A few decades ago almost nobody had heard much about titanium, a metal that is lighter and stronger than steel and was initially used mainly for spacecraft and high tech fighter jets, mainly because of its high cost and the difficulty of working it. In recent years, however, it has started finding other uses, among them in making high-end titanium watches.

There are two main purposes to which titanium can be put. The first and most common is in making watch-straps and bodies. These produce watches that are a bit lighter than their steel equivalents because for an equal strength, titanium is about 30% lighter than steel. They are also a little more comfortable to wear in extremes of temperature because titanium is an inefficient conductor of heat. A steel watch band that has been left out in the sun or is worn in extremely cold conditions will quickly transfer heat. As such it will either be burning hot or if worn in the cold, the watch will act like a head-drain, sucking away warmth. Titanium, on the other hand, transfers heat less quickly so although not exactly insulating, will not feel quite as hot nor drain warmth away in the cold quite as quickly.

Titanium is also very corrosion resistant so lends itself to watches that will have hard service. Diving watches made from titanium will shrug off salt and moisture for years without ever showing a speck of rust.

This metal is also relatively inert and does not provoke allergies or skin reactions as some other materials do such as stainless steel.

The other main use for titanium these days is in making the actual working movements of watches. This is about as high tech as it gets because sophisticated laser cutters and robotic machine tools are needed to make the tiny gears and parts that go into a titanium watch.