Speaking of the trend, bronze watches are getting more and more popular after the years of titanium, steel, ceramic and carbon. Bronze is an alloy that consists of copper, combined with aluminium and other metals. This ancient material used by prehistoric humans in the mid-fourth millennium BC is surprisingly back to us in the watchmaking industry.
The bronze watches’ early popularity dates back in the 1980s and the craftsman behind this innovation was Gérald Genta. It was when a big-game hunter wanted to have a watch that would not reflect light that could scare off his prey. And, the bronze watch case came as a perfect solution for it with its matte patina finish. Gefica Safari was officially born back then, the first ever bronze watch.
The use of bronze subsided over time, and gained a new wave when Italian watch brand Panerai introduced its Bronzo series in 2011. Since then, bronze found its way back to the watchmaking circle through a number of watch cases.
Why bronze watches? As that being said, much of their popularity comes from its uniqueness and ability to develop patina over time. Basically, the patina is a process of bronze rusts influenced by climates and saltwater which makes each bronze watch unique.
Patina is like the bronze timepieces’ identity. They would look different from one watch to another. Those chemical reactions often make it even more attractive by changing the color into a greenish hue.
Wear a bronze watch for the look and character. The best bronze watches below are some examples that would show you the beauty of this material.
Steinhart Marine Officer Bronze
Marine Officer Bronze manufactured by German watchmaker Steinhart. One step ahead, this timepiece features a chronograph complication that other bronze watches might not have. It allows you to measure elapsed time or the speed of moving objects together with the tachymeter scale that is engraved on its bronze bezel.
As bronze will turn out greenish time after time, the dial also comes in harmonious olive green for the good readability that any collectors would appreciate. It does not stop there, this timepiece also includes a domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating on the inside, vintage style strap, 30 meter water resistance, Superluminova C3 on each marker, and the open case-back so you can enjoy the complex movement moves.
Glycine Combat SUB 42 Sports Bronze GMT Brown Ref. GL0316
Every watch made by Glycine is favoured by both military and commercial pilots, especially for its Airman collection. In 2016, although the brand sold to the Invicta Watch Group, they continue to create its iconic watches until these days.
Now, let’s talk about one of the Glycine’s dive watches, Combat SUB 42 Sports Bronze GMT Brown Ref. GL0316. This is considered as an affordable bronze watch with a lot of features. First, the GMT function will help you during intercontinental flights, you can set local time and a home time.
Second, 200 meter water resistance underneath the sapphire crystal, means that this piece is safe against water splash or any sub-aquatic activities. Third, the brown leather strap does not fail to bring a vintage vibe to the watch. Fourth, the Combat SUB 42 uses marine grade bronze material, CuSn8, which contains high tin to result in a strength construction.
Yema Superman Steel Bronze Gray 39mm – Ltd Ed 1948pcs
This watch is a limited edition with only 1948 pieces available in the world. Talking about the watch brand Yema, it was the first French watch brand that the product was sent into space and worn by a Western-European astronaut in partnership with the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).
As the brand got much respect, they started a new beginning by creating their first ever bronze dive watch, Superman Steel Bronze Gray 39mm – Ltd Ed 1948pcs. It exhibits a vintage-inspired model.
No need to argue, the combination of steel on its 39mm case and bronze on the unidirectional rotating diving bezel is really attractive. Later, this watch will develop patina, after years it is exposed by seawater, as its beautiful distinctive marking.
Ball Watch Co. Engineer III Pilot Bronze Star Green Ref. NM2186C-L4J-GR
Comes in a distinctive bronze watch case made of CuSn8, a striking green dial and calf leather strap, the Engineer III Pilot Bronze Star Green Ref. NM2186C-L4J-GR is a robust and stunning timepiece from Ball Watch Co.
Ball broke all the rules by putting 14 micro gas tubes on every hour, minute, second hand while other watchmakers use lume for the great legibility. Some wouldn’t want to put this watch down due to its anti-reflective sapphire crystal, anti-magnetic protection to 80,000 Am, anti-shock system, and automatic caliber RR1102 which is based on an ETA 2836. This is a timeless piece that will adorn your bronze watch collection.
Oris Sixty Five Bronze – Leather – 40mm – Ref. 01 733 7707 4355-07 5 20 45
Sixty Five Bronze – Leather – 40mm – Ref. 01 733 7707 4355-07 5 20 45 is on the last list that every watch enthusiast will highly admire. Oris has been in experience with bronze timepieces since a long time, made in honour of the USNavy’s first African-American and first amputee master diver.
Recently, they introduced the Sixty Five with the ancient alloy bronze on the outer ring around the edge of the unidirectional rotating bezel. Everything is vintage and warm from face details to the brown leather strap. Inside, the Oris 733 movement based on SW 200-1 works to measure the time. In sum, Sixty Five Bronze is worth collecting whether you get it for your own or as a gift to someone.
