Are ceramic watches durable?
Lets discuss, Are ceramic watches durable? Over the past century, watch companies have continually experimented with different materials. Watches can be made from almost any material, including precious metals and even their own “carbotech” creations. Ceramic is one of these rare materials. Ceramic can be found on the bracelet, case, and bezel of watches. What is ceramic, exactly?
What is Ceramic Watches?
Watches are made from ceramic materials that are different to the usual ceramic. Ceramic can be defined as any material that’s inorganic, solid, and nonmetallic. This high-tech material is a lot more durable than the fragile ceramic commonly found in pottery or cookware.
Are ceramic watches durable? To create durable elements on watches, brands engineer ceramics from pure and compound metals. Brands may combine different alloys with the powder to create unique variations of the material.
BRANDS MAKE CERAMIC WATCHES
Hublot creates Cermet by using ceramic and metals. Magic Gold is also a strong certified 18k-gold material that they have developed. This was achieved by using the tiny pores in ceramic and filling them with pure 24k Gold. The molten metal is then poured into the ceramic, under high pressure.
Hublot can call the Magic Gold an 18k-gold material because it has been certified by the Swiss Central Office for Precious Metals Control as 75% pure gold.
Rolex is another brand that uses ceramics in its designs. Rolex’s “Batman”, Black and Blue bezel was first made in ceramic by Rolex in 2013. Rolex has been using a Cerachrom single-tone bezel since 2005.
Two-toned ceramic is used to create the “Pepsi” Red and Blue bezels on the standout GMT-Master II model. Ceramics are more difficult to make in darker colors than they are in lighter colors like the Rolex red and blue.
The Cerachrom ceramic inserts outperform the traditional metal bezels found in older models. Ceramic retains its color and is resistant to scratches, so the bezel will never lose its “brand new” appearance. The patented process of making the two-toned bezel is difficult.
It starts with one color, then adds another before it hardens. Rolex is the only company to have created this process. They even patent it.
Are ceramic watches durable? Ceramic is one the most difficult materials, so engineering it is very challenging. It is also very difficult to scratch because of its toughness. The ceramic is then pressed into the desired form. After being pressed into the desired shape, the pieces are baked at a very high temperature. The ceramic is then allowed to cool down before being cut into the desired shape.
Finally, the ceramic can be polished and ground. Ceramics can be altered to a variety colors by heating and cooling them. Sometimes, a fine layer of precious metal is added to the ceramic.
Pros Of Ceramic Watches
WEAR RESISTANCE
Are ceramic watches durable? Ceramic is hardier than any other watch metal like stainless steel and gold. Ceramic is considered scratch-proof and will not show wear even after many years. Ceramics are also resistant to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so they won’t fade. Ceramics are used in many brands’ sport and diving models because it is resistant to chemical erosion and anti-magnetic.
LIGHT WEIGHT
Ceramic is strong, but it feels heavy. However, ceramic weighs less than aluminum. It is also very comfortable to wear because of its light weight. Your wrist won’t feel heavy!
HYPOALLERGENIC
Most ceramic watches do not contain any metals or coatings. Even people with sensitive skin may still be able to wear a ceramic band or case on their watch, without worrying about any allergic reactions.
Ceramic Watches: The Cons
POTENTIALLY BRITTLE
Ceramic is very durable and can withstand scratches and other common damages. However, because of its molecular structure, it is not resistant against shattering. There is a high chance of a ceramic case breaking if it falls on a hard surface more than a few feet.
DIFFICULT TO WORK With
Although this doesn’t affect the wearer, it does mean that the companies have to work hard in order to make the ceramic look perfect. It is difficult to control and automate the heating and cooling processes. The ceramic must be polished after it has been molded.
Ceramic Watches
Many brands use ceramic in various models of watches, whether it’s the bracelet, case, bracelet, or all three. Rolex uses cerachrom, their proprietary ceramic material in certain professional models’ bezels. Ceramic is used by many brands, including Omega, Hublot, and IWC.
The price range between a stainless-steel model and a model made of precious metals is due to the difficulty of making ceramic materials for watches. Ceramics are being used by many brands and have quickly become one of the most popular materials in watches.
Conclusion
Are ceramic watches durable? Ceramic watches are in high demand because of their durability and ability to offer a variety of colors. This high-tech material is expected to remain popular.