Jamie Weiss
I remember a few years ago, bronze watches were all the rage everywhere you saw. Collectors get hooked for a rustic look, some of which use hardened eggs and mayonnaise to accelerate the aging process in various ways that force patina, such as not making you a child. Masu. Personally, I prefer that the ageing of the watch occurs naturally through exposure to everyday elements rather than exaggerated green patina-like crusty club treatments. The hype has since died, but bronze now occupies a special niche for watch fans who love the antique look of climate tools. So, in this now mature market space, let’s take a look at some of the best bronze watches on the market.
Baltotic Aquas Fake Bronze Brown
Baltotic Aquaskefie copper brown is pure mid-century perfection. Obviously, the Baltotic has a vintage look to the rocks, since the original steel Aquas Café was released a few years ago. It was a hit at the time, and the brand has since released new, funky riffs with its timeless designs. This iteration features black and gold sapphire bezel inserts and has a subtle contrasting look than the previously released black and blue versions of the all-bronze bezel. The retro notebook continues with a gorgeous brown gradient no-date dial featuring a subtle aged room. Combined with a simple 39mm case, reliable Miyota 9039 movement, 200 meters water resistance, dome sapphire crystal and a tropical look rubber strap, it’s also a smart value play. Price: USD 644, available from Time+Tide Shop.
Christopher Word C65 Dune Aeolian Automatic Bronze
I’m used to seeing wave dials on my diving watch, but with this dimly lit Bronze Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian (technically a Field Watch), there’s a dessert dune dial. Inspired by Dune du Pilate, Europe’s largest sand dune located on the Atlantic coast of Bordeaux, France, the beautifully textured dials of this Anglo-Swiss watch offer a large Indiana Jones vibe. It also features impressive specifications, including a COSC certified Sellita SW200, a 150m water resistance rating, aged Lume, and a brown gradient dial. Price: USD 1,165
Longines Legend Diver Bronze
Longines’ Legend Diver has a design that appears to be completely formed from the creator’s pencil. It is a modern doppelganger of steel longin ref. 7042 diving watch was released at the dawn of recreational diving in the early 60s. From the compressor case proportions to ultra-height dials and mobile phones to innovative internal timing bezels, functional tools also prove to be apologistically beautiful. The green two-black gradient dial blends beautifully with the bronze case and retains its original size. The 12.7mm height is particularly impressive with the watch, with dome-shaped sapphire crystal and 300 meters water resistant. Behind the scenes, the caliber L888 is an ETA-based movement with an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Vintage style brown leather straps complete the look of the time capsule. Price: USD 3,125
Oris Diver 65’s “Cotton Candy”
There are already a few bronze watches, but if you really want a unique bronze watch, look for Oris Diver’s 65 “Cotton Candy” collection. While most bronze watches feature rather old school aesthetics, Orise, inspired by these confectionery, features a pleasant juxtaposition. This retro material combines a retro-inspired dive watch with a modern, playful dial color. Available in Sky Blue, Wild Green or Pink Lipstick, the 38mm case is suitable for a variety of wrists and is available in a 3-link full bronze bracelet, tan leather strap or dial-matching Perron strap . Price: 3,200 USD (on the bracelet)
Mont Blanc 1858 Ice Sea Art Date Palm Bronze
Montblanc’s 1858 Ice Sea is a watch worth more attention than it gets. From a technical standpoint, it is a competent and robust sports watch boasting an ISO 6425 rating with a 300m resistant 41mm stainless steel case, unidirectional diving bezel, solid twisted caseback and a signed screwed crown . However, its best feature is the dial. It has a texture similar to glacial ice, achieved with an ambiguous technique called Gratté-Boisé, with the dial hand abraded with wood to produce an intricate motif. This bronze model contrasts its icy texture with the warmth of bronze. Unlike other Ice Sea models, this example of bronze is an anodized aluminum bezel insert, rather than a ceramic one that enhances the vintage feel. Price: USD 3,965
Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono Bronze
How about a bronze chronograph? This handsome bronze panda-equipped chrono from Swiss independent brand Norqain may suit you. That bronze case almost looks like yellow gold, at least before it begins to develop a slightly lush character. It is completely decorated with satin on its front, with pushers, bevels on the rug and Polish accents on the sides of the case. While it may look retro with old-school design cues and boxed sapphire crystal, the 100m water resistant and comfortable Peron straps give modern practicality. Some of the watches are visible under the caseback of the bronze PVD-coated steel display, with the Norqain Automatic Chronograph Caliber NN18. Price: $4,190 available from Time+Tide Shop
Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze
Rolex has never made a bronze watch, but their cool young brother Tudors Black Bay 58 bronze is a retro tastic gem. It retains all the qualities of the original BB58 into such a smash, including the 39mm case and historic sub-looking, but adds some touches that set it apart from the rest of the lineup. The chief of these is a full bronze bracelet. This is a rare feature that only adds to the atmosphere of throwback, especially when the patina begins. Next is the brown gradient dial and aluminum bezel insert that work perfectly with bronze details. However, in the form of the MT5400 COSC certified movement and fantastic T-FIT clasp, there are welcome concessions to modernity, and this vintage-looking watch is suitable for modern life. Price: USD 5,025
IWC Pilot Watch Automatic Spitfire Bronze
Not all bronze watches are divers, and IWC’s Spitfire brings unique materials to classic freeger style pilot watches. This style is very versatile with clean case lines and tidy dials, and it’s a shinshu that pairs with a variety of looks, making it a great gift. The warm bronze in the 39mm case is the ideal match with the lush green dial, while the bright white Arabic dial markers and wide sword style hands make everything very easy to read. This movement is an automatic IWC caliber 32111 and boasts a 5-day power reserve. The warmth of the case and dial combo gives you ideal complement for contrasting brown calf straps. It features an IWC e-Six Change system for creepy strap swaps. Price: USD 5,400
Panerai Submarine Bronzo Blue Abiso
Now this is a proper cruel bronze diver. Panerai’s boss level 300 meters potential Bronzo Blonzo Blu Abisso refuses to be ignored, but unlike the original 47mm submarine, which requires the linebacker’s wrist to be pulled out, this version is much more steady. It is easy to use 42mm. Don’t worry. However, from the Burly Squared Cushion Case to the trademark Panerey Crown Guard, there are still Rotta Trombs here. The bronze dial hardware really pops out of the deep blue dial and lends a handsome voyage look. The substantial matching blue suede leather straps get bold contrast stitching. Price: USD 18,600
