Sports watches have traditionally been made from stainless steel, but titanium is gaining popularity as an alternative material. Titanium is lighter, stronger, and more resistant to corrosion and scratches. However, its aesthetic appeal compared to stainless steel is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some watch brands are dedicated to creating titanium watches with the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail as their stainless steel counterparts, while others may prioritize functionality over design. Titanium watches also tend to be more expensive due to the challenges of working with the material.
There are different grades of titanium used in watchmaking, with Rolex using a special alloy blend called "RLX Titanium." Grade 2 titanium is the most common type used by other brands like Omega and Hamilton.
Here are some notable titanium watches under $5,000:
The Longines Spirit is a titanium watch that pays homage to the brand's aviation heritage. It is available on a nylon Nato strap or a titanium bracelet, offering a lightweight and comfortable wearing experience. The watch features an automatic Caliber L888.4 movement with a 72-hour power reserve.
The Tudor Pelagos is a dive watch made entirely from Grade 2 titanium. It has a ceramic-look bezel and features a snowflake hour hand, oversized markers, and a white-on-black dial for enhanced legibility. The watch is equipped with an in-house Manufacture Calibre MT5400 movement with a 70-hour power reserve.
The Farer Bernina is a colorful titanium watch with a vintage cushion case design. It has exposed pushers and a unique dial layout with three sub-dials displayed differently. The cream-colored dial is complemented by a red-filled ceramic bezel and a hand-wound Sellita movement.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional stands out with its deep green sunburst dial and sandblasted titanium case and bracelet. The sandblasted finish not only provides a unique texture but also enhances scratch resistance. The watch features Luminescent markers, an automatic ETA movement, and a date function.
The Breitling Avenger Seawolf Night Mission is a large pilot's watch and diver. It has a DLC-coated titanium case, long swooping lugs, and a unidirectional ratcheted bezel. The watch is water-resistant up to 3,000 meters and is powered by a self-winding calibre Breitling 17 movement.
