Titanium is one of those rare wonder materials that sounds like it could only exist in the movies as a fanciful plot device. But it’s real, and it’s stronger and lighter than steel, which makes it a little tricky to work with. That is unless you grind it into a powder and recombobulate it into any shape you want with a 3D laser printer — like the folks at rvnDSGN did for this lovely collection of titanium wristpieces.
Using a 3D-printing process called laser sintering, where the layers of titanium dust are burned into place and built up into a detailed shape over time, the tick marks indicating the minutes and seconds on these pieces are built into the actual case. Elsewhere you’ll find a Swiss ETA 980.106 movement keeping time behind the scenes, a similarly durable sapphire crystal lens, and a one piece leather strap keeping it tethered to your wrist.
Not surprisingly, the watches will set you back just shy of $US600, but if titanium is really as strong and durable as it’s claimed to be, this might be passed down in your family for years to come. [rvnDSGN via Notcot via Heldth]
