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While the natural assumption is that when you purchase a new watch, you want it to look new, some people purchase timepieces and quickly begin to change their appearance! Bronze watches are beautiful timepieces known for their process of oxidation, which eventually leads to a unique look, where no other watch will look exactly the same. This is a process that does not damage the bronze watches themselves, as it’s only the surface that oxidates. These are, in fact, highly durable watches that last for many years.
Choosing the best bronze watches can be a bit of a challenge, but we’re here to make it easier, by suggesting a collection of quality bronze watches that will live up to all your expectations.
View The Best Bronze Watches Below
1. Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Bronze Watch
The allure of this gorgeous timepiece is its uniqueness and details, such as the rotating slide-rule bezel. This is a feature these watches are known for. It also has a convenient date window located at 5 o’clock, a distinct bezel, and automatic self-winder movement.
When you look at this bronze watch with its uniquely designed Navitimer dial, chronograph, genuine leather strap, and mix of stainless steel and bronze metal details, you see a watch you can wear to a business meeting. Or wear it with casual attire and when you go out with friends. Either way, this is one you’ll want to pass on to your children whenever the time comes.
Pros:
+ Rotating slide-rule bezel
+ COSC Chronometer-certified
+ Date window at 5 o’clock
+ Automatic self winder movement
Why We Like It – The brown leather strap, together with stainless steel and bronze details, creates an unforgettable timepiece that can be worn for any occasion.
2. Rolex Datejust Women’s Bronze Floral Dial Watch
First of all, when looking into watchmaking history, Rolex is, without a doubt, a brand that has made its mark! There’s a certain pride that comes with wearing a Rolex such as this floral edition. This is most likely due to prestige. But also to the remarkable quality and leading features that a timepiece such as this comes with.
The floral bronze watch dial is one of a kind. It’s something you don’t come across every day, and a stainless steel bezel carefully encapsulates it with sparkling jewels and a 36mm stainless steel case with a gold crown. It wraps around your wrist with an exquisitely designed stainless steel bracelet with a gold stripe in the middle.
Pros:
+ Gold, bronze and stainless steel
+ Anti-scratch sapphire crystal
+ Unique flower dial design
+ Date window at 3 o’clock
Why We Like It – First, one of the greatest things about this Rolex special edition watch is its stunningly beautiful watch dial. It’s one of those bronze watches that will suit someone who wants a quality classic watch with a twist.
3. Charriol Women’s ‘St Tropez’ Diamond Dial Bronze Steel Quartz Watch
With a watch like this, you’ll be drawing some attention to yourself, as it’s beautifully designed with a one-of-a-kind steel chevron strap that connects to the bronze case. The “mother of pearl” dial matches the bracelet with stunning perfection. It looks and feels expensive and exclusive.
The chain that’s made to go around your wrist is the perfect compliment for an already exquisite timepiece made to impress. It has a pull-down crown (push down crown), jewelry clasp, and it’s Swiss made, which in itself is an indicator of quality and superiority. The bezel is prided with large Roman numerals.
Pros:
+ Mother of pearl dial
+ Swiss quartz movement
+ 15mm steel bracelet
+ Large Roman numerals
Why We Like It – If a discrete watch option is not your cup of tea, and if you’d rather have bronze watches that make a statement every time you wear them, this edition is one that does this and more.
4. Panerai Luminor Submersible Bronzo PAM 507 Green Dial 47MM
A green dial and a thick bronze case sets this eye-catching time-teller apart from many similar type watches, and it looks so distinct that people are likely to remember it for a long time. The strap is made of brown genuine calfskin, which sits comfortably around your wrist, even when wearing the watch frequently and for many hours. It’s a fully submersible dive watch that is often used by both the experienced diver and a casual bearer who just wants a really great watch.
Pros:
+ Bronze case with green dial
+ Unidirectional diver bezel
+ Brown calfskin strap
+ Solid case back
Why We Like It – In the history of wristwatches, it has always been desirable to have a watch that stands out, and this affordable dive watch has that unique look that makes it appear vintage and used while being completely new.
5. Versace Womens V-Metal Icon Watch
The gold case and the heavy bronze dial makes it possible to feel the luxury and the expensiveness the moment you strap on the leather calfskin strap, and it’s an edition that’s impressive even for a top watchmaking brand like Versace. Whatever Versace comes up with tends to be an instant hit, but this bronze dial watch is more than that.
Many would argue it to be a piece of art worthy of a podium somewhere. The way the gold meets the bronze is stunning – two metal materials come together with additional gold detail in the center. The whole construction is balanced out with a calf leather band in deep brown.
Pros:
+ 40-millimeter gold case
+ Swiss-made design
+ Calf leather strap (brown)
+ Analog display with Roman numerals
Why We Like It – The impressive power reserve and precise time-telling are each a plus, but it’s the design itself that makes this bronze watch so incredibly special.
