Panerai Watch Cases - The Steel vs. Titanium Battle

‘Innovation expressed through simplicity' says the brand logo of Panerai, and quite rightly too. The typical Panerai watch case measures around 44 mm at the back and tapers down to 41 mm at the bezel. Generally, you have to choose between the titanium and steel cases. A few models like the Luminor Chrono have cases of a slightly different dimension - it is smaller, about 40 m in diameter. The case parts of this one are made of a titanium-steel combination.

Opinions differ between users as to which case is better and more durable. In all probability, both have its advantages and disadvantages. According to a few, the titanium version is vulnerable to scratches, and also is more expensive than stainless steel. The steel version is believed to be dressier looking than the titanium which is ‘toolish' according to some. Steel definitely does not lose its sheen ever.

Titanium has one major advantage over steel, and that is its density which is only 56% that of steel. Consequently it is around 40% lighter than steel. As opposed to steel, titanium requires constant polishing as it goes dull with time. Also, titanium has a tendency to stick. A Titanium case with a screw at the back needs to be unscrewed every now and then, or otherwise the threads will come out with the back. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more or less self-lubricating.

Nevertheless, titanium weighs less and looks better. According to them, the titanium is more scratch resistant, or rather the scratches are less apparent on it. It is easy to brush with a glass fiber pen as there are no polished surfaces to be careful about. But mostly all users are unanimous in their opinion that the titanium is lighter, which is definitely an advantage in a large watch. Titanium is said to have self heal according to some users. Though, this fact has not been verified, it is true that titanium generates an oxide layer which helps to protect it. But for the same reason, titanium requires constant polishing; the oxide layer can make the metal dull. In addition, the area where the scratches appear are said to appear darker with the oxidization. Titanium is also believed to be more resistant to corrosion than steel.

But whatever the material, each one of the cases of the contemporary collections set is simply classy!

Asha Prakash

Hi-tech Editorial Division