In this comparison of titanium vs. stainless steel, we would say that there is no clear winner. Both are highly durable, corrosion resistant, and strong. We trust our Miyota movement, our fine Italian leather, and mostly, our elegant stainless steel watches. You know our pick. AISI 316 stainless steel belongs to the iron alloys classification, while grade 5 titanium belongs to the titanium alloys. Both of the materials have a high rust resistance. Golden watches are more expensive because they are status symbols, and the titanium watches are simply...not. It offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, creating an extremely strong substance. From gold, silver, platinum, to brass, titanium, stainless steel, rubber or even wood. Stainless steel has had and still has a pretty bad reputation concerning nickel allergy. Properties with values for just one material (6, in this case) are not shown. The main difference between titanium and stainless steel is that titanium is a metal whereas stainless steel is a metal alloy. Titanium offers a high level of mechanical resistance, making it extremely durable. Stainless steel rings are the least expensive. Titanium is less dense than Stainless and also stronger, but not as hard in terms of scratch resistance. Hence the “stainless” part in the steel. This fact would make a major impact if you use your wristwatch as a weapon of some sort. How is that possible? We want to know who’s the fastest, the strongest, or the smartest one. its resistance to … In the case of stainless steel, it is often made with approximately ten to thirty percent chromium and seventy percent iron to give it corrosion resistance as well as the ability to hold up well to temperature changes. Scratch Resistance. In the Titanium owners thread there is a member who have polished it’s “normal” stainless steel watch with a pad specially for Titanium. So, shall we? Is brushed titanium more scratch resistant than stainless steel, can you polish out scratches from the brushed titanium like you can with the steel? Following stainless steel, ceramic seems to be highly scratch-resistant. Asked by fn Sep 17, 2019 Flag as inappropriate (Is brushed titanium more scratch resistant than stainless steel, can you polish out scratches from the brushed titanium like you can with the steel?) Therefore, titanium is a better choice when variations in temperature lead to extreme highs or lows. The most common type of titanium is Ti-6Al-4V, also known as Grade 5. Or, to be precise, even 50% lighter. If stainless steel is prone to corrosion, titanium is easily scratchable. This is one of the reasons while titanium is a popular material for spacecraft. Also, the shiny appearance of the stainless steel is the reason why they make jewelry out of it, and it can be colored, while titanium lacks that option. However, the price should not be the deciding factor when you decide to go watch-shopping. The best of both worlds for watch and tech … For that reason, the naming of the product ‘titanium steel’ is misleading for someone who doesn’t know that titanium … But, if you decide to wear it casually and peacefully around your wrist, you will have no problem with either material. However, stainless steel keeps its fresh look much, much longer. A scratch on a titanium watch will keep being there. the space black titanum is not comparable to SSSB. And, if the stainless steel is less hypoallergenic, then titanium is more expensive. Even though titanium is lighter material it is strongest of all. What is the Difference between Titanium and Stainless Steel? The price When you are going to buy jewels, the first thing you want to cater to is the budget. Steel is heavier but more resistant to scratches. Stainless steel is an alloy steel, which means that it is steel combined with one or more elements in order to change its characteristics. In some cases, a specific element is added in order to encourage a unique characteristic in a particular type of stainless steel. There are virtually no materials other than a diamond that can scratch tungsten carbide. A metallic element, titanium has silver-to-grey coloring. Stainless steel is subject to fatigue and shattering, while titanium is highly resistant to fatigue caused by fluctuating changes in temperature. Therefore, it is used regularly in the medical industry as an excellent source for replacement parts such as hip implants, knee replacements, cases for pacemakers, and craniofacial plates for the human body. Scratch-resistance - Due to its hardness tungsten carbide handily beats titanium when it comes to scratch-resistance, though titanium is still considerably more scratch-resistant than other popular materials. A. Titanium does make for a fairly stiff metals whereas the Chromium in stainless weakens it somewhat and makes it more prone to surface damage (just review some of the posts on here asking how to repair scratches in their stainless steel appliances). Due to its biocompatibility, titanium