Why Are Bronze Watches Popular? (Patina & Wabi-Sabi) 

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Mechanical watches have soul. Bronze also has soul. It has depth, and character. It makes every piece unique.

I have seven bronze watches in my collection and each one has a different shade of the color ranging from Yema Superman that looks more like Australian Naval Brass from its yellow shade to an Evant that is more of a copper coin shade. No two identical looking Bronze watches will patina the same way as the process is individual and considered personal. If one is thinking that it is a cheaper option aesthetically from the beginning of the patina stage than gold; one should stop right there as it is not at all! The material is strong and has character than changes over time. It tells a story, like a painting, but in this case of the environment it has been in. To clear off the patina is an easy process whether it is by using toothpaste, lemon juice or tomato ketchup or any combination. Then the process starts all over again! Some people will re-set the process once the green oxidation residue appears and some will not. It is a personal choice. The one aspect that many are not attuned to is that patina process is alive and natural and not artificial therefore, authentic and genuine. A chemical reaction based on metamorphosis and nearly biological. There is a fascination that I see every time I pick up one of the magnificent seven pieces as they have changed in the way of maturity from the last time I saw it or them. One notices the differences constantly and raises a smile every time. Nothing else like it!

Quartz movements are much better at keeping accurate time than mechanical movements and require less maintenance. You never have to worry about keeping them wound. They are technically superior watches, however most people who watch your videos prefer mechanical movements even though they are less accurate and require more maintenance. Bronze is a bit like that. Its charming to see it age and change with time as it accompanies you.

A sculptor once described to me what an appropriate material bronze was for making figures. It grew as a material constantly in aesthetic transience as the imperfections revealed themselves naturally with age just as they do with ourselves. I cannot think of an equally appropriate material to forge a timepiece from. Just like a stone clock tower that weathers storms and gains it’s own rough imperfections a bronze timepiece surely has a life of its own and a character even more so than a stainless steel piece. How fitting that it is actually telling the time! ✊

I picked up a Tudor Bronze a couple of years ago. It comes up in rotation every few weeks...and every few weeks it looks like a new watch. It slowly oxidizes and presents a fresh patina every time I wear it.

I normally would dismiss bronze as a gimmick designed to aggressively accelerate the aging of a watch, but this also dawned on me. In reality, is a bronze watch any different than the Royal Oak with its brushed surfaces so delicate, that finger nails scratch them, and they don't take a polish well? Is it any different than Rolex high polishing the Oyster bracelet center links and clasps on some of their sports models, causing them to look tired and worn out when used daily? Not really. These companies know the weaknesses of their watches' finishings, and that these weak spots lead to watches that look tired and undignified with age. The difference is that companies who make bronze watches unabashedly embrace the inevitable, while the others simply turn the away when faced with the reality that their watches don't take wear gracefully.

Have you ever held a bronze candle holder over 50 years old? The words - Solid, timeless, strength, vintage and beauty all come to mind. Embedding old world qualities into a modern world grounds us with our past experiences. This is what I feel when I hold a bronze watch ⌚️🙏🏼

Tomorrow we may be heartbroken, but today we love. This is BRONZE.

Im getting my first bronze watch today! And this vid does not put me off whatsoever!

I have two bronze watches, I love the way the looks keep changing because of the patina process. Every bronze watch patina's different so they are all unique and in my eyes more personal than a regular watch.

I think you touched on it when you mentioned the Bronze Age as a pivotal point in human technical development. The connection to the sea is also primordial. Also, it’s a relief from the perfection of stainless steel. Finally, it bridges some of the gap in our reach for gold, the metal of ultimate human mystery made unattainable by cost.

I'm still on the road to my one and only "grail" watch,, obstacles keep landing in the way,,!! Once I've got it, (and it will be a thing of perfection).. Then everything else, in my life, can be as "wabi sabi" as hell,,,,,, lol,,,,

I don't get it either. The patina that is created on the case, doesn't match the new look of the face and the sapphire crystal. Jody from Just One More Watch did a great video on using Lemon Juice to bring back the new look - which although useful, seems to defeat the object.

