Meet your metal! (II)

Now it's the turn of bronze, silver, titanium and stainless steel to show off their qualities Another means of preserving the appearance or mechanical stability of a metal is to coat it although, as Dr Mortensen explains, "Whereas a natural layer of oxide will always reform, a coating cannot renew itself A scratch remains a scratch, exposing the metal underneath" Lightweight because of its low density, noble because of its resistance to corrosion and erosion, titanium is protected by its own oxides.

Titanium's natural oxidation can be augmented through heat treatment, creating different colours depending on the amount of oxide there is Titanium's fiery temperament really comes to the fore when machined "Because titanium has a fairly low ignition point, it's important to always monitor tool wear," says Francis Simonnet, director of Les Boîtiers de Genève, a case manufacturer.

Which metal best suits your wrist? Will it be gold, platinum, steel, titanium, silver or bronze? Whichever it is, remember to treat it with the respect it deserves! . Source