Overview
Stainless steel is one of the most popular metal materials, if not the most. Whether as building materials or used in home appliance, stainless steels are something we can hardly get rid in our daily lives. This week we will introduce stainless steel applied into timepieces. Let us explore stainless steel applications from the case of smart watch IWatch, fitness watch Garmin and luxury watch Rolex.
IWatch: From aluminum to Stainless Steel
When we talk about smart watch, we can’t skip over IWatch which ushers us into the era of intelligent wearables. Apple keeps exploring new features for each year’s new launch, including the change of device materials.
Take Apple Watch Series 9 for instance, customers have more options with stainless steel case (as below picture on the right) available, apart from the traditional aluminum case (as below picture on the left). Previously we have made a comparison between stainless steel and aluminum. The aluminum case can be easier to get dented with a collision for it is softer than stainless steel. Meanwhile, the coating covered on the aluminum surface can be peeled off over time as below photo, which can be avoided on the stainless steel surface.
What Stainless Steel Materials are Used for Watches?
Grade 316(L) is the most popular stainless steel for making steel watches. This preference led by Swiss steel watches continues to influence other watch brands, not confined to the above mentioned Apple watch (made from 316L). Garmin, the famous fitness watch brand, also uses stainless steel 316 for the watch case, as illustrated by its Fenix 6S Pro Watch as below.
Apple Watch (316L) VS Garmin Watch (316)
Similarities
There is something in common between Apple watch and Garmin watch. Firstly, Apple chooses 316L as the case material while Garmin uses 316 SS. 316L is the lower carbon version of 316 stainless steel. In case of making watch case, the difference is quite ignorable.
With advanced melting technology, 316 carbon content is controlled quite low in recent years yet tensile strength of 316L can be matchable to that of 316. That’s how double grade 316/316L requirement comes to play in many projects.
Secondly, although Apple focuses on smart watch, it supports fitness index. In contrast, Garmin focuses on fitness, but it supports smart connection with mobile phone. Their functions overlap quite a lot despite their divergent focuses.
Differences
Shape Difference
The first impression is the shape difference which sets the two brands apart. Apple watch is shaped in rounded rectangle without other options. This consistency solidates its brand but meanwhile it can limit customer options. In contrast, Garmin is more flexible as they provide both round shape and rectangle shape.
As we people vary in aesthetic preference, there is something more that helps us make well-informed decision. It is the craftsmanship which influences both the look and the durability.
As we people vary in aesthetic preference, there is something more that helps us make well-informed decision. It is the craftsmanship which influences both the look and the durability.
Craftsmanship Difference: Electropolished Finish for Apple Watch
From online resources, Apple chooses electropolished (EP) finish for all the 316L stainless steel case. It is super shiny and good looking, but it is quite vulnerable to frictions or scratches.
EP polishing is expensive, primarily used for clean-room stainless steel tubes carrying pure gas or clean BA tubes. It is seldom applied to stainless steel sheet where 8K mirror finish has the highest roughness. From this, we can see Apple pursue extreme performance, though it comes with a price for its customers. More expensive and more delicate.
Craftsmanship Difference: Rose Gold Hairline + Mirror Finish for Garmin Watch
Garmin chooses rose gold hairline finish for its 316 stainless steel case with the case edge highly polished to mirror (as below photo for detail). Hairline finish and mirror finish are quite popular for decorative sheet applications, such as luxury hotel elevators. With the color and the combined texture to match its design, Garmin makes the watch as stylish as it is smart.
The hairline finish is matte, different from 8k mirror which can reflect people or things clearly. Mirror finish is smooth and shiny but vulnerable to frictions and scratches. In contrast, hairline finish is durable with excellent wear resistance, necessitating low maintenance. Garmin combines both textures to achieve a balance between aesthetic appeal and utility.
Conclusion
Apple and Garmin are both famous brands with different focus for their watches. Which one is better depends on your expectation. If you are more a business person than a fitness person, Apple watch can be a good choice. If you like sports and fitness, Garmin watch is better because it is stylish, comfortable and durable.
Stainless Steel Sheets at CIVMATS
Whether Apple watch or Garmin watch, they are produced from stainless steel sheets. At CIVMATS, 316(L) stainless steel is standing inventory like 304(L). We can customize size and finish per your requirement. High quality at long-term supply. Welcome for your enquiry and purchasing.
BTW, it is hard to introduce the three brands in one article with full details, so we will leave Rolex to our next chapter. Stay with us and learn more about stainless steels.
