[bapackerfan]

Recently, I've embraced an infatuation with bronzos, and I've been going back and forth between the Magrette Vantage and the Lum-Tec M54.

So, I had the opportunity yesterday to talk to a watch repairman who gave me a very different take on bronze cases, one that I hadn't up to then heard.

To be fair, he said he didn't know anything about those particular watches, but generally speaking, the idea of a bronze case struck him as an odd way to bring a watch to market. He pointed out that metals/alloys such as brass (and to him bronze would fall into a similar category) are used to make cases because they are a cheaper material and easy to machine. Then, they are typically plated with something else.

So, in a nutshell, a bronze case sounded like an unfinished case, in his opinion.

Again, I had never heard it laid out that way before, but I have no clue about these sorts of things. I rely on the experts out there to educate me.

What's your take on the question of bronze/brass cases?

Thanks guys!

 

[Myke]

i think the material ia definatlly very soft as it is easy to scratch. The bronze cases are all unique with their patina and I like the colour. I have 4 bronze watches

 

[zed073]

I'm assuming bronze/brass cases are untreated on the inside?

If so, what about patina (rust/oxidation) forming on the inside?

This would lead to movement contamination would it not?

Obviously being sealed it would take much longer for rust to form
but it would sooner or later.

 

[jharvey]

I'm assuming bronze/brass cases are untreated on the inside?

If so, what about patina (rust/oxidation) forming on the inside?

This would lead to movement contamination would it not?

Obviously being sealed it would take much longer for rust to form
but it would sooner or later.

Seeing that I am seriously considering a Magrette Vantage, I had the same exact thought...

 

[BigTime738]

I think Bronze as well as Brass gives you the option of having a shiny gold finish or a vintage gold (patina) finish depending on whether you polish it. In either case you have COLOR instead of the usual stainless steel look. Plus it's a whole lot cheaper than gold and more durable than gold plated or PVD finish. Lots of advantages if you ask me. Buy what you like, like what you buy regardless of perceived values...

 

[Pallet Spoon]

From what I know bronze is difficult to make cases from, hence the increased cost. I am not exactly sure what factors make the above a true statement but there have been several discussions elsewhere on the subject.

I have watches with bronze hands and even one with a bronze dial. Since no oxygen can enter or leave the case, oxidation does not take place on the inside from what I can see.

 

[Chazman1946]

Couldn't wear Bronze without the urge to break out the Brasso and clean it up every day.

Even 50 years later old "Marine" instincts are still at play, my old D.I. would have kicked my ass if I had a tarnished belt buckle.

 

[Pallet Spoon]

Couldn't wear Bronze without the urge to break out the Brasso and clean it up every day.

Even 50 years later old "Marine" instincts are still at play, my old D.I. would have kicked my ass if I had a tarnished belt buckle.

You CAN do that.

 

[Chazman1946]

You CAN do that.


QUOTE]

Wow, that is one beautiful watch and strap combo!

 

[Pallet Spoon]

Don't tell anyone I buffed my Olivier .

I can't wear bronze. The acidity in my skin turns it green in just a day if it is warm. Polishing it did prolong the inevitable just a bit. Ultimately I had to sell. I did a little better with the hand polished bronze buckle shown but it also ultimately succumbed to the same fate. I suppose if you want cheap bronze bits you can just follow me around . Eventually I'll be caught out by another and forced to sell it off for a pittance .

 

[Tattoo Chef]

Don't tell anyone I buffed my Olivier .

I can't wear bronze. The acidity in my skin turns it green in just a day if it is warm. Polishing it did prolong the inevitable just a bit. Ultimately I had to sell. I did a little better with the hand polished bronze buckle shown but it also ultimately succumbed to the same fate. I suppose if you want cheap bronze bits you can just follow me around . Eventually I'll be caught out by another and forced to sell it off for a pittance .

Same here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jason_recliner]

Your friend is right. Bronze is a poor choice of watch case material, used mainly because it is very cheap. And brass is even worse.

 

[slowmotion]

I dont like bronze so never gave it mich thought but my take on it was so that a given watch could offer something unique. Also, bronze watches seem to age quickly which gives them their unique charecter sooner than a ss watch. For a fashion item i dint think the technical merits of ss over bronze for cases amounts to much. For divers it is different.

Thats my take on it

 

[tomsimac]

I have noticed they tend to be flipped a lot

Personally I like my watches to look clean when wearing them

Yet I see the appeal. I almost bit when they first came out

Personal choice, which makes this a great hobby