{
  "id": 7768386,
  "title": "Why luxury watches are ditching gold and steel for high-tech materials",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-luxury-watches-are-ditching-gold-and-steel-for-high-tech-materials",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-16T10:31:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/magazine/2026/09/16/luxury-watches-high-tech-carbon-quartz-ceramics-richard-mille-tudor-iwc-audemars-piguet-panerai/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Luxury watchmakers are increasingly turning away from traditional materials like gold, steel and platinum, opting for cutting-edge materials instead. H Moser & Cie's Streamliner Pump and Bianchet's Ultrafino Maserati showcase forged quartz fibre and carbon, while Tudor's Black Bay features ceramic for both the case and bracelet. Other high-end brands have experimented with silicon carbide, bulk metallic glass, Carbotech, Carbonium and Chroma Forged Composite.\n\nEdward Margulies, co-founder of Split, suggests this shift in luxury watch design represents a growing disconnect between old-fashioned precious metal watches and modern customers who desire functional benefits and modernity. Carlos Rosillo, CEO of Bell & Ross, notes that while precious metals will always have demand, there's also a growing group of customers seeking advanced materials that offer both practicality and contemporary appeal.\n\nDavid Sharp, COO of Horage, draws parallels to the automotive industry, where plastics and carbon fiber are now common, and argues that the watch industry needs to keep up by embracing new materials. His company's Ceramod+ composite, a blend of ceramic and polymers, is just one example of the advanced materials being incorporated into luxury timepieces.\n\nThis trend towards high-tech materials isn't merely a passing fad; it's a reflection of the watch industry's recognition that innovation extends to movement design. Silicon hairsprings and escape wheels, for instance, have revolutionized precision and resistance in recent years. Moreover, proprietary materials offer a unique point of distinction, allowing brands to differentiate themselves and command premium prices.\n\nAs the watch industry continues to evolve, the importance of advanced materials will only grow, as competitors strive to create products that are relevant and appealing in an increasingly digital world.",
  "summary": "A clutch of new watch releases may have enthusiasts wondering why so many high-end brands are trying to convince them to invest serious money in models seemingly made out of plastic. Isn’t that what “throwaway” watches are made from? Isn’t that the preserve of Swatch , for all its marketing and design genius? Of course, these watches aren’t really made from anything so humdrum. H Moser & Cie’s…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Why luxury watches are ditching gold and steel for high-tech materials",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-luxury-watches-are-ditching-gold-and-steel-for-high-tech-materials-7769839",
        "published": "2026-09-16T10:31:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}