Concerns with Titanium?

[diverguy]

Hey Everyone!

First time poster here. Over the past few months, i have really been getting into auto wrist watches. Just recently - I have ordered an Oris TT1 Titan 1000M Diver's watch. I am really excited but wanted to ask everyones feedback on titanium.

I've searched the web and having seen a couple of comments on titanium that seem to indicate that if a watch case is made of titanium and left alone for a long period of time that the substance can potentially weld to itself. Thus, making it difficult or impossible to open the case down the road. I would assume that considering the fact that many of the high-end watch makers are regularly using titanium in their cases that this is not a very legit concern. However, i would appreciate someone putting my mind at ease. Also, I have seen posts out there giving instructions on scratch removal from stainless steel. Is this process pretty much the same with titanium?

Your comments and feedback would be appreciated. All the best!

[Houston]

diverguy said:

Hey Everyone!

First time poster here. Over the past few months, i have really been getting into auto wrist watches. Just recently - I have ordered an Oris TT1 Titan 1000M Diver's watch. I am really excited but wanted to ask everyones feedback on titanium.

I've searched the web and having seen a couple of comments on titanium that seem to indicate that if a watch case is made of titanium and left alone for a long period of time that the substance can potentially weld to itself. Thus, making it difficult or impossible to open the case down the road. I would assume that considering the fact that many of the high-end watch makers are regularly using titanium in their cases that this is not a very legit concern. However, i would appreciate someone putting my mind at ease. Also, I have seen posts out there giving instructions on scratch removal from stainless steel. Is this process pretty much the same with titanium?

Your comments and feedback would be appreciated. All the best!

Hello Diverguy

A warm welcome to WTF. Glad you found us here and hope you'll have an opportunity to look around.

Congratulations on your new watch. Hope you'll unveil it for all of us to admire.

I'm amazed you found such a scary tale about titanium. It sounds almost unbelievable since titanium is a much harder material than steel, indeed 30% stronger and 50% lighter. I dare say it can hardly be a concern given the number of titanium watches on the market.

I've found an interesting link on the use of titanium in watch production which may be of interest -

www.europastar.com/europastar/watch_tech/titanium.jsp

Can't help you on the scratches front I'm afraid. The thought of taking something abrasive to the clasp or bracelet of my watch scares the living daylights out of me . I'm sure someone else will gladly chip in here.


Best WIShes

ZIN

[diverguy]

Zin,

Thanks so much for the reply and the attached link. It was definitely informative. Yes, I suspect the titanium binding to itself issue is no more than an urban legend. However, I found it interesting that two different sources made reference to this. They did seem to indicate that it would take time before this would happen but didn't specify how long. I'd guess many, many years, if there is any truth to it at all.

Along these same lines, I've noticed that when looking at other postings on the web that there is a lot of confusion around titanium in general. Some say it scratches easier than stainless steel, others say it is more durable. Some sources, like yours, claim it is stronger than steel and other say steel is just as strong, only heavier.

Regardless, i think I will sleep peacefully tonight. Thanks again!

[Tiggercat]

Hi diverguy! Welcome!

As a former bike shop manager, I can tell you that Ti will bond to itself - we always used a special anti-seize lubricant when screwing a Ti screw into a Ti frame. I have seen several water bottle cages unintentionally permanently attached to frames. I have never heard of this problem with watches, though. I suspect it has something to do with a combination of stress, vibration, and the elements.

As for durability, there are various mixtures of Ti, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The best is typically a coated Ti like used in various watches, including Citizen Duratect models.

Hope that helps!

[Houston]

That's an eye-opener Neil.

Ti bonding to itself but as you say, types of usage could make the difference.

Yes Diverguy, I've seen conflicting information on Ti as well. From my own experience, it is definitely lighter though stronger. I think Neil T will bear this out. Again I have also noticed that it scratches relatively easily. I use an old Ti Seiko as a beater. It's quite small for me in terms of regular wear and was purchased a few years back from a source on EBay.

Best WIShes

ZIN

[Tiggercat]

Yes, Seiko Ti is notoriously easy to scratch. Citizen Duratect is much more scratch-resistant.

For a real techie explanation, here's a report from NASA on galling (the official term for metal bonding to itself).

www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/2005/RX/RX24T-miyoshi.html

That should either explain the problem or put you to sleep.

[udxtdk9]

I've had a Technomarine titanium for about 8 years. At one time, it was my daily beater that I wore to work. After several battery changes, no problems getting it open. I really like the watch, as much as I can like a quartz. Good luck with yours.

[Houston]

Thanks for confirming that Neil. Different grades of or coating over the Ti by both watch companies perhaps?

I haven't looked at the link yet.....steeling myself for it


Uddie I knew you'd weigh in here, what with your hands on at an AD.


Y'all be well now guys

ZIN

[guru899]

Hi,

In conclusion, it is better to use a S/S or T strap?
Noted that the diver strap are chrome, scratches will be much obvious than S/S.

Pls enlighten me.

Thks,

[Tiggercat]

If your case is Ti, your bracelet should probably be Ti. I have never seen steel and Ti mixed without it looking a bit odd. There should be no problem with galling between the two, though - the fit is not tight enough to cause that kind of problem, so no worries.

[ltgary]

I have a half dozen titanium watches and they all scratch easily. Not a problem though because they also buff out easily and nicely with a scotch brite sour pad either green or grey.