Hi Forumers,
Would anyone know why IWC chose to use Grade 2 "Pure Titanium" for the GST, Aquatimer and Ingenieur models and not Grade 5 (harder counterpart) like the current Da Vinci Ceramic? What were the reasons? Costs? as in Grade 2 is cheaper (hence higher margin per unit)? or was it more because of technical requirements? I personally find that Grade 2 is much easier to scratch and is less tough than Grade 5.
Your thoughts/comments will be greatly appreciated...
Cheers from Isobars.
Well, our favorite brand was the first watchmaker I believe to create a titanium watch case in collaboration with Porsche Design. There have been earlier discussions on why Grade 2 was chosen over Grade 5 Titanium, and as Isobars say I think the reason was that it would harness what was previously an impossible-to-harness metal (titanium) into a watch casing.
I don't know why Grade 5 titanium is being used now although if I were to hazard a guess it would be because it is harder, and also because of aesthetics, i.e. to make the metal more polished. The official writeup here says: "The bezel, back, buttons and crown provide a colour contrast in the form of ultra-hard titanium grade 5, which, unlike the titanium alloys formerly used by IWC, can be polished and satin-finished. These two materials, titanium and ceramic, are not only extraordinarily robust and scratch-resistant, but they also have an extremely pleasant, silk-like feel."
Thanks for your replies. It's clear now.
Cheers.