Materials and finishing
Materials - Cases
Stainless SteelIndustry standard (316L / 904L)Pros: durable, corrosion-resistantCons: scratches visibleTitaniumPros: lightweight, hypoallergenicCons: scratches easily, darker toneGold (Yellow / Rose / White)Pros: prestige, value retentionCons: soft, expensivePlatinumPros: extremely dense, luxuriousCons: very heavy, very expensiveSilverRare, tarnishes easilyBronzeDevelops patina (unique aging)Not for everyoneCeramicPros: scratch-proofCons: brittle (can crack)CarbonUltra-light, modernLess traditional appealGold-platedThin coating → wears off over timePolishingRemoves scratches but also removes metal → reduces case sharpness over time
Size Matters
Diameter: 36–42mm typical
Thickness:
<10mm: dress
10–13mm: versatile
14mm: sportyFit > specs.
Water Resistance
30m: splash
50m: light use
100m: swimming
200m+: diving
⚠️ After servicing → WR must be retested
Dials & Hour Markers
Dial Finishes
Lacquered / painted: clean, simple
Sunray / sunburst: light-reflective
Guilloché: high craftsmanship
Enamel: top-tier, durable color
Fumé / degradé: gradient effect
Opaline / sandblasted: matte texture
Markers
Printed: cheaperApplied: premium, 3D effect
Trade-off
Complex dials = visual richness but less legibility
Materials - Watch Glass (Crystal)
Sapphire
Pros: extremely scratch-resistant
Cons: expensive, can shatter
Mineral
Pros: cheaper, more impact-resistant
Cons: scratches
Hardlex (Seiko)Hybrid mineral, improved resistance
Anti-Reflective (AR) CoatingInside: durableOutside: better visibility but scratches
ShapesFlat: modernDomed: vintage feelDouble domed: distortion-free
Cyclops (Date Magnifier)Improves readability, controversial aesthetics
Materials - Bezels
Ceramic
Scratch-proof, premiumCan shatter
Steel
Durable, scratches
Aluminium
Lightweight, fades over time (vintage appeal)
Hands & Lume
Materials
Rhodium-plated: bright, corrosion-resistant
Polished steel: classic
Blued steel: heat-treated (premium)
Lume Types
Super-LumiNova (standard)
Chromalight (Rolex – blue glow)
BGW9 / C3 variants (brightness differences)
