====== Tantalum ======
{{wst>image_cl|Hublot|Big Bang Ice Bang|[[Hublot Big Bang "Ice Bang"]] with [[bezel]], numerals and indexes in **tantalum**|230px}}

{{wst>image_cl|Omega|Seamaster Professional Chrono Diver|Seamaster Professional Chrono Diver by Omega with **tantalum**/[[rose gold]]/[[titanium]] case and strap|230px}}

**Tantalum** is a material.

===== The properties of Tantalum =====
The precious heavy metal tantalum is a chemical element and belongs to the so-called vanadium group. It was discovered in [[1802]] in Sweden by Anders Gustav Ekeberg. The name comes from the Greek mythology Tantalus was the son of Zeus and father of Niobe.

Tantalum shines silver with intense blue cast. Its occurrence is even rarer than that of [[gold]]. It is sturdy, corrosion-resistant and completely hypoallergenic. Therefore, it is often used in medicine, for example, for surgical implants and in laboratory instruments. The main part of the annual world production volume of 1,400 t is used for very small capacitors with high capacity, such as those occuring in mobile phones, and also with lenses of cameras.

===== Tantalum in the watch area =====
Early uses in the watch area are the luxury version of the [[Omega Seamaster Professional Chrono Diver]] of the [[1990]]s with its combination of tantalum/[[rose gold]]/[[titanium]], or the model //1910 Tantalum// by [[Hublot]] in [[2003]].

Like [[platinum]] also tantalum is extremely difficult to work with because it is hard and has a very high melting point (3017°C). When processing large quantities of junk are produced that can not be reused. The milling tools can rarely be used more than once; the splinters can be removed only with difficulty.

[[2006]] the material enters with generous presence at the model [[Hublot Big Bang "Ice Bang"|Big Bang "Ice Bang"]] by [[Hublot]], whose name refers to the characteristic appearance of this metal. Then in [[2007]] Hublot with the [[Hublot Big Bang Tantalum Mat|Big Bang Tantalum Mat]] has dedicated a whole watch to this rare material.


{{tag>Terms Watch_materials}}