Uncoated Ti does scratch easily, but as you note, a scotchbright pad, fiberglass contact cleaner, etc. can help bring the brushed finish back. I wouldn't buy one unless I could accept the scratches. The treatment that Citizen uses on their Ti divers is excellent, though, and seems to prevent most small scratches. Makes you wonder why everyone doesn't use something similar.
Titanium owners sound off
I'm considering a watch that has uncoated Ti case and bracelet. I've never owned anything made of Ti before and selected this model more because of features and design.
I've read plenty of comments from folks that uncoated Ti scratches easily. I was just wondering if these are WIS exaggerations. I thought I'd get a gage of the forum since I know many of you here own Ti models.
I'd appreciate any other experiences you may have. I understand the issues with light weight and patina are also commonly on the list of complaints, but I figure those are more subjective and something I'll probably just have to experience on my own.
Also does anyone have any DIY experience refinishing uncoated Ti with sandpaper/scotchbright/scratch brush and metal polish. Even if it scratches easily, if there is opportunity to refinish it might not be so bad. Besides, I'm pretty good with keeping the scratches to a minimum.
I've read plenty of comments from folks that uncoated Ti scratches easily. I was just wondering if these are WIS exaggerations. I thought I'd get a gage of the forum since I know many of you here own Ti models.
I'd appreciate any other experiences you may have. I understand the issues with light weight and patina are also commonly on the list of complaints, but I figure those are more subjective and something I'll probably just have to experience on my own.
Also does anyone have any DIY experience refinishing uncoated Ti with sandpaper/scotchbright/scratch brush and metal polish. Even if it scratches easily, if there is opportunity to refinish it might not be so bad. Besides, I'm pretty good with keeping the scratches to a minimum.
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I have quite a few Ti watches, from different brands, and in my experience the scratching ain't that bad. Of course, I do baby my watches, and I only wear them in rotation, so it's not exactly "intense use". Still, so far all of them look very good, just as good as my SS ones that have been used for the same time.
I think the Ti scratching issue is an old wives tale.....I have had a few Ti watches and they wear about the same as a SS watch IMO......proper care and maintenance is all it takes as with any other timepiece.....Here is one of my favorites and it looks just as good as the day I got it........
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My Ti-experience is poor, but I think scratches are less annoying in Ti than they are in SS.
Theoretically the oxidation layer of titan compensates a lot, but I have to say: it's less than I thought.
On the other hand, I only have two Ti-watches, both from minor brands...
People owning a IWC aquatimer Ti constantly report, that scratches disappear due to oxidation.
I think, if you like the watch, get it. If you have doubts, leave it!
Like with chicks, to be honest.
Cheers,
Axel
Theoretically the oxidation layer of titan compensates a lot, but I have to say: it's less than I thought.
On the other hand, I only have two Ti-watches, both from minor brands...
People owning a IWC aquatimer Ti constantly report, that scratches disappear due to oxidation.
I think, if you like the watch, get it. If you have doubts, leave it!
Like with chicks, to be honest.
Cheers,
Axel
I have many Titanium watches, and even less scratches than SS...
Not to mention how easy it is to remove scratches from Titanium compared to SS.
The whole Titanium scratches easier is a WISurban myth in my experience.
Not to mention how easy it is to remove scratches from Titanium compared to SS.
The whole Titanium scratches easier is a WISurban myth in my experience.
I don't believe uncoated Ti scratches easier than SS....I do however believe it is much more apparent/noticeable when it is scratched. Reason being is that scratches are darker then the surface hence they show better. Ti is very easy to refinish as easy as SS imo. They try to sell you 2 different types of scotch-brite online (ebay etc...) but the green one works great on both. You know my opinion, but I'll say I got away from uncoated Ti watches for this very reason. That's me though.
Very good. Feeling more comfortable now.
Not a myth at all, just varies by the Ti alloy used as well as the hardening treatment (or lack thereof....)
Ive had very good results refinishing Ti bracelets, clasps etc.
The few Duratec or is it duractect pieces I Have handled are fantastic.
The few Duratec or is it duractect pieces I Have handled are fantastic.
seikomatic said:myth comes to truth to me..
before
after
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Can you tell us how you polished Ti bracelet? Using a Scotch Bright pad? Thanks.
As some posters commented, depending how you feel about any scratch, I have 3 ti watches with some scratches and am not at all bothered by them....ti is light and very comfy..Seiko Leganza air diver, Protrek 80Y ti, and Seiko adventure watch Landtrek.
John, so far I am very pleased with my Ti+Duractect Citizen Attesas. Before this, I would have never seriously consider a Ti watch.
Same as SS, Ti (uncoated) can scratch but like everything else, you have to be careful. Duractect and DLC add layers of protection to the finish, but as stated by Citizen, none of these are idiot proof and you can still inflict damage to the finish. Duratect is great for everyday "bruises" and helps avoid/minimize desk dive marks on the bracelet/clasp.
The only thing to get used to with Ti is the somewhat "dull" finish vs regular SS. Duractect corrects that to a point but still noticeable.
So, have you pulled the trigger on that Oceanus you showed me the other day?
Same as SS, Ti (uncoated) can scratch but like everything else, you have to be careful. Duractect and DLC add layers of protection to the finish, but as stated by Citizen, none of these are idiot proof and you can still inflict damage to the finish. Duratect is great for everyday "bruises" and helps avoid/minimize desk dive marks on the bracelet/clasp.
The only thing to get used to with Ti is the somewhat "dull" finish vs regular SS. Duractect corrects that to a point but still noticeable.
So, have you pulled the trigger on that Oceanus you showed me the other day?
So I guess one disadvantage to the coated Ti is that in the event of a major scratch or scratches, a refinishing would require removal of all the coating over the area. If it were a clasp, that might not be so bad, but something on the bracelet or case might be more difficult to spot re-finish.
When I got ready to sell my black Ti Samurai a couple of months ago, I looked it over and determined its condition to be about 85-87% based on the TZ grading scale. After ten minutes with Jake B's fiberglass scratch pen, I was able to bring it up to about 93-95%. That 8% difference can mean more money at sale time. If you buy a Ti watch, get the scratch pen. It works great and is easy to use, too. It pretty much pays for itself.
I know what you mean...just the other day I got a cheapie scratch pen off eBay and I was pleasently surprised with the results on SS. Couldn't get the deeper scratches but did make them less obvious and also removed all the surface hairlines.TakesALickin said:When I got ready to sell my black Ti Samurai a couple of months ago, I looked it over and determined its condition to be about 85-87% based on the TZ grading scale. After ten minutes with Jake B's fiberglass scratch pen, I was able to bring it up to about 93-95%. That 8% difference can mean more money at sale time. If you buy a Ti watch, get the scratch pen. It works great and is easy to use, too. It pretty much pays for itself.
no. Titanium (as a metal) will oxidize in a way that its natural color will surface again, even after you take the scratches of.nhoJ said:So I guess one disadvantage to the coated Ti is that in the event of a major scratch or scratches, a refinishing would require removal of all the coating over the area. If it were a clasp, that might not be so bad, but something on the bracelet or case might be more difficult to spot re-finish.
Good advice, Jeff. And you can get the same type of "scratch pen" (really a fiberglass contact cleaner) for $6-7 from the watch supply houses.
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