The Bronze Watch Trend with No End

Over the years, watches have been a symbol of style, luxury, and elegance; and have undergone a lot of transformations, including changes in their materials, designs, and technology. One of the most recent materials to make a splash in the watch industry is bronze.

Bronze is an alloy composed mainly of copper and tin, with smaller amounts of other metals such as aluminum, manganese, nickel, or zinc. The unique properties of bronze make it an ideal material for watch cases to minimize the reflecting of light, hence gaining immense popularity in recent years among watch collectors.

In this article, we will discuss the history and allure of bronze watches, and take a closer look at two of the most sought-after bronze watch representatives on the market today: the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601 and the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968.

Both the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601 and the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 develop a distinctive bronze patina as they age.

Bronze Watch In The Past

Bronze has been used in the creation of watches since the late 19th century. Back then, bronze was a common material used to create watch cases, as it was known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The Gefica Kilimanjaro was one of the earliest high-end examples of bronze watches in 1988. But over time again, watchmakers started using other materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and precious metals, making bronze watches fade into obscurity.

In 1988, the Gefica Kilimanjaro was made entirely of bronze, a material that was newly used in watchmaking at the time.

In the 21st century, bronze watches experienced a renaissance. The first bronze watches to gain widespread popularity were the Panerai Bronzo series watches PAM 382, which were launched in 2011. Since then, other watch brands have followed suit, including IWC, and Oris. Bronze watches are now seen as a stylish and unique option, appreciated by both collectors and casual watch enthusiasts alike.

The Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM382 is the first bronze watch from Panerai. The Bronzo series has a limited production of only one model each year, making it the most sought-after collection of the brand.

What Makes Bronze Watches Interesting and Demandable?

An interesting fact about bronze watches is that they give each watch a distinct character. Unlike stainless steel, which is used in the majority of watches, bronze oxidizes over time, creating a patina unique to each wearer's lifestyle and environment. This natural aging process makes these watches highly demanded and sought for, as many watch enthusiasts desire a unique and distinctive look on their wrists.

Moreover, bronze watches are durable and resilient, making them the ideal set to be exposed to rough conditions. Bronze materials are strong and hard-wearing. They can withstand scratches and dings; hence their watches make an excellent choice for daily wear and tear. They are also highly resistant to corrosion, so they will not rust or degrade over time.

Another interesting fact about bronze watches is that they have a timeless appeal. While trends come and go, bronze has been used in watchmaking for over a century, and it is a material that will never go out of style.

Bronze Watch Designs

Bronze watches come in a wide range of designs, from classic dress watches to rugged diving watches. They are often designed with a vintage or retro aesthetic, which complements the unique character of the material. Moreover, the use of bronze adds a warmth and richness to the watch design that cannot be achieved with other materials.

Many luxury watch brands have introduced bronze watches to their collections, including IWC and Panerai. Here, let’s take a closer look at the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601 and the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968.

IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601

The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601 is one of the most unique and sought-after bronze watches on the market since 2019. This is the only IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar ever made in bronze, making it a true collector's item.

A classic design with a twist - the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire and its interchangeable Tan/Khaki Hybrid Sailcloth Strap

The watch features a 46.2mm bronze case that has a water resistance 6.0 bar, with a sapphire glass, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides. The perpetual calendar complication displays the date, day, month, and year in four digits and a perpetual moon phase for the northern and southern hemisphere. The watch is powered by the in-house IWC 52615 calibre movement, which has a power reserve of seven days or 168 hours.

Add a touch of adventure to your look with the IWC Big Pilot's Bronze Perpetual Calendar and this rugged Green Quick Release Hybrid Leather FKM Rubber Watch Strap

The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601 is a perfect blend of modern technology and vintage charm, making the watch feel solid and well-made. The bronze case has a nice weight to it, giving a unique look, while the perpetual calendar complication is impressive and easy to use, ensuring that the watch is always accurate.

The White Chaffle Rubber watch strap adds a touch of modernity to the timeless design of the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601

Overall, the watch is comfortable to wear, and the leather strap adds to the vintage appeal of the watch.

Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968

Panerai is a brand known for its history and reputation in the world of luxury watches, and the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 is no exception to this tradition. This watch is part of the Bronzo family of watches, which first debuted in 2011.

The warm bronze hue of the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 pairs perfectly with the earthy tones of the G10 Grezzo SQ Leather one-piece strap.

The Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 features a 47mm bronze/brown ceramic anti-clockwise rotating bezel with graduated scale. The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters, and has the function of a calendar aperture, among others. The watch is powered by the in-house P.9010 calibre movement, which has a power reserve of three days.

The Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 is a high-performance diving watch that combines Panerai's signature design with the unique character of bronze. The watch is also available in a limited edition, which adds to its collectible value.

The Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 and 26mm MiLTAT Cashmere Calf Dark Brown watch strap create a calm balance of elegance and toughness.

It is a beautiful watch that feels substantial on the wrist. The bronze case has a weighty feel, and the rotating bezel is smooth to operate. The watch is comfortable to wear and fits snugly on the wrist.

Conclusion

Bronze watches have become increasingly popular among collectors, and many limited edition models have quickly become highly sought after. The rarity and uniqueness of bronze watches make them valuable investments that can appreciate over time. Collectors should be aware that the value of a bronze watch can be affected by its condition, so it's important to take care of the watch and maintain it properly.

Bronze watch develops a unique patina over time, making each one distinct and adding character to the charm. 26mm and 22mm watch bands

Still, these watches are testaments to the enduring appeal of traditional watchmaking materials. The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire IW503601 and the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968 are two high-end examples of the unique charm and durability that bronze watches can offer. Whether you're a collector or just looking for a stylish and practical watch, if you have the budget, a bronze watch is definitely worth considering.

Written by Victor, images by Toni and others as noted

External References

• The Bronze Age: the rising popularity of bronze in watch making
• Best Bronze Watches for 2023
• Gérald Genta - 40 Years Of Legitimacy
• A brief history of bronze
• Exploring The Patina Of The Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM382

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