10 Unique Metals in Watchmaking You'll Want to Own

The Gold Blends:

• Omega's Ceragold
  When it comes to luxury, gold is a standard precious metal. In its pure form, however, it is pliable and would be too easily scratched or dented when applied to a watch. That's why Omega created Ceragold to coat a ceramic bezel with a minimum of 75% gold content known as 18K gold for the bezel of its Seamaster Planet Ocean dive watch. The result? a durable yet spectacular looking design that is sure to stand out in a crowd!
  
  
• Omega's Sedna Gold
  What do you get when you combine 18K rose gold, copper, and palladium? The birth of a longer-lasting and original rose gold color that is not overpowering. This metal first debuted in 2013, and has earned its stellar reputation for its unique coloring ever since. 
  
  
• Chanel's Beige Gold
  One of the reasons the Sedna Gold has been such a big hit is rose-gold alloys tarnish over time. But, Chanel has its own fade and tarnish-resistant 18K gold alloy rival that also reminds us of the brand's own iconic color of beige with a slight pinkish hue. After all, neutrals go with everything!
  
  
• Hublot's Magic Gold
  Speaking of scratch-resistant gold, Hublot's Magic Gold was the first watch alloy blend to carry this description. It is said only diamonds can scratch it! The alloy blend is formed by injecting 24K gold with ceramic to produce a touted virtually indestructible metal with an industrial yellow finish.

The Lightweight Blends:

• Hublot's Hublonium
  Sometimes, lighter is better. If you are looking for a relaxed modern and innovative watch that will hold up to daily wear year-after-year, the magnesium and aluminum blended metal called Hublonium may be more your style. No frills here. Just metallic good looks and a lot of ingenious design contrasts.
  
  
• Harry Winston's Zalium 
  But, as awesome as Hublonium is, Harry Winston's Zalium is definitely worthy of consideration if lightweight, thermal-resistance, corrosion-resistance, and durability are a factor in the selection. This alloy is composed of aluminum and zirconium and was originally used in the aerospace industry. It was designed for engineering turbine blades because of its resilience and strength.
  
  
• Linde Werdelin's Alloy Linde Werdelin (ALW)
  Another alloy found in a line of luxury watches that was originally created for aerospace is the Linde Werdelin's Alloy Linde Werdelin (ALW). It is said to be twice as strong as steel. However, weighing 50% lighter than titanium, this alloy may be so lightweight you will forget it's on your wrist!

The Titanium Blend:

• Maurice Lacroix's Powerlite®
  Like all luxury brand designers in the watchmaking industry, Maurice Lacroix sought to overcome the issues of available materials being too heavy or overly delicate. It is important for manufacturers to build a reputation on the strength and dependability of their products to hold up well over time against scuffs and knicks. However, if the metal is too strong, there is a creative roadblock with coloring. Maurice Lacroix's Powerlite® alloy would put these issues to rest by combining aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, and ceramics. Designers using the Powerlite® alloy can enjoy the unique deeply penetrating coloring process once again while knowing the end result will be twice as scratch-resistant as steel! 

The Platinum Blend:

• Rolex's Rolesium 
  Those looking for a more classic brightly shiny metallic look of high-end timepieces may prefer Rolex's Yacht Master model. What's the secret of its alluring success? The bezel is made by joining 904L stainless steel superalloy with 950 platinum. The added platinum makes the creation of Rolesium far more expensive alloy than many of the other competing alloys as it is both the most rare metal on Earth and significantly more dense than gold. Plus, it has the added benefit of natural strength and durability, especially when combined with the stainless steel. These traits make the stunning Rolesium something to consider when planning your next luxury watch investment.

The Diamond Blend:

• Ulysse Nardin's DIAMonSIL® 
  While any of the above alloys would make your watch stand out to avid collectors and watch fans, we would be remiss if we did not mention DIAMonSIL®, made from a synthetic diamond grown on a silicon base that is used in the escapement of the Caliber 118. The creation of DIAMonSIL® not only addressed consumers' weight and scratch concerns, it also removes the need for lubricating the escapement! 

Therefore, whether you are looking for a watch that won't weigh you down and feel bulky on your wrist or you want a luxury model that will stay looking sharp with daily use throughout the years, you cannot go wrong with any of the above alloys. These creations have impressed timepiece enthusiasts and professionals, and they should be on every fan's wishlist. If properly maintained with regular routine care by qualified experts, such as our team of experienced professionals at Wrist Watch Fix who perform all services in-house, watches containing these alloys should continue to be the envy of high-end watch admirers for decades to come.