{
  "id": 7769839,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T10:31:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "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": "Many luxury watch brands are abandoning traditional materials like gold, steel, and even Swatch-style plastic in favor of cutting-edge materials. H Moser & Cie's Streamliner Pump and Bianchet's Ultrafino Maserati utilize forged quartz fiber and carbon, while Tudor's Black Bay features ceramic. Other brands, including Richard Mille, IWC Schaffhausen, Audemars Piguet, and Panerai, have experimented with silicon carbide and bulk metallic glass. Panerai's Luminor Marina uses Carbotech, Ulysse Nardin employs Carbonium, and Audemars Piguet has patented Chroma Forged Composite.\n\nThis shift towards high-tech materials is driven by a desire to project modernity and offer functional benefits. Edward Margulies, co-founder of Split, explains that advanced materials like Ceramod+ provide temperature regulation, antibacterial properties, and hypoallergenic qualities. Other materials like silicon carbide and bulk metallic glass enable more unusual case shapes and greater shock and corrosion resistance. These materials also offer an opportunity for watchmakers to create unique and differentiated products.\n\nHowever, some traditionalists argue that precious metals and steel retain an air of classic luxury. Roger W Smith believes in the time-tested reliability of metals, while Carlos Rosillo of Bell & Ross acknowledges the enduring appeal of \"noble\" materials. Nonetheless, the watch industry is embracing a new era of innovation, with brands like Richard Mille becoming leaders in the use of avant-garde materials. This shift towards high-tech materials reflects the growing importance of functional benefits and innovation in an increasingly digital age.",
  "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 Business",
        "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",
        "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."
}