Bronze pieces have gained popularity over the years as collectors and enthusiasts alike appreciate the unique appearance and qualities of this metal. Often considered a copper alloy containing around 12% tin, bronze dates back several millennia BC and has been used in various applications, from tools in the Bronze Age to modern-day timepieces.
In addition to their historical significance, bronze timers also offer a distinct aesthetic that continues to evolve due to the metal’s natural patina. As a result, each bronze watch develops a unique appearance, making them highly desirable among those who value individuality and classic charm.
As the watch industry constantly evolves, new and remarkable bronze timepieces are being introduced in the market, showcasing a combination of innovative design and timeless elegance. Which luxury bronze timepieces are causing an impact in 2023? Let’s find out from the bronze watches review below.
1. Longines Legend Diver Bronze, Green Dial ref. L3.774.1.50.2
About
The Longines Legend Diver Bronze ref. L3.774.1.50.2 is a timeless luxury men’s dive watch with a uniquely handsome and aggressive appearance. It features a durable, chiseled 42mm bronze body, a stunning green dial, and a dark brown strap that adds some attitude to its overall look. Its well-calculated design radiates a vintage yet modern appeal.
Features
Key features of this timepiece include a smoky green dial, a bi-directional rotating internal bezel, luminous rose gold-tone hands, 300 meters (1000 feet) of water resistance, and a Titanium caseback embossed with a diver symbol.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Smoky green, with bronze/Rose Gold-tone lume-applied hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – Brown calfskin leather strap with a tang buckle
- Bezel – Internal bi-directional rotating, with bronze/Rose Gold-tone graduations and numerals. It’s controlled through the crown at 2 o’clock
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Longines Caliber L888 movement with 21 jewels and a 72-hour power reserve (approximately)
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in it can be rewarding since its timeless design and unique materials make it a sought-after piece by most collectors and watch enthusiasts.
2. Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze – Brown Dial ref. M79012M-0001
About
The Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze ref. M79012M-0001 is a luxury men’s dive (mostly) timepiece. It was released as a tribute to the 1950s Tudor diver’s watches. It boasts a solid 39mm bronze case, gradient matte “brown-bronze” dial, and matching full bronze bracelet (with a complimentary strap), making it impressively versatile and a true reflection of Tudor’s commitment to affordable luxury.
Features
They include a brown-bronze gradient dial, a bronze clasp with a unique adjustment system, water resistance up to 200m, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and Arabic numeral hour markers at 3,6, and 9 o’clock positions.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Gradient matte brown-bronze dial with lume-applied hands and applied index/Arabic numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Riveted bronze, with a TUDOR ‘T-fit’ rapid adjustment system. It also has a complimentary brown-bronze jacquard fabric strap
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotating, with bronze-colored numerals and graduations
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber MT5400 movement with a 70-hour power reserve (approximately)
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in the Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight Bronze offers a unique timepiece made from a durable material that develops its patina over time, making each watch truly one-of-a-kind. With its connection to the brand’s iconic 1950s diver’s watches, it is an appealing choice for many watch enthusiasts and collectors.
3. IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph – Bronze, Dark-Blue Dial ref. IW388109
About
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph ref. IW388109 is a stylish and innovative addition to the Pilot’s Chronograph collection. Although it was created specifically for the skies, it can also be a convenient and versatile luxury accessory on land thanks to its 41mm bronze case, pushers, and crown, combined with a dark blue dial and subtle beige printing, that give it a versatile, classy look.
Features
They include subdials at 12,6 and 9 o’clock, a day and date display at 3 o’clock, Arabic numeral hour markers, with a triangle at 12 o’clock and indexes at 3,6, and 9 o’clock, a textile strap with EaseX-CHANGE system, and a see-through sapphire caseback.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Dark blue with beige printing and bronze-colored hands and Arabic/triangle/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Blue textile strap with EaseX-CHANGE system
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, bronze
- Function: Chronograph, Day, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 69385 movement with 33 jewels, a 46-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Bronze (ref. IW388109) is an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts and collectors due to its unique combination of materials and color scheme. The use of a bronze case ensures it’ll develop a unique patina over time, giving owners a piece with a personal touch.
4. Omega Seamaster Bronze Gold – Brown Dial ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001
About
The Omega Seamaster Bronze Gold Watch ref 234.92.41.21.10.001 is a special model in the Seamaster 300 collection. Crafted from Omega’s exclusive Bronze Gold alloy, this timepiece represents the first Omega watch to be made from this patent-pending material. Not only is it aesthetically appealing, but it’s highly functional and durable.
