…would you buy a titanium watch?

[perf0rmance]

Sure, why not? Assuming it’s not going to be some crazy astronomical price, I’d be down. To each their own but I think it’ll be a material choice.

[illiguy]

Had a titanium Grand Seiko. Titanium felt way too light and had to part with it.

[Ravager135]

I’ve owned a titanium Panerai and IWC. I thought they were well constructed and never felt cheap or light to me (albeit they were large watches). I would absolutely buy a titanium Rolex watch, because like all other things Rolex; I am certain the quality will be unmistakable. I am very interested in a titanium Yacht-Master. I’m even more interested to see if it comes on a bracelet or strap.

[Daytona81]

I would buy a titanium sub. I think it would be a great addition to the line up.

[Andad]

My hyperbolic unwarranted opinion is:

Too ‘tinny’ for me.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by bjdub

Omega’s titanium bond watch is sick

I agree, I don’t like it either.

[Gab27]

Absolutely. You could make the argument that, in many regards, 6AL4V is a superior alloy to 904L, which is in and of itself superior to most other options, and Rolex seems to have developed outstanding finishing capabilities with titanium.

I am not sure why the watch world sees lighter as being cheaper. In most industries, lighter is generally more expensive (often much more expensive). Further, a super lightweight watch made with a super strong, highly corrosion-resistant alloy that eliminates issues with nickel, and is made with the exacting finishing that Rolex is capable of...for someone who wears their watch every day and is highly active, that's a stellar option to have!!!

They put this stuff inside human body. They use it on the fastest machines on the planet. They use it in marine environments that few other materials could function in. If titanium isn't good enough for your wrist, what is?!

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Gab27

Absolutely. You could make the argument that, in many regards, 6AL4V is a superior alloy to 904L, which is in and of itself superior to most other options, and Rolex seems to have developed outstanding finishing capabilities with titanium.

I am not sure why the watch world sees lighter as being cheaper. In most industries, lighter is generally more expensive (often much more expensive).

They put this stuff inside human body. They use it on the fastest machines on the planet. They use it in marine environments that few other materials could function in. If titanium isn't good enough for your wrist, what is?!

Could they just make Titanium a bit heavier?

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Gab27

Absolutely. You could make the argument that, in many regards, 6AL4V is a superior alloy to 904L, which is in and of itself superior to most other options, and Rolex seems to have developed outstanding finishing capabilities with titanium.

I am not sure why the watch world sees lighter as being cheaper. In most industries, lighter is generally more expensive (often much more expensive).

They put this stuff inside human body. They use it on the fastest machines on the planet. They use it in marine environments that few other materials could function in. If titanium isn't good enough for your wrist, what is?!

I’d guess it’s indicative of the tool watch/jewelry intersection we see here. Some wearers see these watches as strictly tools, some see them as strictly jewelry, and most of us are likely somewhere in-between.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I’d guess it’s indicative of the tool watch/jewelry intersection we see here. Some wearers see these watches as strictly tools, some see them as strictly jewelry, and most of us are likely somewhere in-between.

Great point. I am the strictly jewelry side, thus want the heavy luxury feel. If I used them to be active, I get wanting lighter.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by JRell

LOL hard no! If I want a watch that feels light and not premium I would go with a cheaper brand.

Concur !

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by Andad

Could they just make Titanium a bit heavier?

I would imagine Rolex could make it so it still feel balanced and very high-quality, even while being very light. Perhaps that might entail using some heavier material, such as stainless, in parts of the clasp to give it a good balance?

They are such a manufacturing powerhouse that I think they would absolutely nail this if they did a titanium Submariner, especially seeing their recent machining/finishing capabilities with titanium.

I am really hopeful that the DS Challenge is intended to function as a technological demonstrator that is indicative of an intent to use titanium more.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I’d guess it’s indicative of the tool watch/jewelry intersection we see here. Some wearers see these watches as strictly tools, some see them as strictly jewelry, and most of us are likely somewhere in-between.

That make sense!

I am admittedly biased as there is titanium in my body. It's literally fused into my jawbone and, without quite a few of these titanium screws, I would have wound up with dentures in my 30s. I see it as a truly incredible material that has changed our lives in so many ways.

When I am wearing my Submariner while fishing in the sun (or doing some other outdoor activity), covered in sunscreen and bug spray and sweating like a hog, that is the moment where I especially feel a Submariner that was about 30% lighter would be something special.

But, that said, I also consider titanium to be jewelry in the sense that is difficult to machine, and finely-machined titanium represents incredible expertise at work. A Rolex Submariner in titanium, made with Rolex quality, would be a manufacturing marvel for my wrist--a thing of both beauty and function, IMHO.

