Round-UpVintage Veneer: A Look At 10 Of The Best Bronze Watches

All that glitters isn’t always gold, sometimes it’s bronze. For horologists who want to wear some bling on their wrist, but don’t want to be ostentatious about it, and more importantly, don’t want to pay their weight in gold, bronze watches are the way to go. A material with a subtle vintage appeal that is only enhanced over time, bronze watches have consistently been coveted by watch aficionados. Subtler than gold or silver, while still carrying the raw magnetism of a primeval metal, a watch of this material is sure to look phenomenal on your wrist. Moreover, any watch connoisseur worth their salt will hanker after that unique patina that is the distinguishing hallmark of aged bronze watches. In a sea of watches that follow the same design aesthetic and use the same materials, it’s time for a resurgence of the Bronze Age. Here are some of the most eye-catching bronze watches that you should invest in:

Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Bronze

Baume & Mercier’s athleisure watch, the Clifton Club, was given a bronze guise in 2019 in keeping with the bronze wave that swept through the horological world that year. With a spectrum of hues on offer—ranging from blue and brown to black and green—the collection is versatile and has something for everyone. The case is sized at 42mm, with a thickness of 10.3mm, and the casebacks of these watches are crafted in stainless steel for hypoallergenic reasons. The most distinguished member in the collection is the variant that sports a green dial, bronze case and bezel, and brown calfskin leather strap. Running on a Swiss-made automatic movement, the watches offer a 42-hour power reserve, and a date function—indicated at three o’clock on the dial—in addition to hours, minutes and seconds. Each watch comes with two strap options that are easily interchangeable. These watches are sure to add a pop of colour to your horological collection.

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To explore more about the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Bronze collection, click here

Bremont Broadsword Bronze

Bremont might be one of the youngest watchmakers on the list, but their timepieces have carved a niche for themselves in the short time since the brand was established. Founded in 2002 by Nick English and Giles English, the brand have quickly gained prominence in the British horological industry. Among their several aviation- and military-inspired collections is the Broadsword Bronze range, launched in late 2020. Available in three different dial colours—military green, deep brown, and grey, each with matching leather straps—the timepieces are the contemporary version of ‘The Dirty Dozen’ models, which were manufactured by 12 watchmaking companies in partnership with the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) during World War II. The Broadsword Bronze timepieces have exceptional corrosion-resistant properties, owing to Bremont’s choice of ‘CuSn8’ bronze, eight percent of which is tin (Sn), making the 40mm case even more resistant to corrosion. The dial of the watches remains legible and clean. Along with the three-hand timekeeping and a date window at three, are the sharply printed large white Arabic numeral hour markers. Beating inside is the chronometer-rated automatic movement, BE-95-2AV, which has a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of up to 38 hours. However, the cherry on the cake are the three emblems of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) on the caseback—representing Bremont’s association with the Ministry of Defence—while ‘HMAF’ appears on the dial as well. 

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Rado Captain Cook Bronze

The Rado Captain Cook, a pioneer in the field of historical bronze watches, is an easy choice for modern adventurers. The essence of this version is the 42mm bronze case—Rado chose an alloy of copper and aluminium. In contrast to traditional bronze, this alloy does not develop the type of patina that is typically associated with bronze. A polished high-tech ceramic inlay on the bezel of this bronze case accentuates the sunburst dial design. With a date window at three o’clock, the dial is adorned with applied, gold-coloured indexes that are filled with cream-coloured Super-LumiNova for a nice, vintage touch. The hands, including the distinctive arrow hand, have the same style and polish. The piece’s wow factor comes from the rotating pendulum anchor sign, which rotates in response to the wearer’s wrist motion. This swivelling anchor is a lovely addition, generally found in Rado’s Captain Cook automatic watches. The screwed titanium caseback of the Rado Captain Cook Bronze, which has three seahorses stamped on it, is a distinctive aspect of the collection, as well as the 1962 watch it is modelled on. With the screw-down crown, this ensures very good water resistance, up to 300m. This diver’s watch runs on a well-known automatic movement, the calibre ETA C07, also known as the Powermatic. Unlike movements found in most watches in this price segment, it offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours. This Powermatic series of Captain Cook offers various colours to pick from—each one with its own character. Each version comes with a NATO strap made of durable synthetic fabric with a golden stripe down the middle, or a simple leather strap for the ideal fusion of ancient and modern times.

