In most watch collections, timepieces clad in precious silver and gold are a dime a dozen. One metal left in the shadows of its lustred counterparts is bronze, despite its unique transformative properties: the material is at the mercy of time, developing a patina that becomes apparent after years of wear. A Chinese proverb goes: “One can enjoy the scent of spring-blooming flowers only after the frigid winter” (or something along those lines, it has been a while). Likewise, here are the watches that wear bronze proudly, in the hope that their wearer will do the same after years of staying on their wrist.
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Bronze
Archaic diving helmets were cast in bronze, and naturally so would the BR 03-92 Diver. The world’s first square diver evokes the historical roots of deep sea exploration with a bronze case and bezel, and, in addition to developing a one-of-a-kind patina over time, a leather strap reinforces the vintage spirit. The model is issued in a limited edition of 999 pieces, adding to its status as sunken treasure.
Montblanc 1858 Automatic
The 1858 Automatic embodies the spirit of mountain exploration in a sleek, vintage aesthetic. A smoked champagne-coloured dial is cased in 40mm stainless steel, and topped with a bronze bezel and fluted crown. Luminescent cathedral-shaped hands allow for legibility even in the harshest situations – leaving one well-equipped for the arduous journey of life.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo
Panerai upholds its tradition of creating iconic divers for travelling seamen with a new Luminor Submersible 1950 Bronzo. The warm tones of the bronze case and bezel is offset by the deep blue of the dial, a combination reminiscent of vintage sailing yachts. Wear this for your next foray into rough seas, and let the salty waves and sea breezes give the watch its character.
Rado HyperChrome Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition
Rado reconciles both ancient and modern elements in the HyperChrome Automatic Chronograph. The exclusive timepiece sees contrasting materials, bronze and high-tech ceramic, conjoined to give rise to a thing of beauty. The scratch-resistant case in matt black is given a pop of sophistication with side inserts and chronograph pushers crafted in bronze, providing a touch of antiquity in your next night out.