Features
The main ones are a brown ceramic bezel ring, recessed hour markers and open Arabic numerals at 12,3,6 and 9 o’clock, water resistance to 300m, and a Master Chronometer Certified automatic movement.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Brown, with SuperLumiNova lume-applied PVD Bronze Gold-colored hands, recessed hour markers, and open Arabic numerals
- Bracelet – Dark brown leather strap with a 9K Bronze Gold buckle
- Bezel – Unidirectional brown ceramic ring with a diving scale in vintage SuperLumiNova
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronometer
- Mechanism: Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912 movement with a 60-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in it is a wise choice since it’s a unique timepiece crafted from an exclusive, patent-pending bronze alloy that not all bronze watches have, which ensures oxidation resistance and an appealing patina with time. Plus, it bears the DNA of one of the most reputable luxury watchmakers, enabling it to potentially increase its value in the future.
5. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere – Bronze, Khaki-Green Dial ref. MB119909
About
The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere ref. MB119909 is a limited-edition luxury world time traveler’s wristwatch, dedicated to the world’s Seven Summit mountaineering challenge. It features a bronze-green dial design consisting of an intimidating yet attractive 42mm polished and satin-finished bronze case and a khaki-green dial that’s complemented by a comfortable green textile strap.
Features
They include twin rotating globes at 12 and 6 o’clock, a date window at 3 o’clock, Arabic numeral hour markers at 2,4,8, and 10 o’clock, a subdial at 9 o’clock, and a rotating navigational bezel with a green ceramic insert with compass points.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Khaki green, characterized by twin rotating hemispheres, displaying a representation of the world’s northern and southern hemispheres. It also has SuperLumiNova-applied hands and Arabic numeral/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Woven khaki green NATO-style strap with a bronze tang buckle clasp
- Bezel – Rotating, with a green ceramic insert with bronze-colored compass points
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Second Time Zone, World-time complication
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber MB 29.25 movement with 26 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s a limited edition watch-limited to 1,858 pieces- making it a must-have among most watch fans. It can also be a worthy investment for its connection to the mountaineering world, unique design, and world-time complication.
6. Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso – Bronze, Blue Dial ref. PAM01074
About
The Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso ref. PAM01074 is a limited edition luxury men’s timepiece from Panerai’s Submersible collection. It marks the return of the popular Submersible Bronzo line with a stunning blue dial. The dial has bronze details to complement its specially-shaped 42mm bronze case. It also has a blue strap to compliment the well-rounded busy face.
Features
The most impressive ones are a stunning blue dial with a matte finish, skeletonized, bronze-colored luminescent hands, an anti-clockwise rotating bezel with a graduated scale, water resistance of 300 meters, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue with a matte finish, with skeletonized bronze-colored luminescent hands and index/round hour markers
- Bracelet – Blue textile strap with a tang buckle clasp
- Bezel – Bronze anti-clockwise rotating, with a graduated scale
- Function: Calendar Aperture, Small Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber P.900 movement with 171 parts, 23 jewels, and a 28,800 frequency
Why You Should Invest?
The limited production of the Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso (1,000 pieces each year), along with its unique combination of materials and design, makes it a desirable piece for both collectors and enthusiasts. As demand may likely outstrip supply due to the yearly limitation, acquiring it could be seen as a solid investment.
7. Oris Carl Brashear – Bronze, Blue Dial ref. 01 401 7764 3185
About
The Oris Carl Brashear ref. 01 401 7764 3185 is a limited edition men’s diving watch that pays homage to the legendary figure in U.S. Navy history, Carl Brashear. It showcases the iconic vintage design inspired by the Oris Divers Sixty-Five collection with its 40mm bronze case, neat dial with the trademark Oris logo, and sporty strap that echoes its casual aesthetic.
Features
The main ones are a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, a blue dial with rose-gold indices and hands, a Swiss-made Calibre 401 with a 5-day power reserve, water resistance up to 100 meters, and a domed sapphire crystal glass (on both sides) with AR coating over the dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Dark blue, with SuperLumiNova-coated Rose Gold-tone hands and applied rose-gold indices
- Bracelet – Blue textile NATO-style strap with bronze tang buckle clasp
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotating 60-minute bronze
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Oris in-house Caliber 401 movement with 24 jewels, a 5-day (120 hours) power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s a unique, limited edition model (limited to 2,000 pieces) that holds great value due to its history, quality, and timeless design. As a collector or watch enthusiast, owning a piece of this limited edition collection is a significant investment in both the legacy of Carl Brashear and the renowned craftsmanship of Oris watches.
8. Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze – Blue Sunray Dial ref. BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA
About
The BR V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze is a limited edition timepiece from Bell & Ross that takes inspiration from the French Naval Aviation. This bronze timepiece has a 41mm bronze case with a stunning deep naval blue sunray dial and a calfskin strap that matches the busy but beautiful masculine face.
