Titanium vs Stainless Steel

Titanium

• ~40% lighter than 316L steel.
• Hypoallergenic — safe for nickel-sensitive skin.
• Grade 2 is softer; Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is harder and used by Tudor, Omega, Citizen.
• Scratches easily without a hard coating (Citizen Super Titanium uses Duratect surface hardening).

316L / 904L stainless steel

• Heavier, denser, polishes brilliantly.
• Rolex uses 904L (Oystersteel) for higher chromium content and corrosion resistance.
• More forgiving of polish-out repairs.

For sports use and humid climates: titanium. For dress and heirloom appeal: steel.