Titanium has been used to build aircraft, battleships and it’s even in the International Space Station but did you know that it can also be used to make great looking watches? It makes perfect sense to use the world’s hardest known element to build precision timepieces. Titanium is strong, lightweight, hypoallergenic and it doesn’t tarnish. And that’s why fine watchmakers everywhere are getting excited about Titanium watches.

Named after the Titans of Greek mythology, Titanium was first discovered in 1791 by a clergyman named William Gregor. Pure Titanium has never been found and must be extracted from other metals. Isolating Titanium was an expensive and labor intensive process until 1946 when William Justin Kroll invented a new, more efficient way to extract Titanium. The process would become known as the Kroll process and it’s the reason why Titanium is much more readily available.

Titanium has many desirable properties that have made it the metal of choice in many different industries. Watch makers like working with the metal because it’s so durable, yet so light weight.

Titanium watches and jewelry tend to look a lot like white gold, platinum or silver. Even though Titanium isn’t a precious metal, it’s still highly sought after because of the craftsmanship required to make a fine timepiece out of it.

Since it’s so durable, Titanium has become more in demand for designer jewelry. Its inertness also makes it a great option for people with allergies or those who are going to wear it in places like the ocean or a swimming pool. Since titanium is a non-ferromagnetic metal, they say that patients with titanium implants can be safely examined in an MRI machine. Although I really don’t recommend wearing a Titanium watch to an MRI.

If you are looking for a durable watch, that is great looking and light on your wrist, then Titanium is an excellent choice. You’ll be surprised at how attractive a watch made from the same metal as the International Space Station can be.