Bronzed Beauties: Bronze Watches We Love
Sure, it’s still March, but we already have summer destinations in mind. Vaccines keep shipping out, and the chance of vacation this summer is starting to seem like a real possibility. Summer temps make us think of beaches in Italy, France, and Greece, packed with people enjoying the sun. In honor of future sunbathing, we offer these three watches that are the same hue as a well-tanned vacationer.
The Tudor Black Bay Bronze
Choosing the Tudor Black Bay Bronze as one of our favorite bronze watches is an easy choice. The unusual metal was an unexpected choice for this Tudor watch when it was released at Baselworld in 2016, but it quickly gained fans. One of the things we love most about bronze is the subtle patina that builds up over time. Initially, the Black Bay Bronze case has a warm golden hue to it that cools and deepens with wear.
Exposure to the elements and to UV light give it a worn-in, vintage look that contrasts perfectly with the blue bezel. (Or the red bezel, on the Heritage Black Bay Bronze) With an in-house movement, 70-hour power reserve, and a 43 mm case, it cuts quite a figure on any strap. We like it on a leather strap, which will develop its own patina with time. The BBB has been on our mind especially since the Bucherer Blue version recently became available to buyers in the states. In fact, it just might make for the perfect summer watch splurge.
The Panerai PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo
2018 brought us this Panerai with a novel of a name and gleaming good looks. Panerai has been playing with bronze since the debut of the PAM 382 in 2011, and followed up on the idea with the PAM 507 in 2012. Like the Bronzos that came before it the PAM 671 was a limited edition of 1,000, making it a valuable investment for Panerai fans. It’s no shrinking daisy, with a 47 mm case, titanium caseback, and Panerai’s in house caliber P9010 movement. It originally came on a brown alligator leather strap, lending a monochrome look to the bronze case. The deep blue dial is a perfect choice for a 300 meter dive watch. Like all Panerais, it makes no excuses and takes no prisoners.
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze
The two bronze watches that open this article have pretty beefy profiles, at 43 and 47mm, respectively. But this Oris Big Crown case clocks in at 36mm, making it a versatile size for a variety of wrists. Blue dials are a fairly expected pairing with bronze, but Oris challenges expectations with its Big Crown Bronze. The antiqued army-green dial echoes the vintage feel that a bronze case brings. Collectors love the Big Crown for its cathedral hands, old-school bubble sapphire, and an Oris-customized Sellita SW 200 movement. For just under two grand, it’s a justified purchase to celebrate the end of winter and the reemergence of all things green.
Gold Star Straps for Bronze Star Watches
Changing out your watch band can completely change the look of the watch, refreshing your collection while you save up for your next acquisition. Our custom designed, curved-end rubber straps look great next to almost any type of case material, including bronze. If you appreciate watches in unusual metals, you understand the power of small details. Shop our rainbow of straps to refresh the look of your Rolex, Tudor, or Panerai.
cover image: @teddybaldassarre Instagram
By: Meghan Clark
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