Bad Boys In Bronze

We are currently in an era in watchmaking in which there is significant innovation regarding the materials of which watch cases are made. Sapphire, scratch resistant gold, carbon fibers, and high tech plastics now play a significant role in the world of Haute Horlogerie, but surprisingly also a more ancient alloy: Bronze.

It is not only its unique color that gives it its popularity, but also the fact that it is almost a living material, as it develops a unique patina based on the environment its owner exposes it to.

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo
While the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 is already an imposing watch, it is even more so in bronze. The color of the alloy makes its dimensions even more evident, and also provides ample room for the patina to show itself over time. This will make each one of these watches truly one of a kind.

Hublot Big Bang Bavaria
Hublot recently also ventured into the world of bronze watches with the Big Bang Bavaria, for which it partnered with Meindl, a  German manufacturer of high-end hiking boots. Combined with a black ceramic case back and 3N gold screws, this watch gives yet a whole new interpretation of the Art of fusion. While the watch itself is an eyecatcher, so its is the strap. Crafted by hand from natural light brown deer leather, its tanning process alone takes 3 to 4 months.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special
While bronze is especially popular with diving watches, due to its natural resistance to corrosion, also pilot watches can look stunning in them. The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special is a prime example of this. With a vintage approach to its design, the color of the bronze gives this watch an extra dimension. Especially the oversized onion crown is an eye-catcher, yet perfectly paired with the bold, Arabic numerals.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Heritage
The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special is not the only pilots watch that looks great in bronze because also the IWC Big Pilot’s Heritage does! IWC only quite recently started to use bronze for its watch cases, first with the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ” Expedition Charles Darwin,” and now with the Big Pilot’s Watch Heritage. For this limited edition they adapted the numerals and hands to match the color of the bronze, creating a true eyecatcher. IWC also created a more high-tech version of the bronze allow, by incorporating aluminum, which makes it more rigid and harder.