Watches
The Best Titanium Watches: Lighter & Stronger
From stainless steel to precious metals, watch materials can vary greatly depending on price point and style. While many of the options available on the market today are highly desirable for a variety of reasons, titanium is a watch material that has garnered a special appeal in more recent years.
Despite titanium being around for decades, the best titanium watches are currently on an upswing, and weeding through the competition can feel like a chore. If you’re digging through the countless options to find the best titanium watch for you, our guide to the best titanium watches can help you on your way.
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Why Titanium?
“You shoot me down, but I won’t fall…”
When David Guetta and Sia created a song about being strong and indestructible, titanium was the obvious metaphor. Titanium is unique as a watch material in that while it’s lightweight, it’s extremely sturdy and durable. In addition to its notable strength and feather-light weight, it’s also as good-looking as any other high-quality material and exceptionally sleek. It even has anti-corrosion, anti-magnetic, and heat-resistant properties, ensuring that your watch will last long enough to be with you for the long haul.
Of course, every incredible watch comes with a price. Not only does titanium tend to be more expensive than something like stainless steel, but it’s also a much softer metal which therefore makes it much more susceptible to scratches. Luckily, however, titanium is completely hypoallergenic, which means that while your bank account might suffer, your skin definitely won’t! Without further ado, here are our picks for the best titanium watches for men.
The 6 Best Titanium Watches
Best Tactical Option: Casio Pro Trek Men’s PAG240T-7
This titanium utility watch has functions galore! The Casio Pro Trek is definitely one of the top titanium watches as it has a number of unique features such as an altimeter, thermometer, and digital compass, as well as more typical features like a backlight, stopwatch, five daily alarms, and 100-meter water resistance.
If that doesn’t make this watch stand out enough, the battery is also fully rechargeable by UV light through the watch’s integrated solar panel. This model’s untraditional dial is also framed with a bezel imprinted with directional markings, which contribute to both this watch’s use as a tool and its distinct, badass look.
Best Casual Option: Skagen Sundby Mesh Casual Quartz
This quartz movement model from Skagen is a stunning, modern, gunmetal-colored watch. With a mesh bracelet and brushed titanium case, this watch is lightweight and eye-catching all at once. Its chrome and white detailing also stand out on this wristwatch’s simple face.
As discreet as it looks, this watch also packs a punch with its multiple functions such as its stopwatch feature and mild water resistance. Casual and cool, this is a great everyday option when it comes to titanium watches.
Best For Water: Mido Ocean Star 200
Whether it’s swimming, sailing, or water sports, if you’re a regular visitor of the big blue sea, you need a watch that will withstand the roughest ocean conditions. Titanium, named after the Titans in Greek mythology, is your best bet when it comes to this kind of durability. Resistant to both seawater and chlorine up to 200 meters, this watch will survive your morning surf sessions and pool parties alike.
Its dial even features Super-Luminova technology that allows for extra readability in the water. With automatic movement and an 80-hour power reserve, this high-tech watch is a no-brainer when it comes to catching some waves, and is certainly one of the best titanium watches available today.
Best Pilot Option: Stowa Flieger GMT
A titanium pilot watch? You’ve got it! If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, this Stowa watch is a great choice for your upcoming flights and adventures. The Flieger GMT model features a second time zone complication, and the main 24-hour hand can be used to see the local time difference on the bezel.
This particular feature is also great for those in long-distance relationships or those who have family abroad, as you can set the time to that location and always know what time it is in their part of the world. The fact that this wristwatch is also super polished and luxurious-looking doesn’t hurt!
Best Field Option: Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Automatic
The Khaki Field Titanium Auto watch from Hamilton is a timepiece that will meet and exceed your expectations. Comfortable to wear and easy to read and use, this wristwatch was actually worn by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in The Avengers (2012).
With three-hand movement, an optional date function, an 80-hour power reserve, and a bold black dial, this watch sure makes a statement. Did I mention Iron Man wore it? That alone should make it a contender for best titanium watch!
Best Dress Option: Grand Seiko “Snowflake” Spring Drive Titanium
This Grand Seiko watch is a little more sporty and a lot more iconic. Its gorgeous yet simple dial and scratch-resistant finish are rare when it comes to titanium watches. Powered by its unique Spring Drive caliber, which “combines the motive force of a mainspring found with the high precision of a quartz watch”, this watch is still 30% lighter in weight than its stainless steel counterpart.
You’ll forget it’s even on your wrist until the bright blue second hand grabs your attention. Even better—it has a three-day-long power reserve, as well as a power reserve indicator on the bottom left of the dial that will indicate when you’re running low on juice. If you’re shopping for one of the best titanium watches, look no further!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some easy methods of polishing titanium include soaking, spraying, cream polishing, and wax polishing. With each of these methods, you should take care to use products that are made for polishing titanium and won’t damage your watch.
For example, if your watch isn’t water-resistant, soaking might not be the best option. Usually, a gentle polish with an acid-free cream polish and soft washcloth will do the trick.
Modern titanium watches are significantly stronger than watches made from most precious metals, and are much more lightweight than stainless steel.
While some titanium can get scratched, polishing typically takes care of that. If you’re looking for a more affordable, less bulky watch that isn’t as easily damaged as something like gold or silver, titanium is the way to go.
Apple sells screen protectors and cases for a reason! The truth is, unless it is explicitly stated, no watch is completely scratch-resistant. If this is an important factor for you, we strongly recommend purchasing something scratch-resistant, or at least the appropriate protective paraphernalia.