
A fine watch should not only look beautiful on the day you first wear it, but continue to look refined after years of use. One of the greatest challenges in daily wear is protecting the case and bracelet from scratches, marks, and the gradual loss of surface finish. This is where ChronoGuard® comes in.
316L stainless steel is the optimal value-based material for luxury and tool watches because of its strength and versatility. Yet even the best steel cases and bracelets are not immune to wear. Small scratches and surface abrasions accumulate over time, dulling the finish and changing the character of the watch.
For a timepiece designed to last a lifetime, we wanted to provide protection that preserves its beauty for longer — without compromising the design or feel of the steel itself.
We researched a range of surface treatments and experimented with multiple prototypes, each tested under different conditions of wear. Some coatings proved too soft, others altered the look or weight of the steel. Our aim was clear: enhance durability without changing the refined finish that defines an Emerton Scott watch.
Through this process, we found the perfect balance and formulation we now know as ChronoGuard® — a specialized coating hardened to 800 Vickers Hardness (HV). This provides a significantly tougher outer surface while maintaining the natural look and feel of the underlying stainless steel.
The result is ChronoGuard®, a protective layer applied to the case and bracelet of our watches. With a hardness of 800 HV, it is far more resistant to scratches and everyday wear than untreated steel.
To put that into perspective: untreated 316L stainless steel has a hardness of around 150–200 HV, leaving it open to scratches and dents during daily use.
ChronoGuard® is over 4x tougher, making the surface dramatically more resilient and far less likely to pick up scratches.
This ensures your watch retains its sharp lines, polished surfaces, and brushed finishes longer, keeping it looking as refined as the day you bought it. The coating is invisible to the eye and touch, preserving the elegance and craftsmanship of the original finish.
A watch is more than something you wear — it’s something you live with. Daily use inevitably exposes it to surfaces, knocks, and contact with other objects. ChronoGuard® ensures that your timepiece continues to look refined, resisting the small marks that can build up over time.
This protection doesn’t just preserve the elegance of your timepiece. It also preserves its value. By keeping the case and bracelet closer to their original condition, ChronoGuard® extends both the lifespan and the pride of ownership of every Emerton Scott watch.