I like the heft of steel on steel, but the watch I'm considering is only available as Ti on a strap or a Ti bracelet. What's the relative resistance of a titanium watch/bracelet to scuffs, scratches, and dents, compared to steel. I am aware that polishing a titanium watch requires special equipment and experience...that I don't have. Thanks for any help.
Depends what type of titanium is used. Grade 5 is more scratch resistant while grade 2 is a little softer. All forms are more corrosion resistant.
I've been wearing a Ti X-33 on a Ti bracelet for 6 plus years now, normal desk diving scuffs only nothing more.
I think it also depends of finish. I have a titanium X-33 and a titanium Seamaster 300 MC. I can't say the I notice any difference on the X-33 when compared to my 3572.50 as far as scratch resistance. On the SM300ti the polished center links drive me nuts because it is so easy to get micro scratches on this watch. So much so that I never wear this one.
It's down to personal preference, but I much prefer the "warmer" grey of matt titanium to a polished finish.
Put the Titanium head on an Omega Stainless mesh. You will get the watch and the heft you desire. The first is not Ti but is on mesh. The second it titanium on mesh
They both scratch easily enough. However, might be easier to get scuff marks off steel than with Ti. A local watch shop can buff/ remove scratches from steel. Titanium takes a specific grit to restore to the right finish. I say this because my X-33 bracelet had some scratches and the local jeweller did not want to mess with it. However, Omega managed to get it out. Personal preference...love titanium watches and bracelets.
X-33 is much softer than a titanium PO 8500 or 8900. I have had not scratch problems with my 8500 blue Ti PO. The 2500 PO scuffs up more easily.
A Ti bracelet does not work on a SS watch, the colors are different. So no a good diea getting a normal SS PO, and buying the Ti bracelet. It sounds like that was something you had been considering.
Thanks for the replies so far. The watch is a 38.5 mm AT Good Planet made of grade 5 Ti. That's the head, not sure about the bracelet. I'm with you, Taddyangle. Scuffing those PCLs would make me nuts. Mouse, like you, I also like the solid brushed finish, but that's not an option. So, I think I'll go for the watch on the blue fabric strap with Ti clasp. It's a lot less expensive, looks very classy, and I doubt I'd want to pop for the PCL bracelet later. Does that sound like a reasonable decision?