with oxygen to form a layer of oxide the covers the wristwatch. As the watch undergoes tremendous daily pressure and rough climate, it forms scratches and scuffs that penetrate the oxide layer and become more visible than stainless steel.
However, you can buff your titanium wristwatch, but it will shave off some metal and deform your wristwatch. The same goes for stainless steel wristwatches.
Stainless Steel and Titanium Side-by-Side
|
Stainless Steel |
Titanium |
|
Heavy |
Lightweight |
|
Doesn't scratch so easily |
Scratches a lot |
|
Shiny and blingy |
Dull |
|
It can trigger allergies in some people. |
Naturally creates a layer of oxide, so the metal doesn't contact your skin. |
|
Affordable |
Expensive |
|
Doesn't come in different colors |
Comes in different colors |
|
It can be fused with the wood |
Hasn't been done yet |
|
Bright and shiny |
Subtle appearance |
What Choices Do I Have in Titanium and Stainless Steel Watches?
If you are looking for different choices in Titanium, then you won't find many. Conventional wristwatch brands only stick with Titanium, and at the very best, they will add gold siding or crown to improve the aesthetics by a small margin and prices by a huge standard.
On the flip side, stainless steel has several options. You can buy a stainless steel wood watch that's a unique combination of nature and modern technology. A stainless steel wood watch is lighter just as Titanium and offers a more comfortable feel.
In addition, stainless steel wood watches have fewer scratches because wear and tear on wood is hardly visible. And the stainless steel part is very minute to be noticeable.
Stuniii is one of the leading makers of stainless steel wood watches. We use premium quality material in designing our products. If you are interested in buying a unique watch that leaves a lasting impression, browse our collection of some of the finest stainless steel wood watches online.