8 Best Bronze Watches at European Watch Company

In recent years, we have seen watch brands start to work with different case materials. Not content with the traditional stainless steel, gold and platinum, brands are looking to other materials like ceramic, sapphire and bronze to create new an interesting pieces. And bronze watches are unique from all other watches for one reason: the way the case ages over time. Unlike vintage watches which tend to patina over time, modern watches tend to retain the same look over time. But with a bronze case watch, you get that nice aged look the longer you wear the watch. So we thought we would take a look at our 8 favorite bronze watches we’ve seen at European Watch Company.

Urwerk UR-100V T-Rex

Price: $48,000-$52,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.7mm Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

Urwerk is known for creating unique watches with interesting ways of displaying time. And the UR-100V T-Rex is no exception. The time is displayed through a wandering hours complication. Three satellite discs travel around the dial, with one indicating the minutes across a scale at the bottom of the dial. This gives the watch a futuristic look that we see on many Urwerk models. But perhaps the most interesting part of the watch is the case. The case has a T-Rex scale pattern. In actuality it is a hobnail that is treated to create a heavy, permanent patina. It is an interesting application of bronze and adds additional visual appeal to a watch that is already extremely unique and interesting.

IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Ref. IW503601

Price: $26,000-$30,000, Case Size: 46.2mm, Thickness: 15.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: N/A, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 60M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

IWC is one of the few luxury brands that has leaned heavily into using bronze in their watches, including their complications. And the IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Ref. IW503601 is the perfect example of this. IWC is probably best known for their perpetual calendar complication. And adding a bronze case and dark green dial offers collectors a different take on the brand’s signature complication. If you are looking for something big, complicated, and that will develop some nice patina over time, take a look at the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Ref. IW503601.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Spitfire Chronograph Ref. IW387902

Price: $130,000-$140,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 15.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51.5mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 60M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

Similar to the perpetual calendar we just featured, the IWC Spitfire Chronograph Ref. IW387902 features a bronze case and green dial. However, here, instead of a perpetual calendar, you get a chronograph. For those that find the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar’s 46mm case size just a bit too large, the Ref. IW387902 is a much more manageable 41mm in diameter. So, if you’re not Arnold Schwarzenegger and don’t have a massive wrist, this might be the choice for you.

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Bronzo 3 Days Ref. PAM00671

Price: $16,000-$18,000, Case Size: 47mm, Thickness: 17mm, Lug-to-Lug: N/A, Lug Width: 26mm, Water Resistance: 300M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

Panerai is known for producing some big, in your face watches. And the Luminor Submersible 1950 Bronzo Ref. PAM00671 is no exception. This diver is 47mm, with a bulky bronze case. If you are looking for a watch that will patina very well, especially after spending time in the salt water of the ocean, this is a great choice. It features a stunning deep blue dial, water resistance of 300 meters and a 3 day power reserve. It’s a no brainer for any Panerai collector.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 Ref. 5901-5630-NANA

Price: $22,000-$25,000, Case Size: 41.3mm, Thickness: 13.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 300M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze Gold

So technically, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 has a bronze-gold case. And what does that mean? Well, the case is a composite of 37.5% gold , 50% copper, plus a bit of silver, palladium and gallium. What results is a watch that can be worn in direct contact with the skin and is also more corrosion-resistant than standard bronze alloys. Beyond the alloy, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 is just a good looking watch. Taking its cues from vintage Fifty Fathoms, it features long lugs and moisture indicator. It’s a great watch for anyone who appreciates the heritage of the Fifty Fathoms.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BM-0001

Price: $3,400-$3,600, Case Size: 43mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 52mm, Lug Width: 23mm, Water Resistance: 200M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

The Tudor Black Bay was initially released in 2012. And ever since, it has become an icon in the brand’s catalog. In addition to offering affordable and high quality pieces, Tudor sometimes takes risks its sister company, Rolex, rarely does. Case-in-point is the Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BM-0001. If you look through Rolex’s catalog, you won’t see any bronze watches. That’s where Tudor comes in. The Black Bay Bronze takes the incredibly popular Black Bay and, you guessed it, sticks it in a bronze case. The result looks great, especially when patina starts to develop on the case to compliment the slightly browned dial.

Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback Bronze Ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801

Price: $4,400-$4,600, Case Size: 43mm, Thickness: 12.85mm, Lug-to-Lug: 52mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

In recent years, Zenith has experimented with a lot of different case materials. From ceramic to sapphire, and yes, to bronze, there is a wide range of interesting offerings from the brand. The Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback Ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801 is a stunning vintage-inspired pilot watch with flyback chronograph. The bronze dial matches the aged bronze case and the two subdials keeps the watch symmetrical and uncluttered. This is the perfect watch for those that want something with retro influences.

Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Split Second Chronograph Bronze Ref. 125603

Price: $24,000-$27,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 14.55mm, Lug-to-Lug: N/A, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Bronze

Many people think of Montblanc as a pen company first and foremost. But the brand has been building out quite the impressive watch catalog in recent years. One of our favorite pieces from Montblanc has to be the 1858 Monopusher Split Second Chronograph Ref. 125603. The watch features a bronze case. But the true star of the show is the green gradient dial. A lighter green in the center of the dial, the color darkens to black around the periphery. This creates an effect that will sure to be a conversation starter in any social setting.