𧱠The Weight Myth: Heavier ≠ Better
It used to be believed that the heavier a watch is, the better its movement and complexity. And, of course, the more expensive it should be. But experienced watchmakers have long debunked this myth — especially now that materials like titanium are widely used in watchmaking.
Though titanium is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about ultralight watches, it’s far from the only material. Many Swiss manufactures are experimenting to improve strength and reduce weight — adding new chapters to the science of materials.
π Light as Air
Let’s begin with what’s officially considered the world’s lightest watch: Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal πΎ by the legendary Swiss brand Richard Mille.
The RM 27-05 model weighs just 11.5 g without a strap, and its movement is only 3.79 g thick at 3.75 mm! What’s incredible — the shock resistance is not compromised.
Richard Mille has worked toward this record for nearly 15 years — since the release of a 20 g model in 2010. The team developed new ultralight materials and the ultra-thin RMUP-01 caliber.
Highlights of the Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal:
A suspended tourbillon, manual winding, 55-hour power reserve;
Skeletonized plate and bridges made of Grade 5 titanium with TRT carbon;
Monobloc case structure;
No screws, bezel and glass mounted directly to the body;
Sapphire crystal was replaced with PMMA polymer with anti-scratch coating.
This composite is 4% denser, 15% stiffer, and 30% stronger than standard TRT carbon, thanks to a 70° fiber layer alignment.
π’ Limited to just 80 pieces.
π Ultralight Swiss Watches Worth Noticing:
π£ Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC
Entirely titanium case, weighs 43 g, only 1.7 mm thick;
The movement is mounted directly onto the caseback;
Rear-positioned crown with split time and winding functions.
π΅ Hublot Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic
Weighs 49.5 g;
Case made from Novak’s game-worn polo π½ and racket πΎ material mixed with composite resin;
Replaces sapphire with Corning Gorilla Glass 6;
Aluminum movement adds to the weight savings.
π΄ Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light
Made from Gamma Titanium, a titanium-aluminum alloy;
Co-developed with golfer Rory McIlroy;
Withstands temps above 600 °C — like jet turbine blades;
Weighs 55 g.
π Zenith x Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon
Velcro strap version weighs only 55 g;
Titanium bracelet version isn’t much heavier;
Extremely limited: 150 on strap, 10 on bracelet, 50 with Eastern Arabic numerals π.
β« Nivada Grenchen F77 Titanium Meteorite
Heaviest on the list: 86 g;
Dial made of meteorite;
Titanium bracelet, matte texture, plays beautifully with light;
Inspired by the legendary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
