Ralph Lauren has expanded its American Western Watch Collection with the Black Cushion Dial model, capturing the spirit of the American West
Silver is a precious metal with the chemical symbol Ag (from the Latin “argentum”) and atomic number 47. Known for its brilliant white luster, it has been valued for thousands of years for its beauty, malleability, and conductivity. It is one of the seven metals of antiquity, alongside gold, copper, and others, and has been used in coinage, jewelry, and as a status symbol throughout history.
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It is highly conductive, making it essential in various industrial applications, including electronics, solar panels, and medical instruments. In addition to its industrial uses, silver remains popular in making fine jewelry, tableware, and decorative items. And of course, watches.
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Tranish and hardness of silver
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Unlike gold, silver tarnishes over time due to reactions with sulfur compounds in the air, forming a layer of silver sulfide. Despite this, it remains a prized metal, symbolizing wealth and purity, and is often seen as a store of value.
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The Vickers hardness for sterling silver (which is 92.5% and usually alloyed with copper) typically ranges from about 70 to 90 HV. Pure silver (99.9%) is softer, with a hardness around 30 to 50 HV. Because of its relatively lower hardness, it is less commonly used for watch cases unless alloyed or treated for added durability.
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Compare case materials on the Hardness Vickers scale (from hard to hardest):
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| Carbon | 20-50 HV |
| Platinum | 40 HV (950 platinum: 80-135 HV) |
| Silver | 70-90 HV |
| Bronze | 60-150 HV (100-200 HV treated) |
| Aluminium | 120-200 HV |
| Gold | 120-200 HV (18k or 14k) |
| Palladium | 150-200 HV |
| White gold | 150-250 HV |
| Stainless steel | 150-250 HV (special 1200 HV) |
| Titanium | 150-200 HV (grade 2) / 300-400 HV (grade 5) |
| Ceramic | 1200-1400 HV (1500-2000 for alumina) |
| Sapphire | 2000-2300 HV |
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Watches with a silver case
A new model, in three versions, this is the Stowa Flieger Olympic in bronze, silver and gold. A nod to the medals of the Olympic Games
To mark Alpina’s 140th anniversary, the brand introduces the Alpina Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years. Inspired by the 1930s versions
The new Strom Ventus I GMT – 4 Nations series is a collection that celebrates Motorsport Heritage inspired by the classic racing colors
If you want to go art deco style with a classic dress watch in a rather small size, take a look at the Ralph Lauren RL867 series
A work by the late Swiss artist H.R. Giger formed the inspiration for this Strom Agonium In Memoriam HR Giger
When you look at the Strom Agonium Nethuns II you get the idea that someone found an ancient watch in a sunken pirate ship