Top Picks: Bronze Watches | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

Along with the rising popularity of vintage watches came the increasing use of bronze for watch cases. At its most basic, bronze is an alloy of two metals – bronze and tin – and is widely used by marines for its toughness and impressive resistance to saltwater corrosion.

This material also gives off a patina that’s unique to every wearer and is prized for its durable nature and rugged appeal. Today’s technology has allowed watchmakers to come up with new bronze alloys that are not only more resistant to corrosion but also kinder to the skin.

With its great features and unique looks, a bronze watch definitely deserves a place in your collection. Here are our top 4 picks:

Omega Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Bronze Gold Watch 234.92.41.21.10.001 /
IWC Big Pilot Bronze Titanium Black Dial Mens Watch IW501005

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight is well-loved for its moderate 39mm size. With the omission of crown guards and thick bevels, it’s a throwback to vintage Tudor Submariners from the 1950s. In 2021, the brand introduced a stunning bronze model with a brown bezel insert and dial to emphasize its passion for innovation.

Bronze is not new to Tudor as there are plenty of bronze Black Bays already on the market. However, the 79012 is the first Fifty-Eight watch to be made from such material, and also the first Tudor watch to feature a bronze bracelet.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze Mens Watch 79012

The bracelet incorporates a micro-adjustment clasp for easy sizing even without the use of a tool, while a combination of sliding and folding motions can be used to adjust it as needed in warmer or cooler seasons. A brown bronze-colored band is made available for a more casual look.

Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage Bronze

The Omega Seamaster 300 is a well-loved modern iteration of the brand’s earliest dive watches. Its vintage look is enhanced with a new bronze version introduced in 2021, which features Omega’s new alloy called Bronze Gold. While traditionally bronze uses a blend of tin and copper, this one is a modern and more attractive version through and through.

Exuding a sleek appeal, Bronze Gold sits between Omega’s Moonshine™ gold and Sedna™ gold. Copper gives it a soft rose tint, rather than Sedna’s more pronounced red or the Moonshine’s pale yellow.

Omega Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Bronze Gold Watch 234.92.41.21.10.001

As expected, Bronze Gold also features the main characteristic of bronze alloys: a patina that develops over time, but in a controlled manner to avoid the greenish tint, plus 37.5% gold, which helps in corrosion resistance.

Much like the previous model, the Seamaster 300 Bronze features a round case and a unidirectional bezel but in ceramic. The use of vintage fauxtina on the dial markers and leather strap ties the look together.

Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM00671

Introduced in 2011, the Panerai Bronzo sits right in with the brand’s maritime heritage and is a hit among Panerai fans, who enjoy the aged and rugged look of their offerings.

The Bronzo brings two metals together – the highly corrosion-resistant alloy of tin and copper on its case, bezel, crown bridge, lever, and crown in a brushed finish; and titanium on the caseback and buckle, which has hypoallergenic properties.

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Day Bronzo LE Mens Watch PAM00671

What sets the PAM00671 apart from usual bronze pieces is its rich blue dial with lume-filled geometric indices and hands, date window at 3, and small seconds counter at 9. The more pronounced case gives a contemporary touch to the otherwise vintage-looking watch.

IWC’s Big Pilot Watch Heritage IW501005

The Big Pilot’s watch, with its steel construction and contrasting black and white dial, has been a go-to for those who seek ultra-legible watches. In 2018, the brand introduced a bronze version in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces meant for those who find the classic black dial version too modern or maybe not enough rooted in the brand’s military heritage.

IWC Big Pilot Bronze Titanium Black Dial Mens Watch IW501005

Featuring a sleek profile, this watch is made of a bronze alloy that gives off a traditional aged look. It starts off with a defining dark-gold color – when new – then a greenish patina – after being worn intensively. The matte dial features tritium-colored Super-LumiNova in a creamy, brown color, driving home an antique aesthetic.

Apart from being reliable and functional, bronze watches are stylish and are perfect for those who seek classic but eye-catching design. Explore our selection of bronze watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.