Soft steel used on watches.

Another quick one. There has been alot of discussion on watch forums about qualities and hardnesses of steel used for watch cases and bracelets. Does it matter? O.K. Rolex are known to use a very hard steel alloy. Through my personal experiences this has meant the bracelets, when combined with screws to hold them together instead of pins, last a long time. The steel has a slightly bluish hue and quite simple finishes are applied. Omega on the other hand are getting slated for using a soft steel. Yes they do mark more easily and the bracelets, with their pinned construction, wear out faster. So this is bad isn't it? In my opinion, no. Using a slightly softer steel allows a more delicate finish to be applied. Omega's ground finish looks as fine as most other brushed finishes and their brushed finish is one of the finest, silky finishes you will see! Also, I think about shocks on a car giving a more comfortable ride for the passenger. A slightly softer case will absorb the shock of knock better and protect its passenger, the movement, a lot better. Softer steel is easier to re-finish when the watch isn't looking so tidy also. The construction of bracelets poses another problem. If you chew the head off a bracelet link screw, you're stuck. With a pin and sleeve construction, no problem. With Omega's newer screw and pin construction, it doesn't matter if you chew up one end as the other will work. Harder, sometimes makes things harder and softer can usually make things smoother. Take Care Damian