Ceramic Watches – What You Need to Know
Ceramic watches have been fashion news for the last few years. The Michael Kors ceramic watch line was such a big hit, they were selling for full price and you had to keep visiting the department stores just to find one.
They are still very popular, although rose gold watches and the tortoise shell watches seem to be hot this year.
Actually, I should modify the last statement a little. Michael Kors and Fossil just released chocolate ceramic watches. They will give the ceramic watch craze a new lease on life.
There has been a lot of discussion regarding the durability of a ceramic watch case or band. Let me clarify a few things for you.
Ceramic material is used in bullet proof vests, nose cones on space vehicles, jet engine turbine blades and floor tiles. So, it is not accurate to say that ceramic parts are not strong.
That said, the materials used in some watches are brittle. While I would consider a ceramic watch suitable for everyday use, you need to exercise a certain amount of care
The watch bracelet can crack if you smash your hand against a hard material. I am less concerned over the case as it is more durable and less likely to be damaged.
The links are replaceable and it is not the end of the world if one gets damaged.
Chanel started selling these watches in 2000. Rado had a model out in 1986. Today a ceramic Chanel can easily set you back $5,000 or more. Fortunately, other manufacturers sell models that are every bit as fashionable for under $300.
One of the nice things about ceramic material is that it is non-reactive. In other words, it will not cause any discomfort if you sweat. Although, some watches have ceramic bands with stainless steel cases.
Ceramic materials should not lose color over time. Now I know a lot of people are complaining about their ceramic watches fading. Well, there are a lot of people wearing what they think are ceramic watches but are actually made of acrylic. In other words, they are wearing a plastic watch.
If you are looking for a dainty watch, ceramic watches are probably not your first choice. But with stunning faces of mother-of-pearl and jeweled (crystals) bezels, these watches are really great for just about any situation. Especially since the watches come in white, black and chocolate.
If you have any plans to purchase one of the newer chocolate models for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, do yourself a favor and get one soon. They sell out almost immediately.
The department stores and manufacturer’s outlets are not doing much in the way of discounts. You are much better off online. I personally recommend (shameless plug) the site listed in the author’s box at the bottom of this article. The new chocolate models are almost full price. The black and white ceramic watches can be found at thirty percent discount, sometimes more.