The Bronze Age?
This isn't a review of bronze watches, more of a newbie question really.
Have bronze watches suddenly become popular or have they always been around? Because it seems there are so many brands dipping into the bronze watch market nowadays with limited/special editions of beloved watches, but in bronze.
Have bronze watches always been around, or are we now living in the "Bronze Age" of watch collecting?
Also what is your opinion on Bronze watches, would you own one, do you own one?
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Brad
UK Kansas City Chiefs fan, EMMY award recipient, avid watch enthusiast.
Durham, UK
Member since
Last active: 1 month ago
7.50” / 19.05 cm
Bronze trend has been going on for the past few years. I love my Oris 2 tone with bronze which came out in 2020
Bronze's close alloy cousin brass has always been a metal that cases were made from. Usually, these are plated in chrome or gold. Watch cases have traditionally been made from non-oxidizing metals like gold, nickel, stainless steel or titanium. Only in the past few years have manufacturers turned to oxidizing metals, mostly as a novelty (there are some old vintage silver or silvered cases, but silver oxidizes black, not a good look). It is the copper in bronze that gives the patina.
Bronze has heft, polishes to look nearly like gold, and is easily shaped. Patina can be cleaned up if you don't like its current look. Most of these companies use an alloy that will only patina slowly.
I give bronze a hard time (@thekris), but it is really just another preference, like type of hands or a date at 4:30.
Yeah, it's definitely hot right now. I like the idea of it patinating a bit faster than stainless, being able to accelerate the process if I want and then having a truly unique look to a watch because of it.
Bronze appeals to me because of my family's maritime history and heritage (my grandfathers and great-grandfather's were deep sea fishermen, merchant seamen and rum runners ... true!). Don't have a bronze watch (yet), but I think they look fabulous! 👍
Yeah, it's been popular over the last few years. I don't see the appeal
I must admit I do like the look of them, but im not sure I like the idea they patina easily. I think I like the bronze colour as new, so if did buy one I'd be fighting it with regular polishing 😂
I bought the brown dial Tudor BB Bronze when it was launched after the brand returned to Canada and America. Did not have the connections to source a Panerai Bronzo which has become very desirable. I imagine bronze will remain an option for customers wanting something different from SS or titanium and precious metals.
Bronze has existed for a while, but, alongside titanium, has been really popular over the past few years for cool alt materials. Moonswatch/swatchpain and integrated bracelets have somewhat taken the limelight, but bronze and titanium are definitely 👌
Yep been around ages, cheaper Timex watches are made of bronze just rub off the chrome plating.
The first bronze watch was made by Gerald Genta in 1984 - the Gefica Safari, commissioned by three hunters. The bronze wouldn’t reflect light and the name is a combination of the trio’s names. Geoffroy, Fissore and Canali
I like my bronze watch but I’d just advise that they may leave a stain on you. In my case if I sweat much it’ll stain a little green on my wrist. No big worry but worth knowing.
That Rado Captain Hook in that color is one of my grail watches.
I like them. But don’t see me owning one. But as with everything in this hobby, who really knows ? ☺️
Bronze's close alloy cousin brass has always been a metal that cases were made from. Usually, these are plated in chrome or gold. Watch cases have traditionally been made from non-oxidizing metals like gold, nickel, stainless steel or titanium. Only in the past few years have manufacturers turned to oxidizing metals, mostly as a novelty (there are some old vintage silver or silvered cases, but silver oxidizes black, not a good look). It is the copper in bronze that gives the patina.
Bronze has heft, polishes to look nearly like gold, and is easily shaped. Patina can be cleaned up if you don't like its current look. Most of these companies use an alloy that will only patina slowly.
I give bronze a hard time (@thekris), but it is really just another preference, like type of hands or a date at 4:30.
Very true, except that date at 4:30 is an abomination in the sight of the Lord.