is commonly used to make jewelry, corrosion resistance, and lightweight nature compared to stainless steel. std titanium models i see at the stores are usually scratched up. But first, let’s get to know our opponents. But notice that unlike the scratch-resistant stainless steel, if you are using the titanium, you may scratch it, so be careful or remember to polish it often. Stainless steel is a metal alloy made of steel mixed with iron, carbon, nickel, aluminum, silicon, and molybdenum.. To make pure stainless steel, you need iron ad carbon plus about 12 percent of … From the start of the human era, it was all about the competition. AISI 316L stainless steel belongs to the iron alloys classification, while grade 2 titanium belongs to the titanium alloys. Both stainless steel and titanium have a low scratch resistance, meaning they can be easily scratched. Is brushed titanium more scratch resistant than stainless steel, can you polish out scratches from the brushed titanium like you can with the steel? Manufacturers and dropshipping companies mostly do the labeling of labeling as stainless steel from China. It has many applications in aerospace industry. What are the advantages of Titanium watches and are they worth the price? In the end, we like the fact that our watches are affordable to our customers. However, this is also a matter of preference. There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. However, titanium can scratch, so its care entails routine polishing, or it risks becoming dull and marred. But, again, people choose what they like, and that’s everyone’s right. Although they are not always added to alloy steel, one or more of the following elements are sometimes included in the mix of metals: titanium, copper, aluminum, sulfur, nickel, selenium, niobium, nitrogen, phosphorus, or molybdenum. When we talk about allergies caused by wearing a watch, we usually think of the nickel allergy. The true purpose of our watches is to be worn every day. This hard anodized aluminum set is our favorite on this list and has snatched the title of “best titanium cookware set.” Due to its shiny appearance, stainless steel is often used to make household items, such as kitchen pots and pans, as well as to make healthcare products, such as sinks, countertops, portable carts, shelving, and tables. Yes, wooden watches exist, too. Its low density makes it lightweight, adding to its desirability in certain industries. However, as we have seen a million times, the trends come and go, but elegance is eternal. In the left corner, with a symbol Ti, is titanium. As they say, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or in this case, a watch holder. At Nordgreen, we make all of our watches strictly from 316L stainless steel. As a result, it is highly desirable for use in certain industries such as construction, where temperature changes and the elements of weather can create adverse effects on structural components. It is a multipurpose metal that has been used for the production of kitchen appliances for years. It’s a dense, strong and also a silver-colored opponent. So many metals, so little time. It has a good look but you might have to replace it with the passage of time. 2100+ REVIEWS ON . The biggest difference is that titanium has a brushed finish, which hides scratches, but it doesn't come in gold. Stainless steel is widely used, and it has lower strength (unless it is forged, which is again almost never used in watch industry). Stainless steel, Ni-base alloys and titanium A wide range of Stainless Steel grades, Ni-base- and Titanium alloys extends the application possibilities. Stainless steel is subject to fatigue and shattering, while titanium is highly resistant to fatigue caused by fluctuating changes in temperature. Therefore, when money is an important part of the equation, stainless steel is sometimes chosen over titanium if both substances are deemed suitable. Titanium has extensive use in the space industry, military, auto industry, medicine, and more. Therefore, titanium is a better choice when variations in temperature lead to extreme highs or lows. A transitional metal with a low density, high strength, and a nice silver color. It is a nice, sturdy alloy of iron, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, with other elements in traces. Titanium vs Stainless Steel . Circumstances exist that often suggest one substance is better suited than the other for use in a specific project or activity. We like to choose from rose gold, gold, silver or gunmetal color, without being limited to just one. Well, the chemical structure of the 316L stainless steel makes nickel impossible to react with your skin. Titanium is extremely biocompatible, meaning that it is nontoxic to the human body. Titanium watches contain no nickel, meaning they are hypoallergenic in the term of the nickel allergy. Titanium and stainless steel are both resistant materials that work great when exposed to baring and rough environments. When