Bronze watches make a bold and unique addition to any watch collection. We have put together a guide on how to take care of a bronze watch to help you to extend the life of any bronze models you own. Bronze watches seem to have increased in popularity in recent months and many popular watch brands launched brand new models that are made from bronze. Bronze watches have a very unique look as the material has a different finish to that of stainless steel or gold plated models. It is the perfect material for people who are searching for a more unique model to add to their collection. This guide will provide ways to care for a bronze watch alongside some recommendations for bronze watches.
What Are Bronze Watches?
Bronze is a metal alloy that is made primarily from copper. The copper is combined with tin and a variety of other metals to create the beautiful orange-gold shade that is associated with bronze. Bronze is not an especially precious metal, and yet it is favoured by many watch brands and used in luxury timepieces. This is due to the way the metal behaves. Bronze oxidised relatively quickly. This means that the finish of the metal is altered as it comes into contact with oxygen. This process is excelled by humid environments or being close to the sea. As the metal changes, a patina develops.
The patina of every bronze watch will be entirely unique depending on the environment, type of wear and the wearer’s own body chemistry. This means that your bronze watch will be entirely unique to you. Many watch collectors love this about bronze watches, so choose to add one of these unusual timepieces to their collection. However, as will any timepiece, bronze watches require some level of care which is why we have created a guide on how to take care of a bronze watch.
How to Take Care of a Bronze Watch
Get Used to the Tarnishing
Although it may seem out of place in a care guide, getting used to tarnishing is the best piece of advice that can be offered to the owner of a bronze watch. The charm of bronze watches is that they develop a patina that is totally unique to the wearer. This is meant to happen, so it is best to embrace it and look forward to seeing the distinctive patterns that will form over time. At first, the colour of the metal will darken and eventually, green patches may form. This is a fascinating process that should be embraced.
Additionally, the patina forms to protect the metal. The process of oxidization takes place as the metal tries to protect itself from its environment. This means that the patina that develops is actually protecting the watch and therefore extending its life and enhancing its durability. The oxidization process can be artificially sped up if you are desperate to achieve this look, but it is recommended that it is allowed to happen naturally.
Bronze Watches Can Be Cleaned
The patina on bronze watches is intended to be left to develop. However, if this look is not for you or you prefer the original polished look, it is possible to clean a bronze watch. There are many different at-home methods to polish a bronze watch that can be found online. Whilst these methods may prove successful, it is always recommended that a bronze watch be taken to a professional to be cleaned and polished. This may avoid any unnecessary abrasion on the watch case. It is important to remember that the patina actually serves to protect the case of the watch. Removing it makes the case more vulnerable to environmental influences. This could lead to potential damage to the watch. It is always best to consult with an expert before cleaning your bronze watch.
Store Your Bronze Watch Properly
All timepieces need to be taken care of properly in order to ensure a long lifespan and proper running. All watches ought to be stored in a dry, clean place that is free of dust and moisture. Moisture can have a negative impact on the movement of a watch so should be avoided in general. However, this is even more important in bronze watches, especially if you are trying to slow the progress of the patina.
If a bronze watch is stored properly the majority of the patina will be created due to the body chemistry and environment. This makes it easier to control. It is also important to note that watches should not be stored on their front. This prevents scratches on the dial. They should also not be stored on the crown side as this could cause damage to the movement. Purpose-built watch boxes are often the best solution for watch storage.
Bronze Watch Recommendations
MeisterSinger Perigraph Bronze Line Automatic 43mm AM1017BR
This MeisterSinger model features a stunning bronze case that will gradually develop a unique patina over time. The case frames the blue dial which exhibits an unusual wheel date aperture. MeisterSinger is best known for its single-hand dials. The time can be read to the closest five minutes, allowing the wearer to simply experience the passage of time rather than track every second of it. The dial is decorated with white Arabic indices and red details to emphasise the most important features of the dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement that provides the watch with 38 hours of power reserve. This model is secured on the wrist using a classic and simple brown leather strap. This timepiece is water-resistant up to 50 metres, making it a good choice for daily wear.
ORIS Big Crown Pointer Date | Red Dial | Bronze 01 754 7741 3168-07 8 20 01
This new Oris model features an unusual red dial that ensures the watch will stand out from the crowd. Both the case and bracelet of this model are crafted from bronze. This means that the entire watch will eventually become entirely unique to the wearer as every element of it can develop a patina. The watch uses the iconic Oris Big Crown design with the pointer date detail. This means that the dial features an additional hand that indicates the correct date by pointing at it at the outer edge of the dial. The dial of the watch is made from sapphire glass to provide some additional durability. Not many watch manufacturers use bronze for the construction of watch bracelets, so this model is especially unusual. This watch would be the perfect choice for someone who loves bronze watches and enjoys the patina they develop.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze 38mm H69459530
The Hamilton Khaki Field watch is an iconic timepiece from the brand. The watch features a black dial with bold, easy to read white numerals. The hands all feature luminous detailing to ensure that the dial can be read in the dark. The dial is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass and surrounded by a bronze case. This case measures 38mm in diameter to create a comfortable fit on the wrist. The watch is powered by a Hamilton exclusive H-50 automatic movement that provides up to 80 hours of power reserve. This timepiece is finished with a timeless brown leather NATO-style strap that gives the watch a classic military sense of style. This watch is water-resistant up to 50 metres. This model would be a great addition for someone who wants to incorporate bronze into their collection in a classic field watch style.
What do you think of our guide on how to take care of bronze watches? Do you have any other tips of your own? Let us know in the comments!
