Bronze watches
Bronze watches have emerged as a fascinating trend in the world of timepieces in recent years, capturing the hearts of watch enthusiasts. Their special appeal lies in the fact that they don't just tell time but also tell an individual story, which is reflected in their unique patina.
What is bronze and why is it used for watches?
Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper and tin. This combination makes it harder and more resistant than pure copper. Historically, bronze was often used in shipbuilding and for diving helmets due to its corrosion resistance and hardness, which explains the origin of many maritime-themed bronze watches.
The development of patina
The most captivating feature of bronze watches is undoubtedly the patina, a thin layer of oxidation that forms on the metal's surface over time.
- Formation: Patina develops as the bronze reacts with environmental factors such as air, moisture, saltwater, and the wearer's skin pH.
- Individual Story: Each watch develops its own unique patina, influenced by the wearer's habits and environment. No two pieces are exactly alike, making every bronze watch a true one-of-a-kind.
- Color Spectrum: The patina can take on various shades, from reddish-brown tones to greenish hues, reminiscent of ancient sculptures or ships.
- Unique Aesthetic: The patina gives the watch a characterful, "lived-in" look that many collectors adore.
- Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Bronze is highly resistant to corrosion, especially from saltwater, making it an ideal choice for dive watches.
- Skin-friendliness: Although bronze contains copper, a layer of stainless steel is typically used on the case back to prevent direct skin contact, thereby avoiding skin discoloration.
- Relatively Soft: Bronze is softer than stainless steel and can therefore scratch more easily. However, these scratches can blend in with the patina over time.
- Weight: Bronze is a relatively heavy metal, making the watches noticeably heavier.
- Costly: High-quality bronze alloys with a high copper content can be more expensive than other materials.
Caring for a bronze watch is straightforward. The patina can be either maintained or removed as desired.
- Preserving the Patina: To allow the patina to develop naturally, the watch simply needs to be worn regularly.
- Removing the Patina: If you want to restore the original shine, you can use simple household remedies:
- Method: A paste made from salt, vinegar, or lemon juice can be applied with a soft brush and then rinsed off with water.
- Important: After cleaning, the watch should be thoroughly dried immediately to slow down the re-formation of patina.
Copper-tin alloy used for watchcases since the 16th century and which has experienced a certain revival in recent years.
The bronze watch offered today, like this Zenith Pilot, usually has a certain "used look" and is often equipped with correspondingly looking straps.
Often the buyer of such a variant also has a vintage car or motorcycle in his garage.