Has your wristwatch ever felt heavy after a long day? Or have you been annoyed when an unpleasant scratch appeared on the watch face in the hustle and bustle of everyday life? These are familiar challenges for many watch wearers. Citizen, a Japanese pioneer in watch innovation, addressed these issues and developed a solution: Super Titanium™. This high-tech material is not just titanium, but the result of decades of research, changing your perception of what a watch should be.

In this article, we will reveal what Super Titanium™ truly is, its superior advantages, and its fascinating story from the space age all the way to the surface of the moon.

What is Citizen Super Titanium™?

Super Titanium™ is Citizen's patented material, created from the fusion of titanium and Duratect surface hardening technology. The process begins with pure titanium, which is inherently a light and allergy-friendly, yet relatively soft metal.

The crucial innovation is Citizen's proprietary Duratect technology, which hardens the titanium surface to extreme durability. The result is a material whose surface hardness is up to five times greater than that of stainless steel, but whose weight is approximately 40% lighter.

Four Superior Advantages of Super Titanium™ Watches

1. Hardness and Scratch Resistance: Thanks to Duratect technology, the watch is exceptionally resistant to everyday bumps and scrapes. You can lead an active life, confident that your watch will remain pristine.
2. Incredible Lightness: The material is about half the weight of steel. The watch feels incredibly comfortable on the wrist all day long, whether you're at work or leisure.
3. Gentle on the Skin: Pure titanium is hypoallergenic and protects against nickel allergies. It is the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin and those whose loved ones suffer from metal allergies.
4. Corrosion Resistance: Titanium does not rust or tarnish due to sweat or saltwater. It maintains its beauty in all conditions.

Behind the Technology: "Triple Trouble"

Titanium is notoriously a very challenging material to work with. Citizen's engineers once called the material "Triple trouble" because pressing, machining, and polishing it was extremely difficult:

• Pressing: Titanium is tough and easily sticks to molds. Citizen solved this with precise temperature control and special molds.
• Machining: The material's viscosity causes chips to stick to the cutting tools, resulting in a rough surface. Citizen developed its own lubricants and cutting speeds to achieve a perfect shape.
• Polishing: Traditional polishing often produces an "orange peel" effect on titanium. Citizen uses a hybrid method combining 5-axis machining and traditional Sallaz hand-polishing to achieve a mirror finish.

Duratect – The Finishing Touch

Before Duratect treatment, the watch is meticulously cleaned of all impurities. There are several types of Duratect technology, allowing for different color shades without compromising durability:

• Duratect TIC & Platinum: Classic, bright silver or platinum tone.
• Duratect DLC: Deep black and extremely hard diamond-like carbon coating.
• Duratect Sakura pink®: Stylish and durable rose gold tone.

The Story of Titanium Watches: From Apollo to the Moon

Citizen's interest in titanium was sparked in the 1960s by the Apollo space program. In 1970, Citizen introduced the X-8 chronometer, the world's first titanium-cased wristwatch. The name referred to the material's infinite possibilities.

The Attesa model, introduced in 1987, was the first completely hypoallergenic watch, developed in collaboration with dermatologists. In 2019, Citizen took the technology back to its roots by becoming a partner in the Hakuto-R lunar exploration program. The lunar lander's legs are made of Super Titanium™, proving its durability in extreme conditions.