An Introduction to Case Materials

An Introduction to Case Materials

18 Carat Gold

Alloy made up of 18 carat purity gold.

18 carat gold comprises 75% of the precious metal, does not decay when it comes into contact with acids, nor oxidises in water, making for a resilient and attractive material heavily used in jewellery and watches. In its pure form, gold is too soft to produce a proficient case, so it is alloyed with base metals (commonly silver and copper).

18 Carat White Gold

Alloy made up of 18 carat purity gold and coloured white.

White gold is an alloy consisting of gold and at least one white metal. The most commonly used white metals are nickel, manganese and palladium. The term 'white' is a standard but loose definition covering a large spectrum of colours, from pale yellow, to tinted brown, to even very pale rose. White gold has seen a surge in popularity over the last decade, as consumers have searched for a clean, sleek alternative to the more traditional metallic decor.

9 Carat Gold

Alloy made up of 9 carat purity gold.

Nine carat gold is made up of 9 parts gold and 15 parts other metals. It is, however, being composed of less of the precious metal, slightly less resistant to the wear and tear of everyday use, as well as being more moderate in its display of gold's trademark yellow glimmer and shine.

9 Carat White Gold

Alloy made up of 9 carat purity gold and coloured white.

Nine carat white gold is just like its 18 carat counterpart, simply less concentrated.White gold first became fashionable in the 1920s, predominantly as a cost-effective substitute for platinum. Many believe white gold to be a shiny metal, but that glimmering quality is actually the rhodium metal plating that is applied to all white gold jewellery.

Aluminium

Flexible, inexpensive and widely-used metal

Aluminium is the most abundant metal found in the Earth's crust, silvery white in colour, it is renowned for its low density and resistance to corrosion. It was at one time more expensive to produce than gold, however, since an industrial method for producing it was discovered in the late 19th century, it has become the material of choice for myriad items, from cars to cans.

Black Ion-plated Titanium

Titanium coated in sleek black plating.

Black ion-plating is used to provide an alternative appearance to the standard silver, giving a darker, less showy demeanour to the final product. Popular with the male consumer, black ion plating provides timepieces with a stealthy, chic look, ideal for night time wear.

Black Ion-plated Steel

Steel coated in sleek black plating.

Ion plating is another form of "physical vapor deposition", or PVD, when used in conjunction with titanium its purpose is to alter appearance and offer a distinct visual. Black ion plates mask steel's more plain, innate, silver décor. with a striking black.

Ceramic

High-tech modern alternative to metal-based cases.

Ceramic is traditionally a delicate substance, but, with the aid of the latest developments in technology, it can be transformed into a highly-durable and scratch-resistant material ideal for watch cases. Although extremely strong, ceramic is also thin and lightweight, it's also perfect for those with metal allergies.

Multi Colour Gold

Striking gold displaying multiple colours.

Gold alloy comprising of several colours, offering a distinctly modern, eye-catching appearance. A good choice for those wanting their watch to stand out from the crowd.

Plastic/Resin

Distinctive, cost-effective and resilient synthetic material.

Resin is a form of plastic, it is fully synthetic and fully waterproof in watch form. It is most regularly used on sport and digital watches. Resins are composed of polyester, vinylester or epoxy and are catered to the highly active consumer, in part due to its high resistance to extreme temperatures, sunlight and repeated flexing. Ideal for sports and gym use.

Platinum-plated Stainless Steel

Stainless steel plated with luxurious platinum.

Platinum possesses a legendary hardness and is renowned for its anti-corrosive properties. These facts, coupled with its unmistakable lustre and unrivalled elegance, go some way to explaining its value in excess of gold. It is also capable of being coated thinly around materials without compromising its stoutness.

PVD Gold Plating

Highly scratchproof, longlasting and authentic gold plating.

PVD gold plating is often used when real gold is too fragile to make an item. PVD stands for "physical vapor deposition", a form of vacuum coating.

PVD Rose Plating

Rose-coloured PVD gold plating.

A thin plating of rose-coloured gold applied is applied to the metal, resulting in a pinkish, distinctively effeminate décor.. Understandably popular among females and an excellent choice for a Valentine's Day gift.

PVD Titanium-plated Steel

Sturdy steel coated with lustrous titanium.

As with platinum-plating, titanium-plating brings with it the opportunity to glam up steel's sometimes flat appearance with a gold shine. Equally easy on the eye as platinum whilst being somewhat easier on the bank balance.

Stainless Steel

Highly resistant, recognizable and low upkeep silver metal.

Unlike ordinary steel, stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust when it comes into contact with water. It is a steel alloy made up of at least 10.5% to 11% chromium, which is key in ensuring its resistence to the elements. A popular choice of casing among the consumer whose focus is on lifespan as well as looks.

Stainless Steel and Resin

Strong steel and plastic resin combination.

Some watch makers seek to marry the properties of stainless steel and resin. Allying the sturdy metal with the more cost-friendly synthetic plastic material, making use of their respective fine qualities in the one watch.

Sterling Silver

High quality silver, classical silver.

Sterling silver is an alloy, consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Like gold, fine (or pure) silver is too soft to be used in manufacturing. Sterling silver has its own unique, inimitable character and its first usages trace back to Ancient Rome. Sterling silver is naturally unreactive and therefore resistant to decay.

Titanium

Lustrous silver metal.

Titanium is a strong, low density metal known for its shimmering appearance. It has become common in watch and jewellery manufacturing due to its durability, light weight, dent- and corrosion resistance. Its inertness means it is a particularly good choice for those with allergies or those planning to wear their watch whilst swimming.

Titanium with PVD Coating

Lustrous silver metal thinly coated using the latest technology.

Titanium coated using "physical vapour deposition". Titanium nitride is the most common substance used in this process, mainly for decorative purposes. It offers an attractive metallic gold colour, embellishing titanium's natural, more plain, silver appearance.

Two-tone Steel/Gold plate

Stout, sleek steel garnished with gold plates.

Two-tone steel possesses all the function and understated elegance of steel, but is subtly beautified with a glimmering gold trim, supplying a deftly designed, marginally more economical substitute for the entirely gold-plated incarnation.

Wood

Fine, high gloss wood.

Wood has been a mainstay in watch production for centuries. It offers a sleek, antiquated appeal that sets it apart from the more often seen metal-based designs. Popular with the older consumer, a wooden watch case harkens back to times past and, with a polish shine, graces any wrist and catches many an admiring eye.



WatchShop is a trading name of The Watch Shop Holdings Limited. WatchShop™ is a registered trademark © 2024. All rights reserved.

By clicking “Accept All', you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and to help with our marketing and online advertising by displaying personalised ads to ensure you have a great shopping experience. Preferences can be adjusted in Cookie Settings. View our Privacy Policy