stainless surfaces are required or for high-tech segments, a specific choice of steel grades or alloys is necessary ensuring the best possible material for the final product and purpose. This is one of the many reasons why this type of steel is used for medical purposes. The visual appearance of the watch is usually the main reason why people decide to buy it. Stainless steel and titanium are used in various industries around the world. However, there is a chance you are allergic to titanium, so…. So, some people like patina, some like tarnish, people like different things. Also, we like the versatility of our Nordgreen watches. Some people like the heavier feeling on their wrist, while others go with the lightweight option. Many businesses and industries utilize titanium and/or stainless steel during their daily operations. For this competition, we chose 316L stainless steel. Steel is an alloy made out of iron and carbon. The other answers here really sum it up. Stainless Steel vs Titanium Rings Available on Amazon-Please Click the Picture to Check the Price. If you like wearing big dials, then you should go for lightweight titanium if you think weight is a concern for you. It’s used to make our simple, dependable systems in MSR’s Alpine Line . ... cramic is the most scratch resistant of all, followed by space black SS. And, let’s face it, people are obsessed with it. However, stainless steel 316L is hypoallergenic, although it contains nickel. This article explores the pros and cons of Titanium watches and why they have distinct advantage over other materials. Therefore, when  weight is a more important consideration than strength, titanium is often preferred. Select that ones that you’re excited about, hit the “Compare” button and prepare to be wowed. Because, with time, they get a thin oxidizing layer that changes their color a bit and makes them rather blurry. The scratches are visible in aluminum, titanium compared to stainless steel. When other elements are added to the mix, it is usually done to enhance the steel's ability to resist corrosion or oxidation. If you would rather read about the pros and cons, click here. So a titanium case would be less than half the weight for the same strength. Typically, it is the nature of its use that determines which metal is chosen. The reality is that titanium steel is a type of stainless steel. Although much stronger, titanium has a much lower scratch-resistance, meaning you would have to be much more careful while wearing a titanium watch. Cobalt Chrome is less scratch-resistant than Serinium® and Tungsten Carbide, but more scratch-resistant than Titanium, Stainless Steel and precious metals. Except for rust, nobody likes rust. Titanium, alloys included, has one of the strongest weight-to-strength ratios in the periodic table. Meaning, a titanium watch will be much lighter on your hand than a stainless steel one. But aluminum, titanium watches are tough to get rid of the scratch. As in any fair fight, there are no final winners in the battle between titanium vs stainless steel watches, as it’s up to the customer to choose. We want to know what the most expensive watch and the most precise movement is, or which watch design will fit perfectly for the ladies or men’s night out. Toggle menu. Conversely, stainless steel is preferred by industries that place a higher importance on weight than strength. From $799 at Apple For example, titanium is often preferred by some manufacturers due to its unique qualities that deliver strength and durability along with low density. Its atomic number is  22, and its symbol as a chemical element is Ti. In a bid to avoid this, titanium forms an oxide layer named titanium oxide layer that forms an exceptionally hard surface that resists most penetration forces. One of the most common questions is what material is best for watchmaking? Keep reading to get a better understanding of the implications of this difference as well as to form a clearer picture of other differences existing between titanium and stainless steel. Due to its scratch-resistance, a stainless steel watch will look brand new for a much longer time. Titanium is more expensive, though, than stainless steel, making it cost-prohibitive for some industries, such as construction, which requires large quantities. Stainless steel Apple Watch With Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 4 in titanium and stainless steel, we have two options for the harder metal casing. Naturally, horology is also included. No aspect of civilization is without contest. Stainless steel offers both weldability and formability, allowing it to be easily shaped, adding to its popularity for use in a number of industries. It is stylish and lightweight. Titanium watches are popular nowadays, there is no arguing about that. Ok, this is an easy win for the titanium. Due to its scratch-resistance, a stainless steel watch will look brand new for a much longer time. Through this article, we will compare