The Rado Captain Cook, a pioneer in the field of historical bronze watches, available in various colours to pick from—each one with its own character

₹2,82,500

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Each version comes with a NATO strap made of durable synthetic fabric with a golden stripe down the middle, or a simple leather strap as featured in this one

₹2,82,500

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With a date window at three o’clock, the dial is adorned with applied, gold-coloured indexes that are filled with cream-coloured Super-LumiNova for a nice, vintage touch

₹2,82,500

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The piece’s wow factor comes from the rotating pendulum anchor sign, which rotates in response to the wearer’s wrist motion

₹2,82,500

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Corum Admiral 45 Automatic

With a watch that defies expectations, Corum’s renowned Admiral adopts a retro appearance by adding a twist of vintage aesthetics. In this antique-looking timepiece, the Admiral collection’s iconic dodecagonal bezel and faceted 45mm case has been fashioned in bronze. For the bronze casing, the alloy has been aged to give it a patina that provides it with a well-worn look, yet still gracious. The brown leather straps attached with the bronze case goes very well with the watch’s vibe. Adding to its dated vibe, it features a wood dial with multi coloured nautical pennants as indexes. These colourful indexes add a pinch of vibrancy to its woody hues. At the heart of this timepiece is the Corum calibre C0 082. The automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and keeps the hand revolving smoothly and accurately for precise, reliable timekeeping. It contains 21 jewels and picks up all the advantages of this high-performance ‘engine’, including a 42-hour power reserve. As sturdy as it appears, it is suitable for surfing, swimming, sailing, and other water sports, this stunning watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100m.

In this antique-looking timepiece, the Admiral collection’s iconic dodecagonal bezel and faceted 45mm case has been fashioned in bronze

Louis Erard La Sportive Limited Edition Bronze

Despite the fact that bronze will age with its wearer, it has both class and personality—and both are highlighted in the Louis Erard La Sportive Limited Edition Bronze watch. The colour bronze is outstanding when it comes to high-end watchmaking because of its distinctive tone and natural elements. As it reflects the aura of vintage, it has a special potential to take one’s mind back in time. All the versions of La Sportive have a black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, which sits well on its 44mm bronze case. The brown strap, made of vintage calfskin and fitted with a titanium folding buckle, works really well against the bronze case. Complementing the vintage tone of the case and the brown colour of the strap, the dials are available in deep shades of brown, green and blue. The black sub-dials, small seconds counter at nine o’clock, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and 12-hour chronograph at six o’clock are designed to match the tachymeter scale. When bronze was first used in watches, its potential for sports watches with chronographs may not have been anticipated. This potential is beautifully expressed by the Louis Erard La Sportive Limited Edition Bronze watch on its caseback. The Valjoux 7750 calibre beats at 28,800vph and offers a decent power reserve of 48 hours. The watch is a perfect combination of ancient and modern materials.

All the versions of La Sportive have a black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, which sits well on its 44mm bronze case

₹3,19,000

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Complementing the vintage tone of the case and the brown colour of the strap, the dials are available in deep shades of brown, green and blue

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The black sub-dials, small seconds counter at nine o’clock, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and 12-hour chronograph at six o’clock are designed to match the tachymeter scale

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The exhibition caseback displays the Valjoux 7750 calibre, that beats at 28,800vph and offers a decent power reserve of 48 hours

₹3,19,000

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Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer Bronze

It could be time to think about a bronze watch if you’re looking for something that will stand out from the crowd. Bronze watches offer a desirable tarnish that is particular to each wearer. Due to its exceptional resistance to salt water, bronze is a material frequently used in watch cases, especially for diving watches. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer Bronze is the result of the Aikon line’s ongoing evolution and an emphasis on the genre of diver’s watches. The 43mm-diameter bronze case fits the wrist wonderfully. Its classic aesthetic makes it as appropriate for daily wear as it is for underwater exploration up to 300m.

A dive watch staple, the unidirectional bronze bezel has a black ceramic insert. Combined with the anthracite dial, it gives the timepiece a classic dive-watch aesthetic. The anthracite dial has a sunray-brushed finish that contrasts well with the bronze. The dial’s gold-hued components seem to match the case exactly. Along with the framed date window at three o’clock, even the hands and markers are outlined in gold colour. An added plus are the quick-release levers which help to switch between a black rubber and an anthracite leather strap. The Aikon Venturer Bronze has that hint of ancient aesthetics in its design while also utilising modern technologies. It runs on the ML115 automatic movement concealed behind a stainless steel caseback.  Based on the Sellita SW200-1, this movement beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of 38 hours.

