Wristwatch was invented as arm watch and was worn by ladies until early 20th century while men used pocket watches. These watches were traditionally made from precious metals like gold and silver. First world war created the need for watches and there was mass production of watches. Eventually, leather was added as strap to the watch dial and this was called “wristlet”. They the used rubber straps etc. and gradually metal strapped watches were manufactured.

1. Is Gold losing its appeal as a watch metal to other metals?
Wristwatch was invented as arm watch and was worn by ladies until early 20th
century while
men used pocket watches. These watches were traditionally made from precious metals like
gold and silver. First world war created the need for watches and there was mass production of
watches. Eventually, leather was added as strap to the watch dial and this was called “wristlet”.
They the used rubber straps etc. and gradually metal strapped watches were manufactured.
For years Gold watches were the only luxurious metal watches available in the market. Gold
cannot be used in 100% purity for watches. It is alloyed with other metals like Silver, palladium,
copper etc., to obtain the strength and hardness. Due to the combination of different metals
added gold gets its fine ideal colour.
There are watches made of “Yellow Gold” – Classic time-piece and never out of style. “White
gold” - most suitable and common colour choice and “Everose gold” (pink gold) – watch with a
style statement and is very popular among fashion lovers. Though extremely luxurious and
stylish, gold is very dense metal hence is heavier on the wrist.
Lately, lot of other metals like steel, platinum and ceramics are being used as substitutes of gold
in watch making industry and are gaining popularity.
Platinum Watches: Platinum is the most sought after choice for luxury metal matches.
Platinum is naturally white, hence does not fade. It is also a good choice for people with
sensitive skin as this metal is hypoallergenic. Unlike other metals, platinum does not lose
material upon wear and tear. It is only displaced at the edge of the scratch, hence can be
polished again and again without losing on the actual metal.

2. Ceramics: The word ceramics was derived from Greek, meaning clay. Ceramics in the modern
world is used in air industry, mechanical engineering etc., and recently also in watch making.
Ceramic is durable and hypoallergenic. It is combined with other ingredients like zirconium-
oxide or titanium carbide and is processed to obtain a durable nature. Ceramic is much lighter
than Titanium and Steel. You can expect a ceramic watch to never corrode, they might be
expensive than stainless steel watches but worth it.
Stainless Steel: This metal is an alloy of Nickel and can be allergenic to people with sensitive
skin. Steel doesn't scratch easily and can be coated to obtain gold or a black finish. Stainless
watches are usually heavy. There are also lighter watches available in this segment with small
band links. 316 LS is the standard steel material used in watchmaking. However Rolex
exclusively uses 904L.
Titanium: Titanium is as strong as steel and depending on brands, it could get expensive than
steel. Titanium is cheaper than Gold, platinum and palladium. Titanium is dark grey in colour
and is very appealing. It is hard and when scratched, is difficult to refinish.
There are two important factors to determine your watch metal, esthetics and price. Depending
on the lifestyle and preferences one could choose a watch. There are plenty of options available
in the market today as alternatives for gold watches.
No material can beat the glamour of gold in a wristwatch. People may be trying out different
watch metals but Gold still is considered as the „IT‟ metal for Orientwatches in a luxury lifestyle!
Shop for you Luxurious watches online today.