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Showing 1 of 44 conversations about:
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Watch
Cloaca
1906
Dec 15, 2017
Aluminum? Is that good? Why would you care about weight in a small watch like this?
MarPabl
1088
Apr 14, 2020
CloacaOld question but worth answering... aluminium is not the best choice: it scratches easier than stainless steel. For lightweight & durable, better use ceramic (as Rado) or titanium.
This ⌚ is not recommended ❌
(Edited)
Lostabroad
64
Apr 14, 2020
MarPablThat all depends on the type of aluminum they are using, which unfortunately they don't disclose. 7075-T6, commonly referred to as "aircraft grade" aluminum, has a Rockwell B hardness rating of 87 on average. That's respectably between the 70-95 rating of most stainless steel types used in watches. However, the overall range of aluminum alloys is something like 30-90, so unless you know what you're getting, there's no telling how well it will survive scratching.
(Edited)
MarPabl
1088
Apr 14, 2020
LostabroadNo specific ℹ for the aluminum type, I apply the same decision process as with 🗡 I can't expect getting the CPM-20CV if the manufacturer puts "stainless steel blade" in reality I'll assume I'm getting something like 420J
And reading about the 7075-T6 it doesn't seem to get the best corrosion resistance, so it's still not a better option than stainless steel.
(Edited)
Lostabroad
64
Apr 16, 2020
MarPabl"And reading about the 7075-T6 it doesn't seem to get the best corrosion resistance, so it's still not a better option than stainless steel."
That's a bit of a blanket statement when you're naming a specific aluminum alloy but not a specific steel. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel all depends on chromium content, specific finish, and passivation. And unless we're talking about purpose-built divers, it isn't going to even come up as a problem for most casual users. 7075-T6 is considered highly corrosion resistant as far as aluminum alloys go.
MarPabl
1088
Apr 16, 2020
LostabroadNot a blanket statement, that's what I read here https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/786/1/012032
And what can happen to the anodization layer here https://www.juukdesign.com/single-post/2017/06/10/Does-THIS-happen-to-your-Apple-Watch and here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-watch-pitting-corrosion.2095311/ and here https://mobile.twitter.com/onkeld0m/status/1159051754920730624 and here https://amp.reddit.com/r/applehelp/comments/cpxorc/apple_watch_iii_corrosion_after_14months_eating/ and so on...
You have a bit of a blanket statement unless you provide links.
With such research you may also be able to somehow prove wrong the majority (if not all) of the ⌚ and jewelry industries for not using aluminum 7075-T6 as the superior material compared with 316L stainless steel.
(Edited)
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