Bronze and Patina

Hi,

I have just purchased the Darwin, already, a week in, it is changing.

I was wondering if anyone would share how their watches are changing and if anyone has decided to clean it (and how)?

sadly at my desk.....

Congratulations on your Aquatimer in Bronze. Great watch. I think, Bronze is a fascinating material, especially because of the growing patina. And it matches Dive watches due to it's traditional use in maritime.

Here are two photos of my Aquatimer Automatic Collector's Forum Edition, IW341001 ("CF4"). The first one is right from after the purchase and the second one is recent which makes it about four years in between. As I have several watches, I don't wear it very often, so the patina is not very strong yet. After wearing, I usually clean the watch with a dry cloth as I don't want fingerprints on it/the patina, but I wouldn't remove the patina.

It's difficult to compare the pictures as the lighting conditions never are the same. But they gibe a hint.

Kind regards

Philipp

It sounds like you've bought something called Darwin, but it's changing in some way that you didn't expect. Could you provide more details about what Darwin is and how it's changing? That way, I can offer you more specific advice or assistance.

Hi,

Thank you for sharing, that is a gorgeous piece and aging very nicely.

i am impressed you managed to get the same 'photo only years apart, lovely attention to detail.

Graham

Hi,

Yes it is the bronze Aquatimer (Darwin), now just over a week from first wearing.

i was surprised at how quickly the patina, is appearing, this is in no way an issue for me, just means I don't get to wear it looking shiny for very long. I am looking forward to watching it age, after all that is why I purchased a bronze watch.

Having said that, it would be good to know a non abrasive / non corrosive way of starting the process again should I choose to.

Thank you

Graham

I have my Darwin since quite many years and didn't clean it at all. Now it looks like this:

Thank you for sharing, that's a beautiful watch, aging in its own way, fantastic.

The strap appears to have held up really well.

Thank you again

Graham

One thing to be aware of when allowing patina to develop is to occasionally turn the bezel. Otherwise there is a possibility that the oxide build-up can cause it to be stiff. So it is a good idea to keep it exercised.

Aging a bronce watch is a slightly process and a must be. I would never clean an shed bronce watch.

My Big Pilot Bronce new:

And aged for 6 months:

Stunning watch. Thank you for sharing

Amazing watch, it will be very perfect for my type of personality. Thanks you so much for providing these amazing and stunning pro watches.