titanium vs stainless steel watches and test their strengths and weaknesses. Titanium watches will look dull and a bit worn-out, after a while. Alloying refers to the process of mixing more than one metal together. The main difference between stainless steel and titanium is simply that stainless steel is an alloy metal while titanium is a metal. Titanium is at least three times stronger than steel. Titanium watches cost more, simply because titanium as a material costs more than stainless steel. It won’t be prone to scratches and marks as easily as stainless steel and titanium. Nickel allergy is a relatively common thing, that has no further complications, except an excessive rash and a generally unpleasant feeling. While titanium is not as dense as steel, it is just as strong, making it highly suitable for specific industries, such as aerospace, an industry that requires lower density in addition to strength. But, it’s not the same case as with the golden watches. The spiritual gift of encouragement – What is it. However, there is a reason why Superman is the Man of Steel, not Man of Titanium. Stainless steel is well-known for its corrosion resistance which is absent in other forms of steel. It is also utilized in the dental industry for dental implants, a growing area of the dentistry field. In fact, the rise of the stainless steel and the quartz crisis were the two things that made wristwatches affordable. 3500+ REVIEWS ON. Now over a period of a year or two it might only be a couple of scratches, but after a decade of wearing a watch, and dive watches should last decades, it’s going to get dinged up. Emergency Removal Cobalt is the most difficult jewelry ring to remove in emergency situations. Properties with values for just one material (6, in this case) are not shown. 316 stainless is more scratch resistant than raw titanium. Another area where titanium is excellent at is corrosion resistance (e.g. Garmin Fenix 3 Hr Special Edition Titanium Watch. That means, without the fear of getting scratches that would ruin the good appearance of our watches. Mostly used in alloys, though. If stainless steel is better in terms of durability, then titanium is a lot lighter. Differences between Titanium and Stainless Steel. We can polish stainless steel. The latest ones are more scratch resistant than stainless steel where pressure bonding treatment is used on the titanium. Which is stronger? The carbon percentage can vary depending on the grade and mostly it is between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight. Throughout history, we have witnessed a plethora of materials used. Stainless steel is not durable as compared to other metals. However, they are not scratch resistant. Titanium is approximately three to four times stronger than stainless steel, which means its lifespan over generations is slightly longer. Though carbon is the main alloying material for iron some other elements like Tungsten, chromium, manganese can also be used for the purpose. Stainless steel is by far the toughest and most scratch-resistance of the three materials MSR uses, though it weighs a bit more than aluminum and titanium. Its corrosion resistance is found across a wide field, making it highly resistant to corrosion created by a wide assortment of alkalis, acids, industrial chemicals, and natural waters. However, if you are allergic to steel with nickel, then you can either go for hypoallergeni… The primary difference between these two substances is that titanium is a metal while stainless steel is a metal alloy. The unique characteristics of stainless steel are created by adding alloying metals to it, while titanium's characteristics are naturally found within it. The term “better” is relative and contingent on which factors you deem more important. This type of steel is used in food processing, medical devices and implants, pharmaceutical devices, and more. Tungsten, however is the most scratch-resistant contemporary metal. Also, the shiny appearance of the stainless steel is the reason why they make jewelry out of it, and it can be colored, while titanium lacks that option. However, titanium deforms easily when indented or scratched. Even if not treated, although titanium is not as resistant the scratches are usually more difficult to see than on a stainless steel watch. FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY * And a bit more, because titanium is harder to work with. Titanium also offers a high heat transfer efficiency as well as being highly resistant to corrosion. But, as with all allergies, it should be avoided by any cost. In normal day to day wear you are going to scratch your watch. There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. It is inevitable. A pen being heavy seems like a "premium" feature to me, but titanium has a great grey color and has really low thermal mass, so it heats up and cools down fast which makes it feels nice in your hand. 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