[Easy E]

I don’t care for titanium. Super light has no particular value to me. I have owned a Pelagos, nice watch and all, but it never really settled with me. I have since passed on other makes/model solely because of titanium. So, if Rolex does release another Ti model I can’t imagine what it would take for me to move on one. I’ll sit that one out.

[JRell]

I find this article so fitting to our topic. Keanu Reeves bought his stuntmen 126610LNs and wore his to the John Wick premier. The article goes on to suggest, “The same qualities that make the Sub a great choice for a stuntman make it a great watch for someone like Reeves. The Submariner is known for being tough and reliable.” Great example of how some see these watches at tool watches, but then others see them as luxury jewelry, but can live in both worlds very well.

https://www.gq.com/story/watches-of-...ek-3-25-23/amp

[Cwillis0001]

A G5 titanium submariner without a date would be my absolute grail.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Gab27

That make sense!

I am admittedly biased as there is titanium in my body. It's literally fused into my jawbone and, without quite a few of these titanium screws, I would have wound up with dentures in my 30s. I see it as a truly incredible material that has changed our lives in so many ways.

When I am wearing my Submariner while fishing in the sun (or doing some other outdoor activity), covered in sunscreen and bug spray and sweating like a hog, that is the moment where I especially feel a Submariner that was about 30% lighter would be something special.

But, that said, I also consider titanium to be jewelry in the sense that is difficult to machine, and finely-machined titanium represents incredible expertise at work. A Rolex Submariner in titanium, made with Rolex quality, would be a manufacturing marvel for my wrist--a thing of both beauty and function, IMHO.

Yeah, it’s one of the things that’s nice about the older references. They’re noticeably lighter in weight.

[Tanuki]

So funny! Such strong opinions. Lets see what all these titanium haters are saying in 6-12mo if Rolex releases a bunch of titanium models. I bet they'll be espousing the virtues of titanium and how only a premium brand like Rolex understands how to manufacture pieces of such high standards.

[Guppydriver]

My Pelagos LHS scratches my titanium itch well enough.

Rolex purchases for me are significant and represent a significant a financial commitment.

This may sound strange but because of this, I want my Rolex watches to have some heft and feel as substantial as my financial sacrifice to acquire them.

It would have to be something pretty special to draw me away from a SS or PM (TT) reference.

[Majin Buu]

As a tool watch, yes ! Of course !
I don’t need a fashion statement watch if Im on the field !

J.

[Jimmythegreek]

I think the weight issue is more subconscious in a lot of cases.

I once saw a test where people were asked to try identical cups of tea (they weren’t aware that they were the same tea) and pick their favourite, what they didn’t realise was that one of the cups had a small weight stuck to the bottom, they all picked that one as their favourite.

Crazy I know.


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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by harvey

…with the possibility of more Rolex references using titanium, would you buy one?

Yes


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[airchitect]

I’d check it out for sure. Why not?


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[Daveh777]

My response is yes. If it is well made and executed.
My Tudor FXD ticks these boxes. There is definitely a place for Ti watches and I would suggest at least or more so than Ag, Au and Pt!

[travisb]

I'd have to see what it was.
I like some of the Ti watches offered by Tudor and PAM.
I think with Rolex I would stick with SS or PM.

[harvey]

…anyone surprised by the results so far?

[diver2012]

Personally, no.

And this is from a guy that had a Pelagos and loved it.

My personal view is that it feels cheap. Rightly or wrongly, the lack of weight feels cheap...and that's not something I want if I have paid a lot of money for a watch.

Steel feels about right...and gold feels amazing.

Titanium also looks dull compared to steel or gold.

I don't buy the whole tool watch argument - a Rolex is never a tool watch. If you want a tool watch you buy a G-Shock - it will do everything better than a Rolex for a fraction of the price.

You buy a Rolex for the finish, craftsmanship and quality.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

So funny! Such strong opinions. Lets see what all these titanium haters are saying in 6-12mo if Rolex releases a bunch of titanium models. I bet they'll be espousing the virtues of titanium and how only a premium brand like Rolex understands how to manufacture pieces of such high standards.

Not only will it not feel like the same quality, it won’t look like the 904L steel which looks amazing. I don’t feel the manufacture process, but I would miss the weight.

[brandrea]

I like seeing the brand experimenting with different materials. In the case of the DS Challenge Ti makes so much sense. It would for other divers too IMO.

The inverse of Ti are the platinum references. Some love them for their heft on the wrist, others not so much.

To each their own

[Doood]

Titanium is sexy. I want a titanium coke with highly polished titanium center links.