Bronze watches. Are they a phenomenon, a fad, or a craze? Well, I do not think they are a phenomenon; after all, it is just another metal being used to make watch cases. As far as a fad or a craze, well, bronze watches have been popular in the watch scene for the past 4 years or so, and it does not seem like it is slowing down. From Panerai to micro brands, everyone is trying their hand at bronze.
That brings us to Magrette Watches and the Vantage Bronze, their first bronze cased watch…kind of. Back in about 2011 or so, Magrette tried their hand at doing bronze, as other brands were. What they actually delivered, was brass. In fairness, it was not their fault. They trusted their supplier who said one thing, and gave them another, and they took their word for it. Fortunately this time around, Magrette was not taking any chances, and had the bronze tested before even attempting to make the cases. This time around they are assured it is CUSN8 bronze.
What makes bronze so popular? Well, most love the darker or warmer gold tone it has, and the fact that with wearing it, overtime, it will develop a “patina” or oxidation. Being honest, I am not the biggest bronze watch fan. I am in the camp of I love how it looks on others, but not on me. Its like when you see those cool sneakers on a teenager and think boy those are cool, until you try them on for yourself.
That is not to say I do not appreciate bronze for what it is. It is definitely a different look, and if you let the patina develop naturally (some try to speed up the process with chemicals), it can have that nice vintage look about it.
The Magrette Vantage Bronze comes in two dial choices, black or brown, and has a sandwich dial, rosegold hands, a domed sapphire crystal and a display caseback with a pvd outer ring. All done in a 44mm cushion case that is almost synonymous with Magrette at this point. (Yes, I know, they are FAR from the first company to do a cushion case). This all comes packaged in Magrette’s beautiful travel case, which can hold 2 watches, or 1 watch and a few straps and tools. The current pricing is $685 with $35 shipping from New Zealand.
Please take a look at my video presentation below:
Magrette Vantage Bronze Full Specifications:
- CASE DIAMETER: 44MM X 53.5MM EXCLUDING THE CROWN
- WEIGHT: 130 GRAMS
- CASE: CUSN8 BRONZE ALLOY WITH BRUSH FINISH.
- CASE BACK: SEE-THROUGH (SAPPHIRE) CASE BACK, DLC WITH ANTI FINGERPRINT COATING.
- CROWN: SCREW DOWN CROWN (POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL).
- CRYSTAL: SAPPHIRE (DOUBLE DOMED), AR COATING.
- WATER-RESISTANCE: 500M RESISTANCE WITH AUTOMATIC HEV.
- STRAP: LEATHER CALF STRAP, REMBORDE EDGE, LORICA LINING WITH BRONZE BUCKLE
- MOVEMENT: MIYOTA 9015
- LIMITED EDITION: 500 PIECES INCLUDES BLACK DIAL AND BROWN.
- Price $685
As I spoke about already, the Vantage is done in Magrette’s classic cushion style case, in 44m, with 24mm lugs. The screw down crown is polished steel, to contrast with the brushed bronze case, and the case back is a combo of sapphire glass and a DLC coated steel outer ring, protecting the Miyota 9015 automatic movement, which has become a micro brand standard.
What makes a bronze watch more expensive than a stainless steel watch in the same configuration? Well, I am told it is harder to work with bronze, most importantly the brushing and polishing of it.
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