Even simpler and more conventional dive watches can benefit from a titanium case and bracelet, including things like Mido’s Ocean Star 200C. If its name is a mouthful, perhaps that is in part to make up for this watch’s remarkably brief dimensions.

thick RM 67-02 is the use of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT, proprietary composite materials chosen for their spectacular strength-to-weight ratio and shock resistance. Still, for a 45mm-wide tourbillon, it cuts a remarkably svelte figure thanks to its skeletonized dial and liberal use of multi-layered carbon in the case, bracelet and even parts of the movement.These flyback chronograph variants of Panerai’s Submersible line are especially charming, in part on account of their rare use of central hands for indicating elapsed chronograph timing. This modernized version of a WWII field watch combines the looks of the 1940s with 21st century technology.

Watch brands big and small have spent a fair amount of time and resource to find alternative materials that are capable of lightening the load in contrast to steel or precious metals.

It contains an H-10 automatic movement that will run accurately for up to 80 hours between wears, with a scratch proof sapphire crystal and a sturdy calf leather strap that will patina beautifully with age. Among the new releases to mark the 70th anniversary of Panerai’s Luminor line, this brand new PAM01663 shows off some very impressive material technology. Not only will this watch be able to easily start a fire wherever you are, but it is also a fully functional clock so you can time your cigarettes by the hour, by the half hour, or just ignore the time and light a new cigarette from your currently lit cigarette. The combination of its slim profile (perfect for slipping under a shirt cuff) and austere black dial, plus the unexpected touch of the seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, ensure this watch will look jut as good 60 years from now. The most understated of them (if not the most beautiful as well) might be this Elegance model in steel, with a manual-wind Caliber 9S63 movement inside.

Titanium, long prized for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio, is used in spacecraft, race cars, and other places where performance is measured down to the millisecond. Once again, it trades off to titanium to lighten the overall structure and rigidity needed to dive to such depths. There’s also the consideration of allergy — while not common, there is a small percentage of the population that’s allergic to certain titanium alloys, and thus going the route of ceramic or carbon can make a fair bit of sense. This particular reference was designed as part of the brand’s ongoing partnership with legendary explorer Mike Horn, who has taken these lightweight yet rugged watches to the farthest reaches of the globe.The Lighter Watch is ignited by simply pulling a tab down on the side of the watch, is powered from Butane fluid which is refillable (not included), the clock of the watch is powered by a standard watch battery, and the wrist strap is fully adjustable to fit most-sized humans. Thanks to a slim quartz movement and a case made out of high-tech ceramic, this watch and bracelet weigh in at just 80 grams. To use the lighter watch, just pull the tab on the side of the watch and a flame comes right out of the face of the watch which will be perfect for lighting a cigarette, starting a fire in the wilderness while stranded, lighting birthday candles, or just starting general fires for BBQs, campfires, or other things.

Known in some circles as the “Little Big Pilot” — the original Big Pilot is 46mm, and IWC has recently offered up a 43mm variant — this latest version is still big by most standards without being quite as overbearing as its predecessor. This makes it not just the world ’ s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch, but a true marvel of modern watchmaking. There are plenty of dial colours and case sizes to choose from, but there’s something about this monochromatic grey variant that always speaks our language. The Aquaracer collection as a whole has been going through changes in recent year, tipping its hat to past references from the ’90s.

An olive drab dial and strap paired with a matte grey DLC-coated titanium case deliver a healthy nod to Breitling’s ongoing relationship with several of the world’s Air Forces. The understated diver features a crisp wave patterned dial, a day and date indication, and a ceramic bezel insert for increased robustness.