Part of the attraction is that a bronze watch has the "look" of a genuine nautical navigation instrument, like a Sextant or an Astrolabe. We all how important an accurate ships clock was is as an aid to navigation. A Sextant being too large to wear on the wrist. I don't have one but could be drawn toward a bronze Tudor. Let the stars be your guide.

One of the most common statements about the love of automatic watches is that they "have a soul." Some character than quartz watches lack. Bronze metal is a "living metal" and develops a soul/character the more you wear it whereas steel stays a soulless hunk of silver. Honestly, steel watches get boring. Gold watches are insanely expensive and often tacky. Bronze watches do allow you to have that warm gold hues without being "pimp grade."

I think bronze gives a steampunk kind of vibe to the watch. Also, as you age why not have the watch, which represents time, age with you. You’d have to be nuts to like the green oxidation from some of the older bronze watches but the ones that reach a dark brown patina look nice and have a lot of character.

For me, they are very interesting looking. Probably remind me of the distant past and our relationship to bronze tools. Also, the seem to make a watch look more heavy, tough.I wouldnt let it go full rusted out though. Also, when iron or steel rusts it is actually degrading, getting weaker. Bronze, however is becoming MORE tough when it patinas. Lastly, in my country as in most of Europe, we often see old statues or rooftops blue green from aging bronze. -IT looks classy and vintage.

faux patina is a trend just like bronze is a trend imo. looks of course are subjective but this current approach of brands to make retro modern pieces will eventually go by the wayside. great content!

First off, i really appreciate the work you do and in most cases agree! I’m a old school crusty Navy guy so I’d choose bronze! From 17 to 35 had to clean and polish everything that was brass or bronze. So it’s a very emotive thing and having piece that reflects 20 yrs of your life means something, and I’m fine with vertigress!

Thank you for talking about this & all the beautiful photos. I don’t have a bronze watch in my collection yet, but if I do pull the trigger on just one bronze watch, I’m itching to get a Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 45mm. 😋

Bronze is timeless, it is a beautiful living breathing metal like no other 👍 Tam.

Nobody’s first watch is a bronze, but if you have 10 SS and 2-3 gold pieces you start looking for something cool and different, bronze can be a cool alternative in the watch box.

I think, when you say you just do not understand why bronze would be chosen as a material to make a watch with , you are very clearly giving an opinion, that you think it is not a good material to make a watch with. And you support your position with those photos of bronze watches which are very very deeply oxidized. I have one bronze watch. I have had it for just a couple of years. I like the way it looks, I have enjoyed watching it change over this time. And it does not look at all like the watches you have chosen to illustrate bronze watches in this feature. Perhaps it might at some time in the far future, but, based upon the small amount of change over the pasted 19 months, I have doubts. Bottom line is I think my bronze watch looks good. I have not had any more acrid stink associated with it or my skin than I ever had when I used to have to carry around copper coins. I only have the one bronze watch. I am not sure if I will ever get another. But I might. Why not?

I have a Yema Superman Bronze (black dial) in my collection as I am an 'archaeometallurgist', a specialist in ancient metal technologies, and copper/bronze in particular. That's why I wanted the Yema (and it's a nice size and look). I also have an aluminium Hamilton (Pilot Pioneer) and will soon pick up a Pelagos for the titanium. I want ALL the non-precious metals, except the Group 1s/2s etc that will make your wrist catch fire. Tungsten and DU, bring it on :D ! edit: I will be analysing the chemisty of my Yema once I can get back into my lab. It's probably a modern silicon bronze alloy. I'd like a brass watch too but will settle for a nice marine clock.

Locally sourced materials? Love for arts and crafts? Love for the material itself? The list is endless.

I love bronze it’s character art like and it has a life of it’s own like a soul.

I just bought a bronze watch(haven't even received it yet). Wanted an inexpensive travel watch that wouldn't attract attention while abroad. I was curious about how it will change over time, thought it would be cool to see a watch change/grow with me. I can't imagine there are many people buying bronze as their only watch. I just wanted to try something different.