Features
The main ones are a deep naval blue sunray dial, applied Arabic numerals and indices in a satin-polished finish, luminescent treatment on hour markers and hour and minute hands, a bezel with an anodized blue aluminum ring with a 60-minute scale, and a date display between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Deep naval blue sunray with gilded skeleton SuperLumiNova-filled hour and minute hands and gilded Arabic numeral/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Blue calfskin strap with a folding bronze buckle
- Bezel – Bronze, with an anodized blue aluminum ring with a 60-minute scale
- Function: Chronograph, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic BR-CAL.301 mechanical movement
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in it can be a wise choice for watch enthusiasts and collectors since it’s a limited edition bronze watch (limited to 999 pieces) and has attractive design elements. It combines Bell & Ross’s signature aviation-inspired style with the use of bronze for a unique vintage look.
Summary
The following table highlights the models above, plus their key features, retail, private market, and pre-owned prices:
| Model | Key Features | Retail Price | Private Market Price | Pre-Owned Price |
| Longines Legend Diver Heritage ref. L3.774.1.50.2 | • Smoky green dial • Bi-directional rotating internal bezel • Titanium caseback embossed with a diver symbol | S$4,213 | S$2,831 | S$3,370 |
| Tudor Black Bay 58 ref. M79012M-0001 | • Brown-bronze gradient dial • Bronze clasp with a unique adjustment system • Unidirectional rotating bezel | S$6,437 | S$5,368 | S$6,013 |
| IWC Pilot’s Watch ref. IW388109 | • Subdials at 12,6, and 9 o’clock • Day and date display at 3 o’clock • Textile strap with EaseX-CHANGE system | S$12,611 | S$8,433 | S$9,046 |
| Omega Seamaster Bronze Gold ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001 | • Brown ceramic bezel ring • Recessed hour markers and open Arabic numerals at 12,3,6, and 9 o’clock • Master Chronometer Certified automatic movement | S$16,851 | S$10,782 | S$11,932 |
| Montblanc 1858 Geosphere ref. MB119909 | • Twin rotating globes at 12 and 6 o’clock • Date window at 3 o’clock • Subdial at 9 o’clock | S$9,032 | S$8,134 | S$8,890 |
| Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso ref. PAM01074 | • Skeletonized, bronze-colored luminescent hands • Anti-clockwise rotating bezel with graduated scale • Water resistance of 300 meters | S$22,378 | S$21,024 | S$21,553 |
| Oris Carl Brashear ref. 01 401 7764 3185 | • Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock • Swiss-made Calibre 401 with a 5-day power reserve • Domed sapphire crystal glass with AR coating | S$5,836 | S$3,560 | S$3,849 |
| Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Aeronavale ref. BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA | • Deep naval blue sunray dial • Bezel with an anodized blue aluminum ring with a 60-minute scale • Date display between 4 and 5 o’clock | S$8,086 | S$6,741 | S$5,932 |
FAQs
1. Are bronze watches any good?
Bronze watches are generally considered to be of high quality, especially when produced by reputable brands. These watches are often appreciated for their unique and vintage appearance, as well as their ability to develop a natural patina over time. This patina, which forms as the metal undergoes oxidation, gives each watch a one-of-a-kind appearance, making these timepieces highly sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors.
2. Is bronze a good metal for a watch?
Historically, bronze has been used for various applications due to its unique properties and durability. It is an alloy comprised of copper and tin, typically containing around 12% tin. Bronze is resistant to corrosion, which makes it an ideal metal for the production of watches that may be exposed to the elements, such as professional diving or outdoor adventure timepieces. Additionally, bronze watches often have a distinct, warm appearance that offers a vintage aesthetic appeal.
3. Do bronze watches age well?
Yes, bronze watches tend to age gracefully due to the patina that forms on the metal as it oxidizes. This natural process adds character to the watch, and the appearance of the patina can change over time, reflecting the watch’s history and the wearer’s experiences. The resulting aged look is often seen as a desirable feature, making bronze watches a popular choice for those seeking a timepiece with a unique and evolving appearance.
4. Do bronze watches fade?
Bronze watches do not typically fade in the same sense that some other metals might, such as gold or silver. Instead, the metal develops a patina over time through oxidation, which can change the surface color of the watch. This patina can range from a subtle darkening to a rich greenish hue, depending on the specific alloy used and the environmental factors the watch is exposed to.
Final Word
Bronze watches have gained popularity in the watchmaking community due to their unique appearance and the natural patina that develops over time. This, together with their rugged design, durable materials, and rich history make them a suitable companion for the modern, fashion-conscious watch fan who wants to try something new.
Key Takeaways
- Most watch enthusiasts are drawn to bronze watches for their material’s properties. Bronze naturally develops a patina over time, giving each watch a distinct and personalized appearance.
- In addition to their visual appeal, bronze watches are generally durable and corrosion-resistant. This attribute has made them particularly popular in the dive watch category, offering robust construction and improved longevity.
- Bronze timepieces are mostly appreciated for their unique appearance. However, they can be a good investment, too, if they’re made by respected brands like those above since they might appreciate in value.
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