Ion coated - could this avoid my Stainless Steel Allergy?

[Emeye]

Looking for an alternative to Stainless Steel as I appear to have an allergy to something in it, I have come across Ion coated watches - I don't like the light feeling of Titanium watches, so could Ion coated be the answer?

I googled Ion plated but could not really find an answer.

[Dolittle]

I have an allergy to nickel found in cheaper steel watch straps. I can only wear expensive straps where I guess the steel is better quality. Not sure about ION though.

[Emeye]

Dolittle said:

I have an allergy to nickel found in cheaper steel watch straps. I can only wear expensive straps where I guess the steel is better quality. Not sure about ION though.

Define expensive? Is there a stainless steel rating? I had a £100 stainless steel watch that never gave me any trouble for years, but since I lost it the approx £100 replacements have all given me trouble - I'd happily buy a more expensive stainless steel watch if I could guarantee I would be OK - I don't want to spend a lot of money and still have a reaction.

[ellroy]

There are indeed differing grades of steel.

You may find you need something witha surgical type grade if there's an allergic reaction.

Not sure I've ever seen a grade mentioned on watches though.

[PJ S]

Most common grade of watch steel is 316L

[andy_s]

Rolex steel (904) has more chromium (26% vs 18%) and less nickel (5% vs 10%) than does 316 steel (the usual watch steel).

Or try a NATO type strap. (No skin contact with case back).

[Emeye]

It isn't the case. I get the rash around the other side where the bracelet locking mech is.

[Fas1975]

Bit left field, but how about a ceramic watch? Hypoallergenic. I have a rado ceramica the clasp is titanium and one of its selling points in the marketing bumpf was its hypoallergenic ness

[SVS]

Damasko uses 100% nickel-free steel in all its watches. They also happen to be some of the most innovative watches, exclusive, beautifully built and exceptionally high quality

You can browse the Page & Cooper website to see the Damasko range, although you really have to handle a Damasko to feel the quality.

I'm not aware of another brand that uses nickel-free steel.

Edited by SVS on Saturday 21st June 09:13

[Emeye]

SVS said:

Damasko uses 100% nickel-free steel in all its watches. They also happen to be some of the most innovative watches, exclusive, beautifully built and exceptionally high quality

You can browse the Page & Cooper website to see the Damasko range, although you really have to handle a Damasko to feel the quality.

I'm not aware of another brand that uses nickel-free steel.

Edited by SVS on Saturday 21st June 09:13

Thanks, I had a look at that website, but all those watches have leather straps. Ideally I'd like a metal bracelet.

[GC8]

Is titanium really so light? Im wearing a titanium watch today that weighs far more than a Rolex Datejust (140g).

Its all relative to size and subjective at best...

[SVS]

Emeye said:

Ideally I'd like a metal bracelet.

You're in luck! Damasko recently launched a metal bracelet. However, the downside might be the price of the bracelet; Page & Cooper will have details.

Here's some pictures of the bracelet on the Damasko website.

ETA the bracelet's made from the same nickel-free, hardened steel as the watches. Hence the likely cost.

Edited by SVS on Saturday 21st June 16:13

[yeti]

andy_s said:

Rolex steel (904) has more chromium (26% vs 18%) and less nickel (5% vs 10%) than does 316 steel (the usual watch steel).

Where did you get your numbers?? 904L contains around TWICE as much Nickel as 316L - if you have a metal allergy, Rolex steel is not for you.

[andy_s]

yeti said:

Where did you get your numbers?? 904L contains around TWICE as much Nickel as 316L - if you have a metal allergy, Rolex steel is not for you.

I had a feeling the Rolex steel was nickel free, had a look and found those figures, can't remember where.
I have a slight allergy and was fine with my explorer, :shrug:

[mikeh501]

Sinn uses submarine steel in some of its dive watches. might be worth a shout.

[SVS]

Doesn't Sinn's submarine steel still contain 2-4% nickel? Submarine steel in Sinn watches is described as a Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum alloy. Any metallurgists in da house ?

Rolex uses 904L steel, which contains nickel. It's harder than the 316L steel used in most watches, although nothing like as hard as Damasko steel or tegimented submarine steel.

I think this just leaves Damasko's hardened steel as the only steel watches that are completely nickel-free.

Edited by SVS on Wednesday 25th June 10:01

[Wadeski]

Not all titanium watches are light - and an automatic movement will make the watch heavier than a Quartz.

I get sweat rashes with any steel watch but Ti is perfect. I have a Seiko Alpinist Ti for everyday which i love.

[The_Doc]

PJ S said:

Most common grade of watch steel is 316L

This is the grade of steel that we use in surgical implants. Plates and screws for fixing bones etc. lots of other metals for lots of other surgical uses, but 316L for steel.

Google "Oxinium" for a very cool black metal used to make knee replacements !