One of the nicest Bronze case watch might well be the upcoming Longines Legend Diver Bronze. Overall I'm not keen on Bronze, but it does work well with certain cases. The problem I have with the likes of that heavily patina cased Oris you show there is the glossy dial looks completely at odds with the heavily aged looking case. Matt dials work better IMO.

Does the patina pose hygiene and staining problems if i wore it under a white shirt?

I bought and wore my first bronze watch for my wedding. My perspective is that the watch will age and look different as my wedding goes on longer and longer.

Bronze, copper and tin are very important metals in the history of mankind. Naturally collectors are going to find it interesting. My own view is that if carefully managed, the patina can dramatically enhance the appearance of a timepiece.

Though it was Gérald Genta that introduced the first bronze example, the Gefica Chronographe in 1995, it was really Panerai, with the 2011 introduction of the PAM382, that set the tone for a market segment to follow. Having the 382, 507 & 671(I just posted em again today in a FB thread regarding bronze pieces) along with the IWC Big Pilot and Limited Edition Spitfire UTC(MJ271), I obviously am a fan of bronze as a primary case metal, though not in a decorative two-tone fashion, however that transfers to not being a fan of two-tone gold examples either. That’s the great thing about this hobby, in that it is entirely up to the individual as to their likes, dislikes and preferences😊 Continued Success🍻 RP

Because it's strange, as you said, and some people do want to get away from the crowds wearing some worn out by themselves. It adds character to the item, I guess. An extreme version of loving dents and scratches of your own watch because it has lived what you have been through your life. Also, that Tudor and especially that Oris Divers 65 are absolutely stunning.

Thank you! You addressed my biggest concern 👍🏼

I bought a black bay black because I love that dial and nice shinny case. Knowing the case will fade. So In 7mo i have polished twice now. I do enjoy wearing the watch when is shinny. Doesn’t bother me polishing. My only concern is will wear off the bronze lacquer? I wish was a ceramic coating we could add.

Good review IDGuy, I think bronze looks 'retro', 'steam-punk' or very 'old skool' to a lot of people... P.S. the 'patina' some like can be 're-wound' to look like new in minutes using white vinegar or lemon/citric juice...

I believe it's a way to distinguish oneself from the other punters with a watch, even the exact same model. Each bronze watch will patina differently, and thus differentiation is achieved. That being said, I find old patina bronze items better suited for display on a desk or bookcase, than on ones wrist.

I do enjoy the bronze as an accent on my oris 65 bico. And subtle oxidation is more what I enjoy about the material (as opposed to crusty green:)). ..Now that I’ve learned the lemon juice trick, figure I can always turn back the clock!

The looks is incredible. So personal. Love my Bronze watches.

I love bronze. It changes. It’s alive. If I get tired of the way it looks I can wait for it to change or clean the patina off with some vinegar and start over. If it gets scratched it just adds to the story of the watch. With stainless every blemish hurts my soul. Every scratch and ding makes me want to send it out for a refinish.

Simple question...Simple answer: Some people find that it looks good. No need to get all philosophical about it for crying out loud it's just a watch.

I think the earthy brown tones resonate with our connection to nature, thus patina in the form of tropical dials is so appreciated. Bronze offers that feeling from the spot. When it oxidizes, it looks toxic though. That's when the love usually stops 😂.

I think the key to this is for watch manufacturers to develop an alloy which will keep the warm honesty of the bronze for longer before the gunk takes over. More recent Orises seem more resistant but I have no proof of this.

I absolutely love my baltic aquascaphe blue bronze and it won't get the green patina. It just gets darker which I love.

what are you thoughts on titanium versus steel?

I agree, you want the watch to stand up to the years and look good. Most people will. Get a material that can hold up very long and look good as a classic. Like a durable classic car. On the flip side, well, I would just say "It's a thing". Same as those that like quartz, automatic, wind up etc. Same as those that like ceramic etc.

I thought about getting one until I saw your pictures. I didn't think they could get that bad.

The Oris is a beautiful watch. However, I think my Christopher Ward C60 Pro 600 Bronze is a real beauty.

bronze is like good leather that can be aged and look rustic. It's that look that watch enthusiasts that wish to own a few in their arsenal.

