2025 has been an interesting turning point for the watch world. For decades, stainless steel was the automatic choice for customers looking for sports watches, tool watches, and even luxury integrated-bracelet pieces. Steel was strong, shiny, and reassuringly heavy, and that weight was part of the hype. A solid steel watch always reminded you that it was right on your hand.
However, something has changed. More brands are producing titanium versions of their flagship models, and watch collectors are dividing into two groups: those who wear heavy steel and those switching to titanium.
The Die-Hard Steel Loyalists
Steel fans are not flinching. They still queue up for the traditional favorites and new releases indicating top-level loyalty. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Two-Tone, the Tissot PRX Damascus, and plenty of polished steel models from Breitling and Omega indicate that steel is still the better option when you want shine and classic wrist presence.
Additionally, steel has the feel. A steel watch weighing around 180-220 grams carries real weight and gives that unmistakable “clank” against a desk. For many collectors, that comforting heft is what makes a watch feel premium. Probably, that weight validates its price, reminding them of exactly what they paid for.
The Titanium Converts
On the other hand, are collectors who slipped on a modern titanium watch and never looked back. The difference is quite dramatic. While a steel watch weighs around 180-220 grams, a 42 mm titanium case and bracelet usually weigh 90 to 110 grams. That’s roughly half. When you wear that for a week, a steel watch suddenly feels like a dumbbell.
Many headline releases for 2025 have been leaning towards titanium, and brands can clearly see where preferences and trends are heading.
High-end brands are embracing it fully. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 comes only in titanium. The Hublot MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash blends titanium with sapphire in a bold, sculptural design. Even Breguet has added titanium choices across some new collections, as it was celebrating its 250th anniversary. That’s something that felt unimaginable years ago.
The shift is even clearer in the $1,310–$15,720 USD category:
- Bremont Altitude MB Meteor Stealth Grey — full titanium 42 mm with meteorite dial ($7,533)
- Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision — titanium and carbon-fibre case with luminescent resin inlays ($15,589)
- TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph — titanium case and NATO strap ($3,603)
- Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition — pure titanium, inspired by the 1972 original ($11,715)
- Citizen Attesa Platinum Shine AT8284-61A — crystallized titanium finish, full chronograph (under $1,310)
Even at these affordable prices, titanium features such as light weight, smooth finish, and modern look stand out. Collectors are turning to titanium over steel for daily wear. This indicates that the shift in trend is no longer limited to high-end timepieces.
Why Titanium Seems Here to Stay
Most collectors tend to mention that titanium has key advantages that give it a clear edge over steel. One, it is lighter on the wrist and therefore more comfortable to wear. Of course, a watch weighing around 100 grams will feel better after a day compared to another that weighs close to 200 grams. Many people will therefore go for titanium watches, especially for travel or long holidays.
Titanium watches also have a better finish. Modern titanium, whether bead-blasted, brushed, or DLC-coated, has a soft, warm feel and hides small scratches better than polished steel. In other words, it develops character without looking worn out.
Finally, titanium is hypoallergenic and kinder to sensitive skin. This means that when it comes to skin comfort and scratch behavior, titanium wins. Additionally, surface marks that do appear tend to blend into the matte texture instead of standing out sharply like they do on polished steel.
The New Default Question
Years ago, sales staff would ask, “Do you want something lighter?” Now the question has flipped to “Why choose heavy steel unless that weight is something you specifically want?” However, that doesn’t mean that steel is going anywhere. Steel is still an important asset to watchmaking history and still some iconic designs look best I steel.
However, for everyday choice, many collectors are shifting to titanium and moving their heavy steel pieces into storage.