The New Gold Standard

The bronze trend is in full swing, with top watchmakers releasing these patinagaining, rustic versions of popular models. But beyond the fact that the material discolours, here’s everything else you need to know.

- Charmian Leong & Lynette Koh

Since this is an industry that takes pride in its adherence to the old ways, many of watchmaking’s innovations have been limited to materials technology to improve precision and performance. But after years of titanium, high-tech ceramic, silicon and carbon’s many composites, the latest trend comes from an unexpectedly old metal that predates even steel, and it’s the copper alloy we know as bronze.