I'm personally not a fan of bronze, but perhaps they enjoy the constant maintenance of the watch. The need to keep polishing it, the effort required to clean out the corrosion from the crevices and grooves never stops. So the watch is constantly in your hands. Perhaps it is that more tactile experience that appeals to the owner.

I own an Oris big crown pointer date in bronze. I love the patina (nothing like the green displayed on some of those featured in your video, more of an uneven burnished red/brown). The material compliments the vintage aesthetics of the watch and dark brown bund strap. Lovely to watch it change gradually and not worry about scratches (which is a constant issue with my Rolex Explorer). Although bronze is softer than stainless steel, I don't believe it will ever corrode to any extent. I don't smell the bronze either. Perhaps due to the cologne soaked into the bund strap! Bronze watches - not for everyone, but I'd recommend the Oris big crown pointer version to anyone.

I haven’t seen a bronze case with a mature patina that made me feel I needed to acquire one, though I do tend to like the look of them brand new. The typical bronze case I’ve seen and that hasn’t been all that many mind you, they all looked rather dark and dull, underwhelming, not much to speak of. The examples in this video, I have seen a number of examples similar to those shown hear, heavy green, extreme corrosion. Those were all done with intention at the hands of the owner, normal use simply isn’t likely to cause that kind of effect. That said, it does look awful and while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, love is blind.

I like how some people have a problem with leather on divers but no problem with cases made with a material that corrodes

Bronze watches are going to be the next Invicta.Looked upon with disgust in a few years.

It’s nice to have bronze gold sterling stainless when u Collect especially if you’re into antiques you love the patina

I was just about to buy a bronze watch, and now I won’t. Because I’m really like my WATCHES to look crisp and I thought a little patina would be cool, but I see that unless you most likely clean it on a regular basis which would be a pain in the neck, that the watch is gonna look pretty darn funky instead of cool. Thanks for this “deep dive”. I vaguely remember listening to a podcast where they indicated that, I believe that it was Oris, uses more gold in their bronze alloy. I wonder if that prevents it from getting “grossly” patina-ed?

I love the bronze. They all have character and age differently. Not just from one watch to another but even alloy to alloy. I have a Panerai 968 as well as a Zenith Type 20 Pilot Chronograph both in bronze. The patina on one is not like the other even under the same chemistry on the same wrist. The Zenith patina is darker and dignified like the stoic patterns in marble as if it was part of the metal itself, where the Pam patina represents a finer dusting of patina seeming smooth and time tested like it was from another age. I have wanted to clean them a thousand times just to have that flashy rose gold look again, but a thousand times I have talked myself out of it.

Good point

I guess as always it's a case of different strokes for different folks...as some people like and value the idea of things being and looking new, fresh and pristine, and will go to great lengths to keep stuff in that as nee condition... and go nuts when the first scratch or damage appears! While others have a different perspective... and love, appreciate and value the reality of things naturally aging or showing the scars and passage of time. So perhaps there is room for both ...as l like the mix of old and new things.

I was going to purchase a bronze watch and I am still considering it but the more and more I look at images of bronze watches they are starting to look like plumbing fixtures.

I love bronze, and if you polish them often ....They look like rose gold...So I polish my Tudor BB 58, 39 mm and Tudor 43 mm bronze, and consider to collect Hamilton and longines.

Accelerated gratification re: patina, which seems fine to me (though I don’t own any bronze pieces). And it does look lovely if cared for. So it’s a customer’s aesthetic choice, and not really a design choice

Perhaps I am a watch romanticist. But I truly feel a bond with my daily wear watch ( a bronze Oris Carl Brasher Chrono ). Are there more durable/flashier/more expensive materials to build a watch case? Of course. To me, the bronze patina demonstrates the connection I feel with my watch. The dents and dings are all things that I love, accept and truly appreciate about my watch. There are many beautiful young women. If you develop a relationship with one, must she always look that way? As she ages, might you begin to love her facial wrinkles? Or would you want her to have collagen injections, breast implants, etc.? Or divorce her and marry the latest version Rolex?

Wabi-Sabi is great! Bronze is antimagnetic and best material for diver watches. And its one more reason to look on the watch (how far is patina grown?

