The Subdial Logo
The Subdial Is On YouTube!

Lucent Steel

Heading

(LOO-suhnt steel)

QUICK ANSWER

Lucent Steel is a premium steel alloy used by Chopard in watchmaking, known for its high scratch resistance, greater tensile strength, and being composed of up to 70% recycled materials.

What does

Lucent Steel

mean?

Lucent Steel is a premium steel alloy developed by Chopard, a renowned Swiss watchmaker, for use in their luxury timepieces. This innovative material is composed of up to 70% recycled steel, making it an environmentally responsible choice. Lucent Steel is known for its exceptional properties, including being 50% harder than conventional steel, which enhances its durability and resistance to scratches. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. The alloy's unique composition and manufacturing process result in a brilliant, reflective finish that enhances the aesthetic appeal of Chopard's watches. Lucent Steel is used in various Chopard collections, such as the Alpine Eagle, where it is combined with ethical 18-carat rose gold to create elegant and sustainable timepieces. This material exemplifies Chopard's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality in watchmaking.
ADVERTISEMENT
Charles Simon Advert

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lucent Steel used for in watchmaking?

Lucent Steel is Tissot's proprietary stainless steel alloy developed to maintain a mirror polish significantly longer than standard 316L stainless steel. By modifying the steel's composition and surface treatment process, Lucent Steel resists micro-scratches that dull conventional polished surfaces. It's used primarily for Tissot watch cases and bracelets where maintaining a high-gloss appearance over years of wear is a priority.

How is Lucent Steel different from standard stainless steel?

Standard 316L stainless steel is the watch industry norm—corrosion resistant and strong but prone to scratching and dulling on polished surfaces during daily wear. Lucent Steel uses a modified alloy composition with a specialized polishing process that creates a harder surface layer, making it more resistant to everyday scratches. The material still requires normal care and will eventually scratch, but noticeably less than conventional steel.

Which Tissot watches use Lucent Steel?

Tissot introduced Lucent Steel across several of their collections, particularly models emphasizing refined aesthetics where sustained high polish matters. It's found in dress-oriented Tissot lines and selected sport models where the brand wants to emphasize the watch's ability to maintain its new appearance. Tissot markets Lucent Steel as part of their value proposition—Swiss quality materials at accessible prices without premium alloy markups.

ADVERTISMENT
Close-up of a Himalayan Project wristwatch with a gray and pink dial and a fabric strap with a pink stripe.

Latest Articles by 

The Subdial