All this stuff is very mystifying. And please feel free to keep asking, too.
As you can see from the amount of discussion, clarification, contextualisation in the back-and-forth between TM and I, nothing is cut and dried.
If it were, we could just present easy data; eg: a comparison of warranty returns or an analysis of the average energy of a strike on a watch (or perhaps peak energy) and how the material will (may?) respond. But without knowing exact compositions and processes, it's reduced to a general evaluation.
After all this, I guess my preference or position or opinion is:
On something like a sport/dive watch, you're going to expect some whacks if used to anything approaching intent.
If you're comfortable with these whacks resulting in dings - and I am - then you're better off with a stainless steel case.
If you're uncomfortable with dings/scratches, then the hardened and full-ceramic cases are worth a look. Just be aware of the potential for brittle failures...
And finally, if you really like the watch, is the case material going to stop you?
Best regards,
BDLJ
This message has been edited by BDLJ on 2010-05-04 17:24:25