The Best Bronze Watches In 2026

If there is one element of watch ownership that speaks to the human psyche more than almost any other, it's the notion that what you wear is unique to you. And it's true, there simply isn't another watch out there with your dings in the case or your aged strap. No material creates such allure through the aging process as bronze. And watch designers have known this for some time. With wear, your bronze watch case will evolve far quicker and more obviously than any steel case (swimming in salt water really speeds things up!).

Bronze is a copper alloy generally containing around 12% tin. Its discovery dates back several millennium BC. Before giving way to cheaper iron and stronger steel, the Bronze Age lasted almost three millennia. Bronze possesses a number of advantageous properties. And the versatility of its application has continued its use right up to modern day.

One of those properties is its resistance to salt water corrosion. Typically, when exposed, bronze only oxidizes at the surface, forming a protective layer over the underlying metal. In the past, this made bronze the material of choice for boat and ship fittings. (Prior to the wide employment of stainless steel.) It also featured in early diving equipment. More recently, it has spurred a growing trend of tool watches. Not all bronze watches are created equal though. That’s why we’ve put together this hand-picked selection of some of, what we feel are, the best bronze watches for 2026 - enjoy!

[toc-section heading="Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date"]

While Oris is likely best known for its Aquis collection of dive watches nowadays, which is also the brand’s number one seller, it is the Big Crown family that actually claims the most heritage, tracing its roots back to 1938. In a modern context, the Big Crown collection is split between the broad collection of Sellita powered variants priced around $2,000 and the in-house Caliber 403-powered models. These bronze variants will come in at $2,600 on the new bracelet or $2,100 on a leather strap. Let’s take a closer look at this watch. While this model is significantly more expensive compared to the majority of the other Sellita-powered Pointer Dates, but the finishing, attention to detail, charming complication, and the option of a bronze bracelet make a serious case for this one.

Price: $2,900 on strap, $3,400 on solid bronze bracelet, Case Size: 40mm Thickness: 11.8mm Lug-to-Lug: 48.32mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Sellita SW200

[toc-section heading="Rado Captain Cook Bronze"]

All in, 42mm of burgundy on the burgundy bezel and dial greatness - inspired by an original look from 1962. This model features a bronze case as well as a NATO. A perfect combination of traditional and modern materials. Unmistakable vintage lines, as well as the fact its build quality is next level - really make the Bronze a winner.

Price: $3,250 Case Size: 42mm Thickness: 12.5mm Lug-to-Lug: 48.3mm, Water Resistance: 300m, Movement: Auto ETA C07.611, Crystal: Sapphire

[toc-section heading="Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze"]

Since its release in 2018, Hamilton’s 38mm steel field watch has been wildly successful, and it's easy to see why. Super rugged, perfectly proportioned, and full to the brim with heritage. When the brand launched its bronze case version of the almost exact replica of the Vietnam war era US government-issued field watch, it made a great choice for an everyday beater.

Price: $1,025 Case Size: 38mm Thickness: 9.6mm Lug-to-Lug: 47mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Manual ETA 2801, Crystal: Sapphire

[toc-section heading="Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date Bronze"]

Oris has been experimenting with bronze across its dive watch lineup for years, and by 2026 the brand’s embrace of the material in its pilot’s watches feels like a natural evolution. The Big Crown ProPilot Big Date remains a fan favorite, now defined by warm bronze tones across the case, fluted bezel, and signature oversized crown. A deep black dial with printed golden indices provides contrast, while white Super-LumiNova hands and solid luminous markers ensure instant legibility—whether you’re cruising at 36,000 feet or navigating a day at the office.

Price: $2,800 Case Size: 41mm Thickness: 12.4mm Lug-to-Lug: 48.6mm, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Auto SW200, Crystal: Sapphire

[toc-section heading="Longines Legend Diver Bronze"]

Drawing on everything that has defined Longines over more than 180 years of Swiss watchmaking, the Legend Diver remains one of the brand’s strongest modern icons. First released in 2007, it quickly became a benchmark for how to execute a vintage reissue correctly. By 2026, the Legend Diver in Bronze builds on that legacy with a warm new case material and the long-awaited removal of the date display—a decision that brings the watch closer than ever to the original Ref. 7042 and marks a meaningful evolution of the line.

Price: $3,000 Case Size: 42mm Thickness: 12.7mm Lug-to-Lug: 52.3mm, Water Resistance: 300m, Movement: Auto ETA A31.L11, Crystal: Sapphire

[toc-section heading="Christopher Ward C60 C60 Pro 300 Bronze"]

The latest iteration of Christopher Ward's increasingly improved bronze offerings, the C60 Pro 300 Bronze is fairly good example of an everyday bronze diver. The design isn't too out there and you've got legitimate water resistance at 300m. it's a lot of watch for the price.

Price: $1,290 Case Size: 42mm Thickness: 11.5mm Lug-to-Lug: 49.3mm, Water Resistance: 300m, Movement: Auto SW200, Crystal: Sapphire

[toc-section heading="IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire Bronze"]

An anything-but-vanilla entry into one of the most revered pilot's watch chronographs out there, this is a forever watch. The size is wearable and the looks are about as cool as it gets for a bronze watch. There's not a lot of truly interesting and special options out there at this level of watchmaking for under $10,000. No, that's not affordable but it's the kind of watch you want to save up for.

Price: $8,200 Case Size: 41mm wide, 14.5mm thick Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: 69385 calibre with 46 hour power reserve

[toc-section heading="Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze"]