Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions

Hypoallergenic Watches?

more_vert
I happen to love wearing watches. Unfortunately, the skin on my wrist abhors them.
Whenever I try to wear a steel watch, or a gold watch that isn't completely pure, the nickel added to the metal gives me an awful rash. So far, the only watches I've been able to wear are made of titanium, and I've yet to see titanium watches on Massdrop.
I doubt I'm alone in this.
Does anyone else have the same problem? If so, what kind of watches would you like to see Massdrop offer?
Hey, Massdrop: Would you consider collaborating on hyperallergenic watches that have the kinds of features and detail that MD members crave?
Vote
32
remove_red_eye
6.5K

search
close
Aimzcw
1
Dec 5, 2018
Hi all The testing lab that I work for (AnchorCert Analytical) has developed a testing Methodology called DermaKind which tests for 16 known elements that cause Metal Allergic Contact Dermatitis (MACD) We developed it with M & S who have branded it as SkinKind. They are about to roll it out throughout all of their ranges (It is presently just women's jewellery. I am interested in any Watch Companies that would like to speak with me about DermaKind...as the term hypoallergenic is not scientifically defined...we are hoping to define it with DermaKind. Exciting times!!! Please feel free to contact me for more info amy.walker@theassayoffice.co.uk
Varholiaglimp
939
Dec 14, 2018
AimzcwAre any watchmakers taking you up on your testing methodology, Amy? I hope so, since I've tried to wear steel wristbands that supposedly were hypoallergenic and still developed a rash. Thanks for verifying that "hypoallergenic" is not scientifically defined, since those of use who develop awful rashes are often dismissed by others who say (1) a given product is labeled hypoallergenic, so the problem must be psychosomatic, or (2) they themselves are allergic to nickel but don't react severely, therefore we're either faking or being overly dramatic. If only that were true. I once had to go to the hospital with red welts all over my body just because I forgot to take a prescription antihistamine. If I don't take that same pill every night, I break into hives. Leather and metal that touch my skin do the same thing regardless. So far, titanium seems to be the only metal I can wear. I'm glad you're not taking this subject lightly. It's clear that the severity of food allergies is increasing as time goes on; so, perhaps has that of skin allergies like mine.
(Edited)
yairg
6
Jul 22, 2018
I have problem with Plastic or any synthetic band matirials for about 10 years i had the G-shock DW9050 with a starp that is kinda like nato strap and non metal is tuching the skin. about 2 years ago i moved to SS band wich is much better then plastic and i dont get bad rash, but i still need to let mt wrist to breath from time to time
phoenixsong
1055
Apr 26, 2018
Some automatic watches have a clear case back, paired with leather, nylon or even rubber straps. Would those help?
mmtb
10
Apr 11, 2018
I haven't experienced a reaction my SS watches, although I don't like SS bracelets. I recommend trying nato straps so the watch is held slightly off the wrist. A Bund strap to prevent all contact could also work, especially if you have pilot/aviator/flieger watches.
Alternatively, have you tried resin cases?
ckm5
210
Apr 11, 2018
I have several titanium watches, not because of allergies, but because I prefer the light weight.
My favorite is a Mido All Dial Chronograph in titanium.
search
I also have a fairly rare Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive in titanium,
search
And a titanium Ocean 7
search
I also have a Omega Polaris multi-function and I'm pretty sure I have a 20 year old Seiko Kinetic titanium somewhere....
I think that Ocean 7 would also be a great candidate. Their watches are very nice, reasonably priced and it's an American company. I would also agree with @Zabrolak that you can't go wrong with either Seiko or Citizen. I like the JDM Citizens better than the ones offered in the US, so that might be an interesting angle ...
I'd love to see a Mido All Dial, but it's likely too expensive as the titanium models sell for around $1000. IRC Marathon also make (made) a nice titanium diver and there's of course Skagen, which are not bad but a little boring. Rado also makes really nice ceramic watches but they are very expensive - I have a Rado multi-function and even used it's nearer $1000 than $500. Plus the backs are stainless.
Just to throw another brand, material into the mix, I also have a brass watch from a Thai-based company called Maranez - it's very, very well made and distinctive - the pic doesn't do it justice, the brass is uncoated, so it will tarnish green, which is pretty neat.
search
I've also owned a number of no-name brand titanium watches and they were all pretty crappy. Best to stay away from those....
Anyway, sorry for the long post, I have a bit of a watch fetish.....
RiversPhoto
1
Dec 31, 2017
Sinn 856 has a nickel free back.
Zabrolak
14
Dec 23, 2017
you can't go wrong with Citizen titanium or Seiko titanium :>
I personally dont have the allergy reaction to nickel, and I have a few stainless steel and gold coated watch. But they are a bit flashy for work and instead I wear my nylon and/ or silicon strap sport-style watch. A titanium made (casing, back, strap) is technically hypoallergenic, or a nato style nylon strap (the one which have a layer between your skin and back of the watch) could be your solution.
Luca50
3
Oct 17, 2017
I have an Armand Nicolet made of titanium. Great quality for the price, if you can find it on sale. Not sure how often the higher end stuff will show up on Massdrop. There's a brand called Reactor that makes very solid watches with Japanese quartz movements. Several are offered in titanium, and at a relatively decent price.
search
Luca50
3
Oct 17, 2017
Luca50Reactor also makes an automatic in titanium called 'Poseidon' ...good down to 1000 meters ...if you do some radical diving.
PenceyPrep
54
Jul 16, 2017
Citizen make a good range of Titanium watches. Some are JDM only. Here is a JDM that has caught my attention (PMD56-2952) Also available with greed dial
search
Varholiaglimp
939
Jul 18, 2017
PenceyPrepThanks for the rec, PP. I just tried to verify that you were referring to the same model with a green dial , no doubt symbolizing the "eco" features of the watch.
Unfortunately, the only green-dialed version I found was the PMD56-2951, which Amazon lists as being made of steel even though both of the onsite reviewers say it is made of titanium. For that amount of money, the buyer would want to be sure.
https://www.amazon.com/CITIZEN-PROMASTER-Eco-Drive-Radio-Controlled-PMD56-2951/dp/B000OI1BHO
PenceyPrep
54
Jul 18, 2017
VarholiaglimpYeah a typo that turned "green" into "greed" The Green dial version is definitely Titanium cased C/W a Titanium bracelet. They both have the "Duratect" hardening process which makes them very scratch resistant. The only difference between the black dial and the green dial is the black bezel on the black dial version.
Showing 14 of 31
keyboard_arrow_up
Newest
31 OF 31 POSTS
keyboard_arrow_down
Oldest
Related Posts
Trending Posts in More Community Picks