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Watches are one of the few accessories that have truly practical functions. Of course, we all have our smartphones to tell the time, but where’s the romance in that? Wouldn’t you rather glance down at a beautiful mixture of art and engineering on your wrist to experience the passage of time than pull a soulless electronic out of your pocket? After all, we are in a time when people are trying to decrease screen time and unnecessary distractions.
The luxury goods market is changing rapidly, as consumers shift their spending from established brand retailers to resale markets and discount sellers. Shoppers are also choosing to engage with luxury items in a tight economy by seeking goods that use the same materials and manufacturing techniques as heritage luxury brands, but from more affordable alternative companies. The luxury watch market is by no means immune to this trend. That’s precisely why luxurious titanium watches from trusted brands like Citizen and Timex have become so popular in recent years.
What’s so special about titanium watches?
Titanium is a desirable material for watch cases and bracelets for a few different reasons. It’s a manufactured metal that doesn’t exist in a natural form. It’s created by a complex process of extracting and then fusing extremely hard minerals from raw materials. The result is a metal that’s 45% lighter than steel but just as strong.
This amazing weight-to-strength ratio makes titanium watches the most comfortable in the world to wear. In addition to feeling barely there on the wrist, you can feel confident that your titanium watch case and bracelet are just as durable as an alternative stainless steel model would be. Just like steel, titanium watches are both corrosion resistant and rust proof, so there really is no reason to favor steel over titanium if they’re close in price, unless you prefer your arm to be weighed down by a hefty metal vs. light-as-a-feather comfort.
Finally, titanium watches have a beautiful sheen that’s unmatched by stainless steel. While stainless steel watches have a light, shiny look to them, titanium is slightly darker with a gunmetal tone. It’s got more of a quiet luxury, almost industrial aesthetic. It’s a look that you’ll notice immediately once you’ve actually seen it in person.
As with any type of watch, there are two main options when it comes to the inner mechanics of the timepiece. You can choose between quartz and automatic models for most brands. While the type of movement you choose has no impact on the aesthetics of the watch, some people prefer one over the other for practical reasons, so it’s important that you understand the difference between the two.
Quartz titanium watches
Quartz watches are battery-powered and use a quartz crystal to regulate the movement and keep it accurate. Some models, like Citizen Eco-Drive watches, utilize solar power to constantly recharge their battery, while most simply rely on the lithium-ion battery itself to provide all the power. Quartz watches are typically the most accurate timepieces you can buy, and because they’re electronic rather than mechanical, they tend to be more affordable than their automatic counterparts.
Citizen Brycen Sport Eco-Drive Titanium Watch
Citizen Super Titanium Chronograph
Timex Expedition Chrono Titanium Watch
Automatic titanium watches
Automatic watches, unlike quartz models, are powered by a mechanical movement that employs gears and springs to keep the time. Most Swiss luxury watches are automatic, making them seem more like high-end timepieces than quartz watches may be. Automatic watches use the movement of your arm to wind a mainspring. The mainspring then releases that energy throughout the day, which makes the seconds hand tick. In general terms, automatic watches aren’t quite as accurate as quartz watches, though they can come close.
Timex Expedition GMT Titanium Watch
Citizen Zenshin Automatic Titanium Watch
Tissot PRX Automatic Titanium Watch
If you choose a titanium watch as your next timepiece, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. It’s a high-end material that feels as good as it looks. Not only does a titanium watch say something about your personal style, but it also signals that you like the finer things in life, but aren’t necessarily willing to overpay for them.
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