Mastering lightness
Titanium is a surprising metal. The titanium selected by Rolex to manufacture its watches is a grade 5 alloy named RLX titanium. It is both lighter than steel and denser than aluminium, yet harder and more resistant than either of these metals. Its characteristics are so unique that its processing and finishing – particularly the technical satin finish specially developed by Rolex and specific to watches in RLX titanium – required the development of a dedicated industrial process. Using RLX titanium to create the case and bracelet also reduces the weight of the watch by about one-third compared with the same watch in Oystersteel. A major watchmaking feat, marked by the distinctive symbol on the winding crown: a dash surrounded by two dots.