watches

Light on time: how titanium watches became the sports piece to wear

Rolex is the latest luxury watch brand to launch a titanium model, joining the likes of Oris, Hublot and Zenith.

The Swiss independent Oris has a new green version of its titanium ProPilot X called the “Kermit”—thumbing its nose at Rolex, which saw enthusiasts give one of the brand’s green Submariners that nickname.

In recent years, sports watches have been all the rage: sleek pendulums of steel and gold that give weight to each swing of the wrist. For many, it was a badge of honour to heft something so heavy—as if wearing anything less demonstrated a lack of responsibility.

This year Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Switzerland, a bit of lighter fare was on the menu. Titanium sports watches appeared among the offerings at haute horology’s most ...