Since the advent of steel watches in the early 1970s, brands have been continually reinterpreting and revisiting their metal models. It was during this same decade that Citizen revealed the first titanium timepiece! Over the decades, this material has also been regularly re-interpreted, notably for its lightness and robustness. Very fashionable in contemporary watchmaking, it also adds a real character to the watches it dresses. Proof of this can be seen in this selection of the most beautiful titanium watches of the moment, from the case to the bracelet.
LIP Mythic Titanium
The Big TV is one of the most iconic models of LIP, with its square case designed by Roger Tallon and inspired by the Portavia 111 portable television. Half a century after its launch, the brand from Besançon has completely revamped it to give birth to the new Mythic, now equipped with a titanium case and bracelet.
Besides its case shape, this watch sets itself apart by its unusual time display: no hands are moving here, but rather three rotating discs (for hours, minutes and seconds) are spinning, a vertical axis allows you to read the time at the bottom of the dial.
To bring this Mythic Titane to life, LIP has paired it with a classic Miyota 82S0 automatic movement, thus providing it with a 39-hour power reserve.
Tissot Gentleman Titanium
The Gentleman is one of those Tissot watches that don’t necessarily benefit from the notoriety of a Seastar or a PRX, but whose qualities are undeniable.
Simple and timeless, the Gentleman has everything to be “the perfect dress watch“. Especially in its steel version. But with this strap and this 40 mm titanium case, it shows a stronger, almost sporty character.
Weighing only 90g, this one is powered by a Swiss-made Renata 371 type quartz movement (with end-of-battery-life indicator).
March LA.B AM2 Titanium
Since 2020, March LA.B has made it a habit to unveil a limited-edition watch in March. It’s a way of honouring its name as well as its birth month. Every year, it is the iconic AM2 that is thus revisited and the 2024 vintage stands out for its titanium design.
While the classic steel version of the AM2 peaks at 130 grams, this titanium variant weighs in at just 91 grams, bracelet included! The inimitable style of this reference is still on the menu, with the beveled corner square case, the 4 o’clock crown, and a grooved dial forming the intertwined signature lines of March LA.B.
Only the number 3 (coincidentally!) of the counter brings a touch of color by adorning itself in green… the iconic color of the French brand! Produced in only 133 copies, this AM2 Titanium is powered by the La Joux Perret G100 movement, assembled in France and providing 68 hours of power reserve.
Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser
Oris made a strong impression at the Dubai Watch Week 2023 with a watch of “fascinating simplicity”. The ProPilot X is indeed a great classic of the Swiss house and it’s not even its titanium case and bracelet that allow it to stand out.
The uniqueness of this watch lies in the dial. Designed in collaboration with a Swiss laboratory, it benefits from a laser treatment “which alters the surface and divides the light”. Nothing extraordinary at first glance, but the effect is stunning when you get a chance to hold the watch. It then completely changes color depending on its inclination, switching from blue to green and then to purple. Oris insists on the fact that no color pigment was used, but it is simply an optical phenomenon, used for the first time in watchmaking.
As for the rest, this ProPilot X maintains its usual lines, with its 39mm case topped by a chiseled bezel and which houses the excellent Calibre 400 with a superb power reserve of 120 hours.
Carl Suchy & Söhne Belvedere Titan
We’re switching gears to wrap up this quick overview of titanium watches. Just under a year after launching its Belvedere at the Time to Watches event in Geneva, Carl Suchy & Söhne is back this year, unveiling a new titanium version. Sporty and elegant, minimalist yet sophisticated, this Belvedere Titan “embodies a fascinating duality”.
At the heart of the 40.8 mm case, the decorated lacquered dial offers a nice play of light and texture, amplified by the presence of a golden second hand. The back of the watch is at least as fascinating, the transparent background not only allows one to glimpse the automatic CSS201 movement but above all to admire the golden rotor with the micro-engraved façade of the famous Belvedere palace, in Vienna.
The inside of the rubber bracelet (yes, we’re cheating a bit, it’s not made of titanium) also gets special treatment, with a beautifully embossed baroque garden.
You’ve understood it, you can find titanium watches at all prices! If you’re on a tight budget, Citizen for example, offers several references in its Super Titanium collection (for less than €200). We can also mention the True Square from Mido, the DS 7 from Certina, or the iconic Khaki Field from Hamilton, they too are offered in 100% titanium versions.
Finally, in a more sporty range, the Newport chronograph from Herbelin is also available in a cool Carbon Titanium version (but with an elastomer strap)