Osmium - the rarest precious metal on earth
Measured by annual production, osmium is the rarest precious metal in the world. Only one to two tons are separated each year from platinum and nickel ores and used in applications that require extreme physical properties such as density, hardness, durability and corrosion resistance, including catalysis, electronics and medical technology. Additionally, it is the densest element in the universe.
Osmium exists in oxidized powder form, as a melt bead, as crystals, or in pressed or sintered form (as shown here).
Since osmium forms a harmful oxide at temperatures above 400°C, is extremely hard, and has a melting point above 3000°C, it is particularly challenging to process.
It is precisely these properties that make it the most desirable of the rare metals. Once tamed, polished, and integrated into a watch as a dial, it captivates viewers with its unique, mystical blue sheen.
For this reason, osmium is, in our eyes, the gold of the 21st century.
Ruthenium – the most versatile precious metal in the world
Ruthenium is the most versatile precious metal in the world because it demonstrates remarkable all-around capability in its chemical and physical properties. It can occur in a wide range of oxidation states (from -2 to +8), allowing it to adapt to a variety of chemical reactions. This property makes it an indispensable catalyst in industry and organic chemistry. At the same time, it combines exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity, making it ideal for high-tech applications such as electrodes, supercapacitors, and data storage. Ruthenium is also widely used in the jewelry and watch industries, both in alloys and as a coating. Its ability to combine functionality with stability is unique in the world of precious metals. Only 30 to 40 tons are mined annually.
Ruthenium stands out with its silvery-gray color and its shiny, almost mirror-like surface, giving it an elegant and modern aesthetic.
Tantalum - likely the rarest metal in our solar system
Scientists believe that within our solar system, tantalum could be the rarest non-radioactive element. The reason: Asteroids in space typically contain precious metals, but very little tantalum. Even on Earth, less tantalum is mined each year than gold (about 2,000 tons compared to 3,000 tons).
The majority of this global production is used for small, high-capacity capacitors and other technical applications. Tantalum has become indispensable for mobile phones, computers, and many other electronic devices. In addition, tantalum has increasingly established itself as an exceptional alternative to titanium or white gold in the jewelry industry in recent years.
Since it is more malleable than e.g. osmium, it can even be shaped into rings and entire watch cases.
In the Maximilian James watch, tantalum takes on a primarily decorative function in the form of the hand-polished dial. Its graphite-gray, slightly purple surface structure shines darker than that of silver precious metals and is truly unique.
Gold - the softest precious metal
For more than 5,000 years, people have used gold as a reliable store of value and jewelry; the first known gold coins date back to the 7th century BC.
999 fine gold is the softest of all precious metals, which is why classic gold watch cases are an alloy of gold and harder metals and therefore, strictly speaking, do not have the original color of fine gold. With its incomparably warm, rich shine and authentic color, this dial exudes pure luxury tradition and quality.
In the Maximilian James collection, it forms a counterpart to the modern exotics osmium, ruthenium, and tantalum: while the three high-tech metals impress with cool, almost otherworldly colors and extreme hardness, gold embodies that timeless warmth and enduring value. A dial made of pure fine gold instantly turns any watch into a heirloom – yesterday as today.
The Sellita SW300 - a premium movement for a premium watch
The Sellita SW300-1 (identical to the ETA 2892-A2) is a Swiss masterpiece of watchmaking and gives your Maximilian James the highest precision and reliability. With an impressive power reserve of 56 hours, it ensures that your watch runs reliably even after longer periods between motion.
A special highlight is the flat design, which allows perfect integration of the thicker dials made of osmium, tantalum and ruthenium, each with a thickness of 0.7 mm.
The slim profile of the movement, with a thickness of only 3.6 mm, complements the elegant case of your watch and ensures maximum wearing comfort. With the Sellita SW300, you are wearing a caliber that combines precision, elegance and durability.
​Watch manufacturers such as Mühle-Glashütte, Junghans, or Tag Heuer (Calibre 7) also use this or other movements from Sellita in their high-quality watches.
Carbon Coating
The Black Edition of the Maximilian James is coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC). It uses two high-tech processes that have been patented several times and take more than 16 days to achieve a quality that meets our strict requirements for resistance and finishing.
The surface structure of the stainless steel is retained 1:1 to form a perfect dark counterpart to the White Edition.
Other rare (precious) metals
On request, the Maximilian James wristwatch can also be equipped with a dial made of pure rhodium, iridium or another exclusive metal. Please contact us at info@mj-watches.com!