I've owned my bronze Zelos Swordfish with a meteorite dial for 3 years now and have watched it transition on my wrist. I acquired it because I wanted something that conveyed a mix of primitive (bronze) and primordial (meteorite). As it aged, I realized that the type of person who buys a bronze watch looks forward to it getting dinged, oxidizing, and developing a patina, whereas the person who buys a watch in almost every other material winces at the thought. Bronze is a sadistic material... it looks forward to being beaten and is the ultimate material for a beater watch.

I want that exact slate gray dial on a BB58... I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Hey nice video. You asked several times for help understanding the attraction of bronze so for what its worth try this. You stated on a number of occasions "bronze is an inferior material" but at no point do you really interogate that claim. Inferior why? against what benchmarks? Why those benchmarks, might other measures be better? If I change the benchmarks is bronze still inferior or can it, in fact, become superior? I also question if you are really doing the comparison in good faith. Almost all your core complaints for branze really only eventuate in that small selection of people that 'force' oxidation via artifical means. If you simply treat your bronze watch like a steel one you'll find 99% of your concerns go away.

I think manufacturers could do a much better job of choosing more suitable bronze alloys, such as phosphor bronze. metallurgy is complex and intriguing and the possibility of using unique alloys is one that hasn't been fully explored imo

this looks so much like photography on film vs digital LOL

For me its the warmth and beauty that comes with bronze. Also the patina gives it a uniqueness that makes it "yours".

I don't own a bronze watch but I do think they look a little different and eye-catching so I get the appeal. What I don't get is the recent attraction to patina and forced patina , this should not be mistaken for wear and tear like dings and scratches which happen from use IMHO.

Great video and I completely agree with you IDGuy, bronze watches are just not my cup of tea.

Bronze sculptures and weathervanes look great weathered but I agee about the patina getting all over everything. The only thing worse is tarnished silver. It is like nails on a chalkboard.

I don't get it either but some says when it's oxidizing its create a pattern that unique to the watch. Much like the porcelains dial watch.

You have nice trousers to go to a fancy party, flawless, well ironed, spotless, perfect fit, or....you wear jeans, your old favourite warn in jeans. There are knees, discolouring, wear and tear. These jeans are for daily use, they can tell a story. You can even buy them worn in, in advance. That is the difference between stainless steel watches and bronze watches. You don't go to a cocktail party with your old jeans, you wear your nice trousers. You don't go Scuba diving with your Patek Calatrava. Best of the best: work on your boat with your oldest jeans and your bronze diver.

I would like to put my opinion as to why I think Bronze is suitable for some (myself included) I'm not a fan of "jewellery" I'm not a gold chain wearing kind of guy I do own a dress watch or 2, great when wearing a suit or smartly dressed. There are times when just something that isn't poncy but quality is required and that's where my Tudor BB Bronze brown dial comes in and feels non showy or blingy. It has the charm of a rusty pick up truck and I Bloody love that ...... Perfect!!!

Bronze is such an amazing material.

I personally love rose gold watches but I really don't want to spend too much on a watch, 2000 would be my limit right now. Hence why since I can't for the life of me find a watch that is stainless steel but rose gold color that I also like bronze is simply the next best thing. I have not bought one yet simply because I'm still looking for a good rose gold-colored stainless steel watch but if I can't find it I'll be ready every single week with some lemon juice for my new bronze watch haha.

Panerai bronzo my favorite I'll have one One day!

Just last week Watch Advisor Showed Rado's new Captain Cook Diver in bronze on a leather strap. Rado as you know loves to play with different materials in its watches they used to love Ceramic. They introduced three model dial color in Bronze cases. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't love the green variant. To me Bronze and green in a diver is a perfect match all you need is and old bronze diving helmet to complete the picture. They have priced the models at around $2800. USD. I'm just glad Rado isn't and easy brand to find here in Atlanta and that I'm still paying off a Breitling navitimer 1959 I got in February and I've already have my Christmas watch picked out. Another watch your not fond of a Blancpain, Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe or I'd be tempted to pick this Bronze Captain Cook up it'd not that pricey as some others.

