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Titanium is highly valued for its strength and high resistance. But perhaps most of all, it is known for being extremely light. If you like big watches but without the associated heft, watches with titanium cases are the way to go and here are some fine options.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

The lyrics to the hit song Titanium are not without some truth. Titanium is highly valued for its strength and high resistance. But perhaps most of all, it is known for being extremely light. If you like big watches but without the associated heft, watches with titanium cases are the way to go and here are some fine options.

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IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000

IWC is one of the pioneers of titanium watches. in 1982, in collaboration with porsche Design, iWC released the iWC Ocean 2000 watch - one of the first watches to be made out of titanium. Today, the aquatimer automatic 2000 is that watch’s spiritual successor, and like its forefather it features an all titanium case. Despite its massive dimensions - it still remains relatively light and comfortable to wear. it is also water resistant to a whopping 2000 meters. Talk about over-engineering. $13,900

Right: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Co-axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 45.5MM; Left: Schaumburg Bullfrog Chronograph
Right: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Co-axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 45.5MM; Left: Schaumburg Bullfrog Chronograph
Schaumburg Bullfrog Chronograph 

Inspired by one of the most fearsome creatures in the water, the Schaumburg Bullfrog Chronograph is dripping with masculinity. Measuring 42mm wide and up to 15mm thick, it’s as chunky as its namesake and water resistant to 200 meters. Thanks to its titanium case, the watch is remarkably light despite its formidable dimensions. The watch also eschews traditional chronograph dial arrangements for a more purposeful single 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock. This makes it easier to use the chronograph and read the elapsed minutes. $3,390

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 45.5MM 

Measuring 45.5mm wide, the OMEGA Seamaster planet Ocean 600 M Co-axial Master Chronometer Chronograph is not a small watch. But because the case, bracelet and even the dial is made out of ultra-light, grade 5 titanium, the watch feels surprisingly light on the wrist. inside beats Omega’s Master Chronometer- certified calibre 9900, which features a chronograph complication, is almost impervious to magnetic forces, and has a power reserve of 60 hours. $14,750

Top: Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio PAM726; Bot: Grand Seiko SBGA059
Top: Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio PAM726; Bot: Grand Seiko SBGA059
Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio PAM726

A veritable mouthful, the Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio features a 47mm wide titanium case executed in the brand’s distinctive Luminor 1950 case style. Inside, the Panerai calibre P.9100/R offers a regatta countdown complication as well as a chronograph function with an added flyback capability, which allows the wearer to instantly reset the chronograph and start timing a new event without first stopping and manually resetting the chronograph. $25,600

Grand Seiko SBGA059

The Grand Seiko SBGA059 is remarkable for a number of reasons. The first is its titanium case, which uses a specially developed titanium alloy that can achieve a shiny polished finish akin to stainless steel. The second is its special dial, which has been called “Snowflake” by fans and is so-called because it resembles freshly fallen snow. The inspiration behind this unique dial is said to be the snowcapped landscapes of the Japanese Alps in winter. $8,650

Photography by Darren Chang

Art Direction by Ken Koh