Nanocrystalline wear-resistant Ni-W (42 wt % tungsten) layers have been electrodeposited on steel, aluminum, titanium alloys, and silicon wafers. The resulting microstructures and textures were characterized as a function of processing conditions. Measurements of Young's modulus, hardness, coefficient of thermal expansion, internal stress, wear resistance, and thermal stability are presented. Possible applications of the material for wear-resistant coatings or for microsystems technology are outlined.