MeisterSinger Bronze Line

Releasing these novelties at Baselworld 2019, MeisterSinger jumped on board the Bronze trend, a case material that’s been the one to watch out for these past couple of years. Since bronze was the material most commonly used to craft scientific instruments thanks to its resistance to corrosion, it makes sense then that the brand chose to present its instrument-like, minimalist watches in bronze avatars. The Bronze Line comprises MeisterSinger’s three most popular watches—the N^o03, the Perigraph and the Metris—dressed to impress in majestic bronze, with the brand’s signature single hand to present the time. All three members boast blue sunburst dials that complement the cases wonderfully. Each timepiece comes attached with a dark brown calfskin leather strap that takes their vintage appeal to the next level. They are powered by the ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, which provides the wearer with a power reserve of 38 hours.

MeisterSinger’s Bronze Line comprises interpretations of the brand’s most famous offerings, with a vintage twist. All members of this collection are swathed in bronze cases

₹2,40,000

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The cases will develop a unique patina over time. Seen here is the Metris, with its curved lugs, domed sapphire crystal and distinctively sporty looks

₹2,18,000

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The Perigraph, with a case size of 43mm, has an impressive presence on the wrist

₹2,40,000

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The No03 is the simplest member of the collection, only presenting a date window at six o’clock

₹2,29,000

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To read more about the MeisterSinger Bronze Line, click here

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze

The Big Crown Pointer Date is Oris’ longest-serving design and an icon in Swiss watchmaking. The new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze is built on the same foundation, but features modern components and is the line’s new representative. The massive dial comes in four colours—green, brown, Bordeaux-red and blue. On the vibrant dials, the numerals and cathedral shaped hour and minute hands are in the Super-luminova to improve visibility at night. Instead of including a date window like every other watch, Oris deparrts its collection with a distinctive feature—the outer periphery of the dial numerals one to 31 to denote the date with the aid of a red tipped crescent date hand. However, the watch retains its vintage vibe due to its entirely bronze design, which includes a solid bronze case, bezel, crown, and adjustable bracelet and strap. The 40mm case preserves the collection’s signature aviation-watch elements, such as an oversized crown and fluted bezel. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date models continue to use Calibre 754, with a 38-hour power reserve-based on the Sellita SW 200-1 and viewable through the sapphire crystal caseback.

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Urwerk UR-100V T-Rex

Synonymous with unconventional, outrageous, and futuristic designs, Urwerk have been crafting timepieces that showcase a truly unique and a non-conformist way of telling time. Here is the Urwerk UR-100V T-rex—launched earlier this year—that perfectly exemplifies the Swiss watchmaking brand’s philosophy of shattering every possible norm and tradition of the horological industry. This limited edition watch has ultra-modern looks, yet exudes a primal feel, thanks to its case—measuring 41mm by 49.7mm—made of bronze and PVD-blackened titanium. What sets it apart is that instead of using regular bronze to build it, Urwerk decided upon an alloy that results in a darker, more evenly patinated appearance. A computer-controlled milling station is used for engraving the bronze in order to achieve a scaly, hobnail surface on the top and the sides of the case. Finally, the case is sandblasted and burnished to attain a matt finish, which is smooth and pleasing to touch. Under the domed sapphire crystal glass, we have a classic Urwerk time display—three satellite markers travel around the dial, with one indicating the minutes across a scale on the lower edge of the face. The timepiece draws its energy from the automatic calibre 12.01, attached to a rotor regulated by a ‘planetary flat’ turbine to minimise shocks and reduce the wear and tear endured over time. Beating at 28,800vph, the movement offers a power reserve of a minimum of 48 hours.

Urwerk UR-Satellite

₹47,30,000

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Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Bronze

For those looking for watches that hark back to simpler times because, let’s be honest, pilot watches look antiquated and elegant on the wrist, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Bronze collection is a great choice. These 45mm pilot’s watches come with unassuming bronze cases and oversized crowns, which don’t look too out of place on these relatively large watches, especially with the narrow lugs that connect the cases to the straps. Three of the timepieces feature the Elite 679 automatic movement that give them a power reserve of 50 hours, while the two chronographs are powered by the El Primero 4069. It is also resistant to water up to 100m. An extraordinary feature in each watch is the titanium caseback, which has been emblazoned with the Zenith flying instruments logo. The dials, which come in a variety of hues ranging from black and blue to green, have numerals made entirely of Super-LumiNova to make for easy timekeeping in the darkest of settings.

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One of the major advantages of bronze as a material is the sheer range of hues that can be achieved by tinkering with the metals and proportions used for the final alloy, from a rustic brown to a polished rose gold. The enviable patina also serves a greater purpose than just looking extremely distinctive; the oxidisation provides a natural protective coat, which is one of the reasons it’s used in diving watches. A bronze watch carries with it all the romanticism of the past, blended perfectly with the reliability and craftsmanship of the present. When you wear a bronze timepiece, you are wearing something that is not dispassionate, but in fact, something that is alive, reacting to the world and changing before your very eyes.