Bronze and Brass = going broke

norsairius · Post by **norsairius** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:27 pm

Bronze/brass really are cool! The fact that they change over time depending on how you use the watch or where you’ve been really make them “alive” in a sense that other materials can’t convey.

I’m really enjoying my Zelos Mako V2 bronze and I’ve worn it nearly every day since I got it a couple weeks ago or so. The patina is just starting to show bit by bit. The dry winter air hasn’t been great for developing it.

I’m hoping to avoid the green stuff and have the patina be mostly darker browns, etc. I’d be interested to know if anyone has any tips there!

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 4c014f.jpg[/IMG]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Animal Mother · Post by **Animal Mother** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:50 pm

Get yourself into one of the many hot springs they have in MN. You'll get some amazing colours on the watch that way.

Post by **watchpalooza** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 2:54 pm

norsairius wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:27 pm Bronze/brass really are cool! The fact that they change over time depending on how you use the watch or where you’ve been really make them “alive” in a sense that other materials can’t convey.

I’m really enjoying my Zelos Mako V2 bronze and I’ve worn it nearly every day since I got it a couple weeks ago or so. The patina is just starting to show bit by bit. The dry winter air hasn’t been great for developing it.

I’m hoping to avoid the green stuff and have the patina be mostly darker browns, etc. I’d be interested to know if anyone has any tips there!

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 4c014f.jpg[/IMG]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you want dark patina, there are two ways I would recommend. I have tried hard-boiled eggs in a bag, vinegar fuming, etc, but here are the two best methods I have found:

1) Take it to the ocean. Walking around in the ocean air and soaking will develop the patina amazing quickly.
2) I swear this works amazingly well for an even and dark patina. Start by cleaning all hand oils off the watch by washing with soap and water. Then soak the watch in a high sulfite red wine for 24-48 hours. It will come out almost black, then rinse with water and scrub with a toothbrush to the desired darkness. The patina is more uniform and long-lasting than the egg method. If you don’t like it or want to start over, just rub with vinegar to return to original state.

norsairius · Post by **norsairius** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 7:51 pm

Animal Mother wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:50 pm Get yourself into one of the many hot springs they have in MN. You'll get some amazing colours on the watch that way.

FTE wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2019 2:54 pm If you want dark patina, there are two ways I would recommend. I have tried hard-boiled eggs in a bag, vinegar fuming, etc, but her are the two best methods I have found:

1) Take it to the ocean. Walking around in the ocean air and soaking will develop the patina amazing quickly.
2) I swear this works amazingly well for an even and dark patina. Start by cleaning all hand oils off the watch by washing with soap and water. Then soak the watch in a high sulfite red wine for 24-48 hours. It will come out almost black, then rinse with water and scrub with a toothbrush to the desired darkness. The patina is more uniform and long-lasting than the egg method. If you don’t like it or want to start over, just rub with vinegar to return to original state.

Thanks for the ideas! I'll keep that in mind if I want to try to accelerate the patina process.

I'm fine letting the patina develop slowly over time, but my concern is more around any of the green buildup that can sometimes occur on bronze watches. That's what I really want to avoid.

tommy_boy · Post by **tommy_boy** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:44 pm

Got one. TC-9. Described as bronze.

Its patina was starved next to the bezel, leaving a shiny ring on top of an otherwise tarnished turtle case.

My OCD blocked its future as a member of my collection.

I am over bronze cased watches.

Dub Rubb · Post by **Dub Rubb** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:49 pm

I apparently own a few brass watches, but they are all chrome plated Komandirskies! I might try and strip the chrome on one of the green dialed versions to see what all the fuss is about.
[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 60da84.jpg[/IMG][IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 72dcb2.jpg[/IMG]

Sent from my LG-M322 using Tapatalk

tommy_boy · Post by **tommy_boy** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:59 pm

Brass and bronze, as you know, have different properties.

Bronze is easier to machine and, lacking tin, develops a different patina.

Bronze is the better watch case alloy, IMHO, so strip one and show us the goods.

Post by **watchpalooza** » Tue Mar 26, 2019 1:14 am

norsairius wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2019 7:51 pm
Animal Mother wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:50 pm Get yourself into one of the many hot springs they have in MN. You'll get some amazing colours on the watch that way.

FTE wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2019 2:54 pm If you want dark patina, there are two ways I would recommend. I have tried hard-boiled eggs in a bag, vinegar fuming, etc, but her are the two best methods I have found:

1) Take it to the ocean. Walking around in the ocean air and soaking will develop the patina amazing quickly.
2) I swear this works amazingly well for an even and dark patina. Start by cleaning all hand oils off the watch by washing with soap and water. Then soak the watch in a high sulfite red wine for 24-48 hours. It will come out almost black, then rinse with water and scrub with a toothbrush to the desired darkness. The patina is more uniform and long-lasting than the egg method. If you don’t like it or want to start over, just rub with vinegar to return to original state.
Thanks for the ideas! I'll keep that in mind if I want to try to accelerate the patina process.

I'm fine letting the patina develop slowly over time, but my concern is more around any of the green buildup that can sometimes occur on bronze watches. That's what I really want to avoid.

The good news is that until it sets the green rubs off quite easily, so if you see any you can remove with just fresh water and a light brushing.

Sporkboy · Post by **Sporkboy** » Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:31 am

I have no bronze watches, but I did strip a Timex down to the brass. I am still in the process of modifying it, but I will take some pictures soon.

The model was this one that I happen to be wearing today.
[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... ca5159.jpg[/IMG]

I will say that this was a poor choice as the complicated case shape made for a lot of work in stripping and sanding. A case with smooth lines would have been a lot easier. I will also note that you need to be careful stripping the lugs as you lug width will change a bit.

Update: here are a couple of the ‘in process’ pictures.
[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 5a5cdc.jpg[/IMG][IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 15dd55.jpg[/IMG]

konax · Post by **konax** » Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:35 am

Got a few and definitely gonna buy more in the future. Love that material. [IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 9922e5.jpg[/IMG]

Post by **watchpalooza** » Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:53 am

konax wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:35 am Got a few and definitely gonna buy more in the future. Love that material. [IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 9922e5.jpg[/IMG]

I don't know what it is about it...the weight, the rough seasoned look....whatever it is I absolutely love the stuff. BUT, for me I stick to only one bronze diver so it doesn't wind up unworn like a number of dress watches I own.

Sporkboy · Post by **Sporkboy** » Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:58 am

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 940980.jpg[/IMG][IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 9a8827.jpg[/IMG][IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201903 ... 74303e.jpg[/IMG]
A work in progress, but it is coming along. I need a new set of hands and a new crown as well.

MoT's WDF