6. Zenithe El Primero 405 B CronoMetro Tipo CP-2 Flyback
You won’t be able to get enough of this beautifully balanced timepiece, with a thick leather strap, black bezel with chronometer, a bronze case, and bronze-colored dial. It’s a watch you’ll probably end up putting first on your list of must-haves, or perhaps even first on your list of favorite watches once you obtain it!
You may be used to average looking watches that no one will look at twice, but with this automatic movement pilot watch, you’ll be making a statement. The discrete colors of black and brown go with almost any outfit so that you always have an excuse to wear your beloved timepiece.
Pros:
+ Round black bezel
+ Automatic self-winding movement
+ Durable sapphire crystal
+ Oiled leather nubuck band
Why We Like It – The automatic self-winder movement gives this edition a nice connection with history and vintage watches, while also offering everything you would expect to find in a modern bronze watch.
7. U-Boat Watch Germany Chronograph
You wanted bronze, so here’s a true bronze watch with an automatic movement, a date window, a used look, a push-down crown, bronze case, leather band, and a large black dial with bronze details. The metal combination and design are carefully thought out and aesthetically put together.
The tang buckle closure makes sure you never have to worry about your watch strap coming undone, even if you plan to wear it for more challenging activities. The way the black combines with the bronze makes the dial, bezel, and case pop. It has a power reserve that lasts for several years before it’s time for a battery change.
Pros:
+ 43mm case diameter
+ Black dial with bronze case
+ Analog display and automatic movement
+ Reliable tang buckle closure
Why We Like It – The history of this watchmaking brand speaks of a will to produce exceptional timepieces you’ll feel proud to wear. This one here has not only the unique black dial and eye-catching metal dial but also an irresistible used look and a long power reserve and screw-down crown.
8. Ferragamo Mens Chronograph
History tells us that a Swiss-made watch is among the best timepieces out there, and this is confirmed here. The design feels modern and fresh with black and green dial details, quality bronze metal, push-down crown, tachymeter, chronograph, a 44mm case diameter, beautifully crafted bezel, and much more.
It’s a timepiece that should be among the first you consider if you value Swiss quartz movement, analog displays, and sapphire crystal that’s unlikely to scratch or dent. All these features come together to create a metal timepiece you won’t be able to look away from after you first lay eyes on it.
Pros:
+ Luminous bronze detailed hands
+ Tachymeter and chronograph
+ Modern Swiss watch edition
+ Double-layer green guilloche dial
Why We Like It – These watches are like a combination of a classic and diver timepiece, as it has a great mix of timeless features and a sporty looking band.
9. Guess W17005L1 Ladies GLISTEN Bronze Tone Watch
Guess is a brand that has a history of producing quality products, both watches, and other fashionable items, and these ladies’ watch edition is no exception! It’s very classy and discrete in its design, making it the ultimate option for someone who wants subtle luxury that stands out, but doesn’t take over.
The 35mm stainless steel case 16mm band is bronze in tone, combining durability with a perfectly designed exterior. The automatic quartz movement makes sure your favorite bronze watch runs perfectly to provide you with an accurate time for several years before needing a battery change.
Pros:
+ Toned-down and delicate design
+ 35mm stainless steel case
+ Automatic quartz movement
+ Analog display and deployment clasp
Why We Like It – A bronze case watch like this is the perfect pick for a woman who wants a timepiece that goes with any outfit, and that has that discrete classiness to it that’s hard not to love.
10. Casio Women’s B640WC-5AEF Retro Digital Watch
This watch comes straight from the retro collection. It’s a vintage-looking sports watch that anyone with a taste for what’s cool is likely to love. It’s rectangular in shape, which is a direct reference to the type of sports watch that became popular in the 80s and the 90s. The digital display makes it easy to tell the time.
Also, when you’re out and about, and you get a date display and stopwatch, along with other useful features. This edition combines the classic sports watch with a modern touch and appealing bronze color, and it’s a fun addition to any outfit and style.
Pros:
+ Digital date display with start and stopwatch
+ Mineral crystal window
+ Five bar water-resistance
+ Three years of battery life
Why We Like It – The 3-year power reserve is a huge plus. If you like digital watches, then you’re going to love an updated digital timepiece such as this one.
Bronze Watches Buyer’s Guide
First things first – why wouldn’t you want a bronze timepiece? What’s interesting about Bronze is how durable it is. Oxidation only happens on the surface, which means a watch made of bronze becomes incredibly durable and time resistant. These are timepieces you can carry with you throughout your life, and even pass on to children and grandchildren when the time comes.
Owning a bronze watch is a very different experience compared to owning, for example, a stainless steel watch, especially as time begins to alter the look of it. This gives each watch a unique appearance you can’t quite foresee. There are a few things worth considering when shopping for your perfect bronze timepiece, and this is a guide to put you on the right track.
