Good evening everyone!
"I want a watch that I can wear even if I have metal allergies." "Are there any ways to reduce metal allergies even a little?"
We often hear such concerns from customers at our store. If you like and want a watch, but are allergic to metal materials, you need to be careful about how you choose your watch and how you wear it.
So this time, How to choose a watch for those with metal allergies? In this article, we will introduce recommended materials and how to wear watches that can be worn by those with metal allergies. We will also introduce ways to reduce the allergy, so please enjoy reading until the end.
Why do metal allergies occur?
First, let me briefly explain the mechanism of metal allergy.
[ What is metal allergy? ]
An immune response in which the body judges metal to be a foreign substance and tries to eliminate it.
❶A chemical reaction occurs where the metal comes into contact with the skin, causing the metal to melt.
❷The molten metal ionizes and enters the body.
❸Antibodies against it are produced in the body.
❹If the antibodies become too strong, they will cause a rejection reaction to the metal.
As explained, even if you are not currently allergic to metal, you may develop one in the future.
Also, the metals that cause allergic reactions vary from person to person, just as some people with hay fever have strong reactions to cedar pollen and others to ragweed pollen.
Still, it is true that there are materials that are more likely to cause allergies and materials that are less likely to cause allergies. Iron, copper, zinc, etc. are said to be materials that are more likely to cause allergies, but there are also some stories where "certain brands of the same material did not cause allergies."
Is there really a difference in allergic reactions even when the material is the same? Let's explain using stainless steel, the most popular material used for watches.
Why allergic reactions vary from brand to brand
Stainless steel contains nickel, which can cause allergies, and is generally known as a material that is prone to metal allergies.
However, even though they are all the same stainless steel, different brands use different types of stainless steel, so it cannot be said that all stainless steel watches are prone to causing allergies.
The most well-known type of stainless steel is Rolex's Oystersteel, 904L . Also known as "super stainless steel," it has excellent resistance to corrosion, rust, and acid. On the other hand, the processing technology is difficult, so it is only used by brands with excellent processing technology, such as Rolex, and naturally the price range is high. People often say that "Rolex did not cause allergic reactions," and this "904L" is said to be relatively hypoallergenic.
*As mentioned above, allergic reactions vary from person to person, so caution is required.
Recommended materials for people with metal allergies
In the past, it was thought that it was difficult for people with metal allergies to wear watches. However, research has progressed and materials that are less likely to cause allergies are appearing one after another. Here we will introduce materials that are recommended for people with metal allergies.
" Titanium "
Titanium is the most well-known material that is less likely to cause metal allergies.
The surface is dry-plated, creating a corrosion-resistant oxide film that makes the metal less likely to dissolve. Metal allergies are caused by molten metal that enters the body through the skin. Therefore, if the metal is less likely to dissolve in the first place, metal allergies are less likely to occur. It is said that Japanese people in particular are less likely to have allergic reactions to titanium, and it is often used for medical purposes such as artificial joints and implants.
Recommended titanium models currently available in our store
[Audemars Piguet]
"Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph" TI/CE
"Ref.26405CG.OO.A004CA.01"
This model features a titanium/ceramic case and a rubber strap, making it ideal for those with metal allergies.
Click on the price to go to the product details page ⇒ ￥5,555,000 (tax included)
Ceramic Carbon
{Ceramic, carbon} The materials are non-metallic, so they do not cause metal allergies.
Ceramic and carbon fiber are strong and scratch-resistant, but care must be taken because these materials cannot be polished away like stainless steel or gold. Also, even if the case or bracelet is made of ceramic or carbon fiber, the back cover and buckle are often made of stainless steel, so this should also be checked before purchasing. Watches with see-through backs are often made of sapphire glass, which is relatively hypoallergenic and is recommended.
Recommended models made of ceramic and carbon that we currently have in our store
[Hublot]
"Classic Fusion Tourbillon Yoshida Special" BLACK CERAMIC
"Ref.505.CM.1470.RX.MYOS"
This new 2021 "YOSHIDA Special" timepiece is limited to 18 pieces and combines a glossy black ceramic case, a matte black ceramic bezel, and a black rubber strap.
Click on the price to go to the product details page ⇒ ￥5,280,000 (tax included)
How to reduce metal allergy symptoms
Metal allergies may not cause any problems at first, but can suddenly develop after wearing a watch for many years. If this happens, you will need to either stop wearing the watch or buy one made of a material that is less likely to cause allergies. However, giving up a luxury watch that you bought thinking you could use it for the rest of your life because of an allergy can be a real pain... Here we will introduce some ways to reduce metal allergies to prevent this from happening as much as possible.
< Strap change >
With a bracelet type, the metal touches the entire surface of the wrist, but by changing the strap, you can reduce the area of contact with the metal. Leather or rubber straps are also a big improvement, but I think the best strap is a NATO strap .
By the way, the NATO belt is also passed through the watch body, so the contact area with the metal surface of the back cover is minimal. It has a good design and is recommended for use in any season.
I also think that the " Bundstrap ", which is also used by Tudor, is perfect for preventing allergies.
Reduce the area that comes into contact with the skin
For those who insist on wearing it on a bracelet, the key is to avoid contact with the skin as much as possible. To do this, adjust the bracelet a little looser than usual to leave some space. (However, loosening it increases the chance of it stretching.) We also recommend applying a protective sticker to the back cover, as this will help to avoid contact with the watch body as much as possible.
summary
How was it?
We have introduced materials for watches that can be worn by people with metal allergies, and ways to reduce symptoms. It would be frustrating to have to give up your favorite watch just because you have an allergy. If you have a metal allergy, please take a look at the recommended materials and ways to deal with them introduced here!
I hope that after reading this article, you will become interested in luxury watches.
see you!!