5 Bronze Watches You Must Check Out at the World Watch Fair

"I want something special that's different from everyone else's" is something everyone, especially as they grow up, thinks. A watch with a bronze case material can easily fulfill this wish.

　In the world of leather goods such as jeans, bags and coin purses, items that develop a patina as they are used and their color and texture change over time have long been popular, and now this trend has arrived in the world of bronze watches. The boom began with the release of the Panerai Submersible in 2011, limited to 1000 pieces worldwide.

　Bronze is originally an alloy of copper and tin. It is known that ancient people used it before they started using iron. A distinctive feature of bronze is that over time, the surface oxidizes and becomes covered with a patina (a blue rust called verdigris), as seen on the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The verdigris protects the surface of the copper and protects the interior. It also has antibacterial properties.

　This patina that forms on the surface of the case. The way it develops varies from person to person. So, a bronze-cased watch will naturally become your own unique watch just by continuing to use it. For this reason, it is especially recommended for young people, as well as adults who know the joy of their own "aging."
Some people may be concerned about metal allergies, but many of the latest bronze case watches have been designed with measures in mind, such as using titanium for the case back, which is less likely to cause metal allergies. If you are concerned, it is a good idea to check just to be sure.

Yasuhito Shibuya's Top 5 Bronze Watches

XNUMXth place
Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition

Oris' iconic Big Brown model is a timepiece that allows you to enjoy the charm of a classic mechanical watch at an affordable price. It features a coin-edged case and a classic Arabic numeral dial. It also features Oris's signature pointer date. This bronze case model, which develops a vintage feel with use, is the ultimate example of the Big Brown. Furthermore, this anniversary model has a darker green color than the standard model, giving it even more presence.

4 bit
Bell & Ross "BR 03-92 Diver Green Bronze"

The iconic Bell & Ross watch is the "BR Series," with its thin, square case, inspired by aircraft cockpit instruments. A bronze-cased diver's watch with this simple, functional, and attractive design was released in 2018. If you're looking for a diver's watch, this is the one to start with. However, if you want to enjoy it as a fashion item for everyday use, this military-inspired watch is the one for you.

3 bit
Zenith "Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special"

This "Type 20" is not just a classic old-fashioned style, but a mysteriously charming model that makes you think, "wearing a watch is really fun." The bronze case, in particular, is a model whose charm only grows stronger with time. It also has high visibility, making it extremely easy to use as a watch.

2 bit
Montblanc "Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition 1858"

Among the new watches featuring green, the trend color of 2019, this Montblanc chronograph model evokes the vibrant green of the mountains and fields. The two-in-one dial and case exude an exquisite vintage feel, reflecting the company's inherited Minerva DNA. The price is also surprisingly reasonable for the watch.

1 bit
Tudor "Black Bay Bronze"

Since its re-entry into Japan in 2018, Tudor has been setting trends with its bronze case models. This popular diver's watch, introduced in 2019, features a slate gray dial and a bold yet vintage feel. It pairs perfectly with a NATO strap. The movement is entirely manufactured in-house, boasting a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. And it's a COSC-certified chronometer, boasting exceptional precision. For such a high-quality watch, this price is simply astonishing and impressive.