I understand that some people are allergic to Nickle. Therefore they have issues with Nickle content in watches and things like belt buckles etc. At least one Sigforum member makes belts that offer a nickle free build.

I've heard that long term, Aluminum isn't good for the body, for anyone. Either ingesting it, or having it on your skin long term can lead to health issues, which is why some people avoid water bottles made of Aluminum. Stainless steel is better, and there are other metals which are yet even better for a watch, like Silver.

Question: Would it be best to avoid a watch made of Aluminum since there may be long term issues? Or is there some kind of coating on, say, the aluminum case on the Apple watch such that the Aluminum isn't directly touching the skin?

Titanium is an option for a watch. It’s used as a medical metal because bone will fuse/adhere to it without rejection. I have a abutment on my skull for a hearing aid and the skin is never irritated around it.

There are several brands that have made Ti metal watches. Apple series 5 is the latest on, but the band is not, but there many options.

The back of the Apple Watch is not all metal, the sensors are visible, some kind of glass/crystal.

Aluminum toxicity is a hotly debated topic. It is supposedly linked with Parkinson’s, Breast Cancer, Bone Disorders, Autism, and especially Alzheimer’s. I'm not sure if there's any definitive evidence.

Some people go so far as to remove all aluminum cookware from their home, and use only deodorants w/o aluminum compounds.

Personally, even if there is a link I would be very surprised if the amount from a watch leaching into your skin would be enough to cause a problem. It's toxicity is nowhere near something like lead or mercury.

I can't answer your aluminum question. However, I have a nickle allergy and after a few episodes trial and rash with "titanium" watches (they were substituting SS in watch backs, bands, etc) from local stores I did what I should've done in the first place. I contacted Super Dave at Mimi's Jewelry and he called the engineering manager at Citizen Watch who identified a titanium watch within my budget where everything that contacts my skin is actually titanium. I've had it 5+ years and had zero rashes.

24k gold.

316 stainless is considered surgical. 904 is even better, but only Rolex uses it AFAIK.

Sinn released some watches using submarine steel - worth looking into. Sinn also can apply a treatment to this steel called tegementing which is a cold treatment that makes it damn near impossible to scratch, something like 2500 vickers.

Damasko does this as well.

I once had a watch - don't recall the brand or model - that had a metal back.
Soon after I started wearing it, I noticed that I was getting a circular rash under, especially if sweating was involved.
My solution was to paint the back with my wifes clear nail polish. Lasted about 4 weeks between applications, and it was easy to clean with an acetone soaked cotton ball and then re-apply.

Its a cheap solution, albeit temporary.

My Rolex DSSD has a titanium insert in the backplate, just in case.

However, I don't seem to be allergic to any kind of metal, although there is some evidence that my ancestors were allergic to silver.

Their are watch straps called Bund straps.
They are made mostly of leather and the ones I have seen cover the entire back of the watch so the case does not come into contact with the skin.
With that said I do not know if certain types of metal buckles would be a problem.

I don't know of any aluminum watches. Steel, titanium, gold, and platinum. None made in silver either.

Short of wearing your belt inside out with no pants, how does a belt buckle contact your skin?

quote:

Originally posted by Snapping Twig:
316 stainless is considered surgical. 904 is even better, but only Rolex uses it.

Some Ball watches have 904.
https://www.ballwatch.com/glob...ess-steel---322.html

I think aluminum without some type anodizing should be too soft for most watches. Not an expert though.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
Short of wearing your belt inside out with no pants, how does a belt buckle contact your skin?

Dunlop disease (i.e. your belly done lopped over your belt and contacts the buckle) with an untucked shirt.

quote:

Originally posted by Bob at the Beach:

quote:

Originally posted by Snapping Twig:
316 stainless is considered surgical. 904 is even better, but only Rolex uses it.

Some Ball watches have 904.
https://www.ballwatch.com/glob...ess-steel---322.html

I think aluminum without some type anodizing should be too soft for most watches. Not an expert though.

Per Ball's site, 904 has nickel.

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:

quote:

Originally posted by Bob at the Beach:

quote:

Originally posted by Snapping Twig:
316 stainless is considered surgical. 904 is even better, but only Rolex uses it.

Some Ball watches have 904.
https://www.ballwatch.com/glob...ess-steel---322.html

I think aluminum without some type anodizing should be too soft for most watches. Not an expert though.

Per Ball's site, 904 has nickel.

It does, as does Rolex. (Rolex rash) The op was speaking to aluminum, but a lot of folks have nickel allergies. Personally my wrist gets irritated after a few days wearing a watch. It reminds me to clean my watch.

Countycomm has a new titanium automatic watch. Attractive, but I'm out of the watch market for a while...

Omega also has a VERY spiffy new ALL-titanium watch, including the mechanism and, of course, the glassy bit.

It is touted as being 'just the thing for your day out golfing'.

Presumably that's on your own private course - its $48,600.

https://www.esquireme.com/cont...ct-golfing-companion

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:

quote:

Originally posted by Bob at the Beach:

quote:

Originally posted by Snapping Twig:
316 stainless is considered surgical. 904 is even better, but only Rolex uses it.

Some Ball watches have 904.
https://www.ballwatch.com/glob...ess-steel---322.html

I think aluminum without some type anodizing should be too soft for most watches. Not an expert though.

Per Ball's site, 904 has nickel.

316 has nickel in it, too.

Stainless steel only HAS to have iron, chromium, and carbon in it, but most common alloys have nickel and several other things as well.