Clash of the titanium: these 7 watches will not leave you stony-faced!
Corrosion resistant, hypoallergenic, and especially light, titanium keeps on seducing watchmaking Maisons for the creation of their timepieces. Frank Sans C gathered IWC, G-Shock, Rolex, Tissot, TAG Heuer, Apple and Breguet, and the brands all answered the call for a clash of the titanium worthy of the name.
IWC, Big Pilot’s watch “Heritage”
Inspired by the watches of the aviation pioneers, the Big Pilot’s watch “Heritage” stands out because of its huge conical screwed-down crown.
It should be noted that cockpits used to lack heating systems, forcing pilots to wear thick gloves. That is why a large crown was a must if a pilot wanted to adjust and wind a watch.
The 46,2 mm titanium timepiece is made up of a soft iron case which protects it against magnetic fields. The jet-black dial covers the rotor blade shaped hands as well as the beige luminescent index which allow a perfect readability of the watch in any circumstance. A Pellaton automatic calibre powers them. The power reserve – 168 hours – is indicated on a counter at 3 o’clock. The watch is mounted on a retro brown calfskin strap.
€14,500
Click here to read the IWC Big Pilot’s watch “Heritage” full technical sheet.
G-SHOCK, MRG-B2000GA-1A
This release celebrates the 40-years anniversary of G-Shock, which was also introduced by Théo from the website lecalibre.com in a dedicated article. This device was forged by Japanese master swordsman Sadanobu Gassan. The particularly impressive 54,7 mm watch with a subtle design had only 500 copies released. This 150 g timepiece aims to look as light as silk. The recrystallized pure titanium case is embellished with a characteristic pattern resulting from a deep layer curing process, completed by a titanium carbide finish.
As for the glass, it is made of a mix of pure titanium and Ti64 titanium. Using both modern techniques and artisanal skills, Gassan tried to capture the splendour of a sword’s blade patterns. This meticulous attention to detail can also be noticed on the hand sculpted bracelet, where the ancestral motifs “yasuri-me” as well as the inscriptions 鍛 and 錬 display his family’s devotion to the art of sword making.
Just like the others G-Shock designs, this abrasion-resistant and robust watch is water-resistant to 200 meters. It features radio-controlled technology, solar battery, world time function, chronometer, calendar, analogue technology, and luminescence which makes it a true tool-watch.
€7,500
Click here to read the G-SHOCK, MRG-B2000GA-1A full technical sheet.
ROLEX, Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
The emblematic Rolex Yacht-Master is a perfect illustration of the link between manufacture and the nautical sports world – especially sailing. This new item features a 42 mm RLX titanium Oyster case, made in a grade 5 titanium alloy conceived by the Maison.
Both robust and technical, the device is powered by a certified Superlative Chronometer displaying -2/+ 2 seconds a day chronometric precision. With a 70 hours power reserve, the manufacture calibre features a Parachrom balance spring assuring an impeccable protection against magnetic fields. Both precise and powerful, the timepiece resists to corrosion and scratches. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters and has a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a high technology black ceramic insert (Cerachrom), as well as tone-on-tone 60-minute graduations. This watch is also able to perform many calculations – such as the time taken to travel between two buoys.
As for its readability, it is perfect. The matte black dial contrasts with the wide hands and the indices covered in Chromalight, a long lasting blue luminescent material. This optimal readability is completed by the iconic Cyclope loupe which displays the date on the right. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 has an ultra-flexible three-row bracelet, and a safety clasp with a 5 mm extension link for more comfort.
€13,900
Click here to read the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 full technical sheet.
TISSOT, Gentleman Titanium
Perfect urban chic watch, the Tissot Gentleman is endowed with suitable name. the timeless device offers a variety of colours and materials for its dial. The titanium one is an elegant and athletic design with a flawless silhouette. The 40 mm for 90 g watch could almost make you forget that you are wearing it. An alluring navy-blue dial with a slight sun-brushed finish emphasizes the fine hands and indices, which are coated in luminescent material. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, this design features a well-made Swiss quartz movement and an EOL – end of life- battery indicator.
€545
Click here to read the Tissot Gentleman Titanium full technical sheet.
TAG HEUER, Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition
The 42 mm version of the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition guarantees an unrivalled game experience. The brand-new algorithms of this smartwatch make it the perfect companion for a legendary round of golf. This “caddy” on your wrist accurately writes down the player’s score as the game unfolds. Even better, each stroke is associated to a golf club. In addition, you can track distances and statistics.
The watch thus adapts to the golfing style of each player to help them get better and achieve new performances. As an expert in the field of luxury smart watches, TAG Heuer emphasizes the importance of pleasure at the heart of the game with this sandblasted black titanium creation. 2D map of more than 40 000 golf courses throughout the world, heart rate, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, barometer… Its brand-new interface reveals many useful functions. The white rubber strap will appeal to all the golf lovers. It is also available in a black leather strap version with green topstitching and lining.
€2,600
Click here to read the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition full technical sheet.
APPLE Watch Ultra
Have a look at the article and the Frank Sans C video that the editorial board dedicated to the many secrets of the titanium Apple Watch Ultra.
999 euros
SHOWSTOPPER
BREGUET, Marine Alarme Musicale 5547
Founded in 1775, the Breguet manufacture shows off its savoir-faire with this traditional high-watchmaking timepiece. This piece is similar to the rest of the Marine line, but released this time in a titanium version of the Alarme Musicale. The 40 mm watch has three complications: an alarm, a second time zone and a date. Both an alarm clock and a reminder for appointments or events, this alarm is adapted to a daily use. You can find it at 3 o’clock in a dedicated counter, and it is completed by a small alarm time indicator at 12 o’clock. It indicates the activation of the alarm thanks to the apparition of a ship’s bell as a nod to the collection.
This water-resistant edition – up to 50 metres – has a slightly sun-brushed blue dial that evokes shades of the sea. The “moon” tip hands – staple of the Maison – stand out on the dial. The device is equipped with a 45-hour power reserve and the automatic calibre has a gold oscillating weight with a fine openwork design inspired by a boat’s rudder. The movement reflects the pioneer spirit of Breguet through an inverted straight-line lever anchor escapement and a non-magnetic silicon balance spring. A blue leather strap harmoniously completes the timepiece.
32 100 euros
Consulter les éléments techniques de la Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 de Breguet.
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