Bronze Watch Pros
The durability of a bronze watch is definitely the biggest pro you will find, and few watch materials will last as long as an authentic bronze watch. The tarnish (patina) starts developing when you first begin to use it.
The watch will eventually take on a very unique look; there will be no other exactly like it. Some users even choose to manually speed up the patina process themselves to get that rugged vintage look faster.
When you are a watch enthusiast, it’s not unusual to want a timepiece nobody else has, and while bronze isn’t quite as hard as stainless steel, it becomes appealing to many people to see how it changes with age. Imagine owning a timepiece that doesn’t look quite like anybody else’s, and where it’s not about brands or even designs. It’s about how the bronze itself changes and evolves.
Bronze Watch Cons
There are a few things to know about bronze watches, that some people could potentially dislike, but that others seem to consider part of their charm. Bronze, being a copper metal, tends to leave a green tint or hue on the wrist of its bearer.
This will usually go away with a little bit of soap and water, but it could still be considered an inconvenience to certain people. A watch made of bronze will also develop that characteristic patina. This is a patina that some unmistakably love, while others might prefer a watch that stays looking spotless and new throughout its lifetime.
If you would find the patina troublesome, then perhaps bronze watches aren’t right for you. But if you can instead learn to embrace these aspects of such a charming watch, you will love owning one. It’s not a secret that everyone has their own individual preferences, but it’s worth giving a bronze product a chance even if you’re hesitant to whether it’s right for you.
Speeding Up the Patina Process
After a few years, your bronze watches will have changed their appearance, and this is due to a process known as patina or oxidation. It does not affect the watch function nor is it harmful to the material. It’s simply something to be expected when purchasing a timepiece made with this material. For this to fully develop naturally, you will have to wait for a few years.
Some people prefer to speed up the process themselves. The good news is that this is more than possible, with a few clever tips and tricks. All of them are easy to do at home without taking the wristwatch to a professional. Here are a few tips for how you can shorten the time it takes for the copper to oxidate.
+ Chemicals (fumes). Use vinegar or ammonia to speed up the patina process! You can do this by carefully removing the straps and placing the head of the watch on top of something, such as on an upside-down glass or similar. Place this in a container you can close with a lid. Add the chemicals to the container, without letting it come in physical contact with the watch itself. Seal it and wait for approximately 8-14 hours. The fumes are what will do the job, which is why you should not add chemicals directly to your bronze watch.
+ Liver of Sulfur. For this process to work, you need two bowls – one with baking soda, and another one with liver of sulfur gel. You should also be wearing gloves to properly protect your hands from coming in contact with the liver of sulfur, then carefully submerge the bronze material you are trying to alter. It will start changing before your eyes. When you’re happy with what it looks like, gently move it over to the bowl of baking soda, as this will put a stop to the process.
+ Swimming. This is only recommendable if your watch is water-resistant and approved for activities like swimming, so make sure you check this first before you hop in the pool or into the ocean with your bronze watch. Swimming in salty water or chlorinated water will change the way your watch looks – sometimes a little, and sometimes a lot – so keep an eye on the watch while you swim, and wipe it dry when you feel happy with the results.
+ Milk. This is not the most effective way to obtain the desired oxidation, but giving your watch a gentle mil bath for a few hours can have a slight effect on the color due to the low levels of ammonia. If you want to start out with a light change, this could be right for you.
Removing Oxidation
While for many, the oxidation of a bronze watch is what gives it its charm and personality, some may want to try and somewhat regulate the oxidation process. Or perhaps you have a watch you would want to try and restore to its former glory. Using lemon juice and baking soda can be a quick, cheap, and easy solution!
You mix these two together, turning it into a paste, then cover the affected areas of the watch with it. After that, leave it for approximately 20 minutes. This should clean it up a little. Continue to use the paste on each part of the bronze that needs a facelift.
How long does it take for bronze to Patina?
The patina process starts almost right away, but it can take up to 5-10 years for it to fully develop unless you choose to speed up the process yourself.
What is CuSn8 bronze?
It’s a bronze and copper solution that has been strengthened with a total of 8% tin, which makes it more resistant than regular bronze. It’s often found in watch cases.
Conclusion
Now you know everything you need to know in order to decide if bronze watches are the right choice for you, and what you can do to get your watch to look the way that you want it to. There is something very special about these timepieces.
What’s interesting is that they come in many different models and varieties so that you can always find a style that you like and enjoy, and one you will want to continue wearing for years to come.
Expert Tip
Make it a habit to clean your bronze watch regularly and to keep it in good condition, as this will further extend its lifespan.
Did You Know
A bronze watch is definitely for the watch enthusiast that wants to have a unique timepiece, but also for someone who is willing to properly care for their wristwatch.