Bronze is a double-edged sword. The reason people like bronze watches is what you said. People like the patina and/or the time you wash the rust off like how some people like winding their watch every day. There is another advantage of Bronze but I forgot. Bronze isn't my thing either btw. The reason I am not into bronze is quite the same reason people like it. However, I would enjoy winding movements.

Bronze helps recalling a retro-feel that signify the age when watches were actual instruments of practical value.

While bronze is a fantastic looking material full of character, I must agree it’s horrible to make time pieces from. The thing about bronze is it does auto degrade. There is degradation happening inside the case too. While it’s not at the same rate it is in-fact happening. Looking at, I believe an Oris in the video, we notice corrosion migration in the crystal socket. There is the beginning of the end. Now I own a number of lovely time pieces and being a grand parent my grandson will one day receive one/ some/ all of my collection that continues to grow in value. Bronze watches, unfortunately, with degradation will lose their value in part or in whole.

Bronze does not corrode, it gets a patina which is stronger than the alloy beneath and will not get deeper. It was the material of choice for divers because of a reason.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea/Steampunk?

like you said if we were all alike it would be boring. i like gold but only stacked in a safe i wear bronze watches over gold ..

Great video. Isn't there a bit of elephant in the room? If choosing the watch to match the metals for the warm skin undertones, one doesn't have much choices as stainless falls more into the "silver" category. Gold seems to be the go-to choice however is expensive, very opinion divisive and would not suit the character of a diver of field watch. So we're left with bronze. I also do like the idea of patina as well and ejoy it's aging effect.

You're part Vulcan if you don't get the point of a bronze watch. :)

I like the way they look brand spanking new, hence why I love rose gold, but they loose me at the oxidation. The brownish metallic color of bronze lends a hue of warmth that yellow gold or any of the silverish precious metals don't offer. That's what attracts me about bronze but it was stated in the video bronze is, in a sense equivalent to steel, in that oxidizes and it's inferior to other metals. Like I said before rose gold is where it's at w me, i don't own a rose gold watch but i know i will one day.

Personally I like a very light distinct patina I think these blue and green patina watches that have been “shipwrecked” just don’t appeal to me. I like a little natural patina here and there over time but just my personal opinion.

Lol I just got an ad for vincero watches after a video showing panerai and rolex...

Many watch manufacturers are on the constant mission to produce different materials for their watches. Bronze is one of the latest trends, as stated. At least it can be "fixed" by cleaning, polishing, in contrast to carbon fibre. One scratches carbon fiber, and that's all she wrote.

If you don’t “get it” you just have to look at it a little longer.

I've got to agree with you. I find the bronze watch movement to be an odd affectation. I can understand the popularity of the "patina" aesthetic with the rise in popularity of vintage watches that show their age. Bronze is a way to see that patina develop in a much shorter time frame. In the time an owner possesses the watch. But it's not for me personally.

A lot of the bronze watches you show with the patchy green splotches and cloudiness are because of forced patina and introduction of salt and chlorine before a base patina has naturally occured.

Each bronze watch will tell a different story which makes each piece unique. When you see the distinct patina on a bronze watch you can't help but ask the story and experience of that particular watch. Do you care what the story of my ceramic submariner?

Bronze makes time visually more comprehensible, at least I feel that way. Also you can't compare it to rusty steel...

I'm with you... no idea what makes bronze popular. I guess if you love the sea or your hobbies or livelihood come from the ocean, maybe you have a soft spot for the material. But I don't like gold, either, and really really don't like rose gold, so perhaps I'm not the best person to ask. Stainless or titanium for me. Patina is a fancy word for "damage".

You will find a similar discussion in the knife collecting community. There it is literally between carbon and stainless steels. A natural patina on a decades-old knife is a thing of beauty, yet there in a brisk demand for new knives in the traditional styles made from carbon steel. Some proponents go so far as to claim carbon steel holds the keener edge. (I don't believe it.) These same folks are either continuously polishing and oiling their carbon steel collections, or letting them develop a patina but keeping fingers crossed that the blades don't rust. My take is that if the knife makers of old had had modern stainless steels they darn sure would have used them. Same goes for bronze in my opinion.