Thoughts on the Black Bay 58 bronze, the new Christopher Ward Dune, and Bronze Watches in General?
Somewhat to my surprise, I really liked the original BB58 when I first tried it on. And then I was keen on the bronze version when it came out. It sat on the back burner for a long time, but now it's moving towards the front. I've tried it on multiple times. But it's the most expensive BB58 not in gold, and I guess because it's a boutique only edition, secondary market prices don't seem to be much lower than retail. The boutique is 10 minutes away by bike, and these don't seem to be in short supply anymore, so it would be easy enough for me to buy.
Then Christopher Ward came out with the bronze Dune. It has almost the same dimensions, and also a COSC certified movement, though Sellita rather than "in-house" Kenissi. And it's like a third the price. I have a CW C60 Sapphire, so I do like Christopher Ward, and know they're well built. Is the BB58 worth the premium?
And then there's bronze watches in general. They've been around for a while, but are they here to stay, or just a passing fad? I have as yet never sold a watch, so I'm not a flipper, and anything I buy is likely for keeps. Will a bronze watch become hopelessly dated in a few years? Also, will I love or hate the patina? Anyway, things I've been pondering, so I thought I'd do it out loud, and see if I can get any feedback.
Was born. Bought watches. Will die.
I have the 58 and love it. Mind you, being bronze it does patina and can leave your skin green on hot days. The CW is nice, as are other watches like the Oris Pointer date. Ultimately, it is what you want. The bracelet on the 58 alone did it for me.
I have a bronze Oris and love it. It was my most worn watch last year, and may be this year as well.
I haven’t seen the CW until just now, but it looks really nice. One thing I would mention is to think about how you’ll feel about a watch once it’s got some patina. I’m not sure the CW is a watch I think would improve with patina…it looks more like a shiny watch to me. I think the BB works because it’s a tool watch.
Anyway, I think they both look good, and the BB is one I’ve had my eye on for some time.
I won't do bronze...I live in South Florida and have no desire for green skin.
That Christopher Ward sure looks nice. So does the BB58 (which I have seen in person). But what do they look like a few months in? Are you giving them lemon baths every few weeks to keep the sheen or are you letting them turn green? They might look cool, I don't know. Or they might look worn out and ready for the trash heap! Let us know what you do.
I have a CW Aquitaine in bronze, notably without a bronze bracelet. The buckle on the strap is bronze though, and as noted above when I sweat it marked my skin until it got enough of a coating of a patina. I don’t think a bronze bracelet is a good idea for me, but I love the case. I love how the outside bronze is all muddy and warm and discolored and the bronze hands and indices are super pristine and high polished bronze. I don’t think I want another bronze watch but I love the one I have.
I think bronze is here to stay , the first bronze watches were released a long time ago. They were a bit of a hype but now they are just another metal choice. IMHO as long as the watch it's self is not a fad style and rather a classic design but just in bronze you will be good.
Personably I wouldn't want a bronze bracelet though , while I think the patina looks cool on the watch head it's self , seeing pictures of the bracelets patinaed they just look gruby IMHO, you also will have a green wrist to contend with.
As for the choice, if you have to think if the BB58 is worth the premium then it's not. I would say in this regard you just get the design you prefer.
If it were me I would go for the CW , I have a Pelagos 39 , I dont think the snowflake hands work very well round markers but that's just me, also a bronze watch would be more a novelty in a collection so the cheaper CW is more attractive.
Ok, my two cents:
The alloy of the bronze Tudor watch is very high in aluminium and only stains skin if your sweat is high in acids, which most of us don't have. I wear mine in Gran Canaria in 30 degrees Celsius and no stains whatsoever. Also my bronze Oris (different alloy) does not stain.
Yes, it will patina like crazy, that's the whole idea. If you don't want that, don't buy a bronze watch. Stop it with the lemon juice nonsense! If you want shine, buy gold.
Bronze jewellery is been around since thousands of years, so for me it's not a trend, just another way of making a watch.
I would go for the Tudor, I don't like the hour hand and the logo of CW.
Peace!
I love the BB58 and am planning to add the GMT to the collection later in the year, but I have to say the CW and the contrast with the blue dial is gorgeous so I would pick that.
really like bronze, it feels more warm & natural than steel.
There’s a lot of misconceptions about bronze watches, patina and “green” skin. I have the Tudor Black Bay boutique bronze edition and I love it. It’s stunning. There’s a special alloy coating on steel on the underside of the case that sits against the skin, you’ll not be discolored. Regarding patina; I polish mine regularly with a jeweler’s cloth and it looks near new. It takes about 10 minutes every few months and is quite relaxing and satisfying. You can also sit it in a denture tablet bath for 30-60 minutes. Works well. Those who complain need to pay more attention to its properties or care. Of course some do want a patina. In my view, the Tudor bronze looks like soft gold. It’s quite a beautiful watch with a chocolate dial and vibrant lume. You have to buy it at a Tudor Boutique (new) but the wait should not be crazy. I think it’s one of their most remarkable, and undiscovered, releases.
Did you pull the trigger on either of these? I love the look of both of these. The CW with the green dial looks stunning and it's a fairly reasonable price proposition for a watch with a lot of character. But that BB58 is stunning and quite possibly the ultimate watch: a combination of dive and Explorer looks in the sweet spot 39mm size, a top quality movement with 70h reserve, and case/bracelet material that has been a vital part of the human creative journey. Plus those unique warm brown tones. I can't afford this watch, and even if there comes a point where I can afford it, I doubt I will ever be able to justify spending £3-4k on a watch, but I think that would be a perfect one-watch collection for me (and I say that as someone obsessed with green, which this watch doesn't have).