Except for stainless steel, there are many other watch case materials out there, such as Titanium, carbon fiber, alloy, etc. No matter you are starting your watch business or going to buy a watch, watch case is one of the main feature for you to consider.
Here we listed all popular watch case materials. With this introduction, you can find their pros and cons which help you to make the decision which watch case material suits you.
Alloy
An alloy is a combination of a metal with at least one other metal or nonmetal. The most common way to combine metals into an alloy is by melting them, mixing them together, and then allowing them to solidify and cool back to room temperature.
Alloy is a cheap material when it is used for watch case. The lifetime of plating color will fade in a short time—1 year at most, furthermore the maximum water resistant is 3ATM for a alloy watch.
Stainless Steel
This is one of the most popular choices for watch consumers, especially since stainless steel watches generally have a longer lifespan.
stainless steel is difficult to scratch as it’s durable, lightweight and tough is most popular for its ability to resisting corrosion, maintaining a shine for a long life and keeping intact the strength of steel, so it’s good for people with metal sensitivity.
Since it is popular, 80% OEM watches manufactured from Ops is made from stainless steel, and the feedback from customer is very positive.
Wood
Wood is a natural material available in different colors and grain types, and it is eco-friendly material, which is mostly sustainably sourced.
Different from other case materials, the wood watch is very light, so that you even cannot feel it when you wear it.
Titanium
Titanium resists corrosion and is also hypoallergenic – a relief for people with metal allergies. But its dull silvery surface makes it look less stellar than an ordinary stainless steel watch. They can be used regularly and can withstand the normal environment quite easily.
its dull grey appearance, extreme hardness and lightness of weight seemed set to anoint it the next big thing in watchmaking. Titanium may not make much sense on paper, but once on the wrist, it needs no explanation.
Bronze
Bronze is goldish brown in color, but the brightness will begin to dim almost immediately. The watch will develop a unique patina or tarnish. Wearers can speed up the patina process with chemicals, or they can clean the watch to bring it back to its original appearance.
Bronze is far from a traditional material for watch cases but is currently very much in vogue.
Carbon Fiber
Especially when it comes to sports watches, watch manufacturers have been trying to use various solutions to create a watch case that can’t be scratched. Carbon fiber is a alternative choice as it is durable due to the fibers, besides carbon fiber watch is superlight.
Plastic
Plastic is the cheapest material for watches. It is cost-effective, resilient, and generally waterproof. High resistance to extreme temperatures and sunlight. Sports watches are usually with plastic case, such as Casio G-shock.
In terms of durability, it can easily be scratched. Not to mention that a great force applied on the case can snap and break it. It also doesn’t have the pretty shine finish that some of the other materials have. So it is better to think twice before purchasing a plastic watch.
Ceramic
This material is comfortable to use and a popular choice for luxury watches due to its long-lasting shine. It is also non-porous, easy to clean, and more lightweight than most materials. So it can be produced in a wide variety of hues and finishes.
However it is not as impact resistant as steel is. Ceramic will just break leaving you with expensive repair bill, so it needs to be used very carefully. A watch made of ceramic is very expensive since it is unique and has to be custom made.
As a watches supplier from the year 2008, we are working with 10 new customers to create their own brands every month. Stainless steel case material is their first choice, which could be an implication for you if you are just starting.