May 13, 2025

The Story Behind Cerasteel™ in the Apogee

It started with a scuff.
Not the kind that ruins your day - but the kind that lingers. On the wrist of one of our earliest Apogee prototypes, after a long day of wear-testing. It wasn't a major mark, but enough for our team to pause and ask a simple question: Can we make something better?

And that question kicked off a journey that took us three years and across the frontiers of material science, design, and engineering. The result? Cerasteel™: our proprietary new case material that now debuts with the Apogee.

The Watch Case: More Than Just a Shell

When it comes to watchmaking, the case does more than house the movement, it tells a story. It’s the first thing your wrist feels, the first thing your eye catches. The way light dances on the brushed surfaces, the subtle curve that hugs your arm adds to the experience.

At Bangalore Watch Company, we’ve always believed in making thoughtful decisions for form and function. That’s why the case has always been central to how we imagine a watch. And while Titanium Grade 2 served us well in earlier Apogee editions, we wanted to push the boundaries even further.

From Titanium to Cerasteel™

Titanium Grade 2 was our go-to for the original Apogee for a reason- it’s light, strong, and hypoallergenic. But as we looked to elevate the Apogee’s aesthetics and endurance, we started exploring new possibilities.

Since 2021, we’ve been working on a proprietary coating technology. Our goal? To combine the rugged strength of high-grade steel with enhanced surface hardness, unique colour options, and a tactile, premium finish.

After extensive R&D, countless hours of testing, and collaboration with material specialists, we arrived at an innovative hybrid: a steel inner core paired with a specially developed Cerakote® application. This is where Cerasteel™ comes to life.


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What Makes Cerasteel™ Special?

Cerasteel™ is a composite that combines the toughness of a steel core with the aesthetic and surface advantages of a precision-applied ceramic polymer finish. Here's what makes it stand out:
  1. 9H Pencil Hardness: On the industry-standard pencil hardness test, Cerasteel™ rates at 9H—significantly harder than untreated metal surfaces. This means enhanced resistance to scratches and wear.
  2. Colour Versatility: Traditional steel and titanium cases are limited in colour options. With Cerasteel™, we can offer a variety of colour finishes, all with a rich, matte texture that feels as premium as it looks.
  3. Precision Application: The Cerakote application process is sensitive to thickness, heat, and humidity. We’ve developed a proprietary process that controls each variable to ensure consistency and durability.
  4. Unique Texture and Feel: Beyond aesthetics, Cerasteel™ brings a distinct tactile quality to the wrist. It’s not just what you see - it’s what you feel every time you strap on the watch.

A Material Built for Space - and Earth 

Apogee – our space qualified watch collection is a tribute to Indian space exploration, and we needed a case that reflected that with bold, futuristic, and enduring. Cerasteel™ is that material. It represents the movement of our brand: forward-looking, experimental, and rooted in engineering excellence.

The Future, in Your Hands

Cerasteel™ marks a significant leap for Bangalore Watch Company. It’s not just a new material - it’s a new way of thinking about what an Indian luxury watch can be. And like every story we tell, it starts with a small question and a big ambition.

The Apogee is now lighter, tougher, and more striking than ever. And with Cerasteel™, it's ready for any mission on Earth or beyond.

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