From precision mechanics to royal jewelry
The art of watchmaking is the ultimate form of precision mechanics. The first clocks were intimidating in their size and primarily adorned towers or palace drawing rooms. It was only a matter of time before the wristwatch was built. This happened in 1571. Once the size barrier was broken, watches began to function as jewelry. The first wristwatches were considered exclusively jewelry for women. In fact, the owner of the first wristwatch was Queen Elizabeth I. The watch in question was made of steel, but gold was also used in its construction.
Precious metals – a symbol of status and wealth
Precious metals were the first widely used material, other than steel, for wristwatches. Because for decades personal watches were considered a whim, only the wealthiest owned them. Therefore, the use of precious metals in their construction was natural. This custom, which began in the Middle Ages, has persisted throughout the history of watchmaking. Today, watches whose components (cases, hands, indices) are crafted from gold or platinum remain synonymous with status.
Diamonds and precious stones – luxury not only for women
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. This widely held belief isn't entirely justified in the watchmaking industry. Over the years, wristwatches have become a predominantly male domain. Currently, the most expensive timepieces in the world aren't those boasting countless sophisticated complications, but rather those constructed from precious metals inlaid with equally precious stones. In some cases, the value of the crystals used multiplies the watch's price many times over. Diamonds, emeralds, and rubies shimmering in the sun adorn the wrists of celebrities.
Balticus – a Polish pioneer of innovative materials
Balticus is a pioneer in innovative solutions on the Polish timepiece market, not only in design but also in the materials used. Together with Diamond Ateleir, we created the Moonfisha Sapphire Limited . We planned to produce just seven pieces of this unique timepiece. Its case is set with 480 hand-set Royal Blue sapphires, weighing a total of 3.5 carats.
But that's not all our contribution to the development of the Polish watch industry. We are also pioneers in the field of steel used in case production. Our legendary Stardust watch is constructed from Damascus steel . This is another exceptional material that captivates with the incredible sensuality of the patterned texture of steel, primarily used for the production of cold steel.
Bronze – a metal that matures over time
Every watch writes its own story. This can be achieved in many ways. One of them is the use of bronze in the case. This metal has a life of its own. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that over time, it acquires a natural patina, which develops with use. This allows each timepiece to mature differently. A bronze case, like the finest wine, acquires its refinement with each passing year.
Ceramics and carbon fiber – space technology on your wrist
Another material frequently used by watchmakers is ceramic. Once, it was used exclusively for dials and bezel inserts. Today, you can easily find watches on the market whose cases and bracelets are made entirely of this material. It guarantees virtually complete scratch protection and also lends the watch's design a lightness and elegance. Another equally interesting material used to create timepieces or their components is carbon fiber. Until recently, this material was reserved exclusively for the aerospace industry or motorsports. Today, this material is increasingly found on the wrists of watch owners. Timepieces constructed using carbon fiber are characterized by extraordinary durability, but above all, by their astonishingly low weight. Furthermore, the material's unique structure is unmistakable. To exhaust the topic of metals used for case and bracelet construction, titanium is worth considering. Like ceramic and carbon fiber, it guarantees extraordinary lightness and, moreover, is a metal with exceptional hypoallergenic properties. Elements made of titanium are characterized by a silver-gray color.
Extraterrestrial materials have enjoyed great popularity in the watchmaking world, especially in the last decade. Specifically, fragments of asteroids and comets formed during the formation of the solar system. Meteorites are primarily used to create watch dials. Their structure ensures the uniqueness and exceptionality of each dial. Natural ones are particularly prized. Dials made from meteorites dyed in various colors are equally beautiful.
The dynamic development of technology suggests that designers and engineers have not yet spoken their last word in the field of materials used in watchmaking. Their ingenuity and creativity, fueled by customer expectations, are driving a fascinating race in this area. It's safe to assume that traditional materials like gold and steel will continue to enjoy unwavering popularity. However, we can't predict what the future holds. We can only wait patiently and enjoy every new development. You never know which one will prove groundbreaking and once again upend the established order.
