Titanium

[xbox]

Hi,

Any feedback on the durability of Panerai titanium? AD told me to expect similar wear marks to their steel models.

From what I have seen, the steel models do mark easily, which is why I ordered titanium - also for the weight saving.

IWC apparently use a very high grade - I have seen daily wearers that are virtually unmarked after 18-months of wear.

Thanks.

[morgman]

Originally Posted by xbox

Hi,

Any feedback on the durability of Panerai titanium? AD told me to expect similar wear marks to their steel models.

From what I have seen, the steel models do mark easily, which is why I ordered titanium - also for the weight saving.

IWC apparently use a very high grade - I have seen daily wearers that are virtually unmarked after 18-months of wear.

Thanks.

I don't know about the durability differences, but I like the color of the Panerai Ti better than that of the IWC! It's more "bronze-ish" and rich looking, and I believe they use pure Ti as opposed to alloy. IWC, Breitling, etc Ti looks more blue-ish and cold to me.

The brushed finishes also help hide scratches.

[rainman_16]

I have the 161 (with both Ti and SS) and the Ti marks very easily, but I put that down to character developing over time.

[asadtiger]

I only saw one Ti in person, a Breitling Avenger and I loved it...it looked very very tool watch kind, no bling, downright Military...but thats just my opinion of looks on a good Ti :)

[argee1977]

From what i've read and heard Panerai use Grade 2 titanium, which is aircraft grade unalloyed titanium, i don't know what type IWC use but i doubt it's anything too different.

Titanium in a watch case/bracelet is good, but the benefits such as reduced weight, corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic properties are all pretty much the same with a lot of the grades and in the uses for watches.

If they were used on aircraft where vibrations, stresses, etc were a lot higher then the different grades do matter, i've worked in the aircraft world and i've worked with a lot of titanium and when it comes to uses like jewellery it's really not being used to its full potential, but the benefits do make it worthwhile making jewellery out of Ti.

[GBJIV]

I have a Ti - wears well. Does scratch. I don't think it is as noticeable as the shiny SS with scratches. Just MO.

[Lol-x]

According to Daren (Dman):
Panerai uses 6AL/4V Titanium which is grade 2 (alpha-beta alloy) for aerospace applications.

The numbers mean 6% aluminum and 4% Vanadium. if you put 6AL/4V Titanium on your form, you won't have any problems since it's the "commercial grade" Titanium which it's the industry's standard.
____________

Personally I think the grade of titanium used by Panerai is excellent. There is 3AL/2.5V which I consider to be an inferior grade titanium, that Panerai could use, but they do not.

I find my PAM177 very resiliant to scratching, I am very very happy with Panerai titanium.

I believe that Dalton has worked on Panerai Titanum cases and from a technical perspective was quite impressed with the Panerai titanium material.

[xbox]

Thanks for all the great info.

I'm happy that a PAM in Ti is the way forward for me.

Now I'm a bit more savvy on metal grades, I see PAM use 316L SS , while Roles use 904L.

Guess Rolex use a harder grade, which makes sense of what I've seen

[argee1977]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

According to Daren (Dman):
Panerai uses 6AL/4V Titanium which is grade 2 (alpha-beta alloy) for aerospace applications.

The numbers mean 6% aluminum and 4% Vanadium. if you put 6AL/4V Titanium on your form, you won't have any problems since it's the "commercial grade" Titanium which it's the industry's standard.
____________

Personally I think the grade of titanium used by Panerai is excellent. There is 3AL/2.5V which I consider to be an inferior grade titanium, that Panerai could use, but they do not.

I find my PAM177 very resiliant to scratching, I am very very happy with Panerai titanium.

I believe that Dalton has worked on Panerai Titanum cases and from a technical perspective was quite impressed with the Panerai titanium material.

6AL/4V Titanium is one of the strongest and best available, 3AL/2.5V is a cheaper alternative, both have their merits, 6/4 is harder to work with and machine, but is stronger. Yes Titanium will mark up as the outer layer is just a thin layer that actually 'self heals'. It shouldn't scratch up that easily, and these marks can be removed easily with a Ti refinishing pen, which is a tool you can buy from ebay or hardware shops.

[argee1977]

Note, if you buy one of these pens to brush up your ti case wear gloves, if one of the fibres gets under your skin it irritates like hell