One of the first questions you will come across when you buy your first bronze watch. Do I wait for the bronze patina to evolve with the passing of time or do I control and provoke it?
For the first option, the only ingredient required is patience. For the second, just a simple tutorial will accelerate and make sure you are closer to achieving the desired effect before its due time. Although many already have their very personal way, I prefer a more subtle and controllable approach to attain my bronze patina. Before you begin you need to know that no bronze is the same and manufacturers use different alloy compositions making them different in color and even the time and way they oxidate.
After many questions, especially since the delivery of the Royal Officer CC by Angelo del Mare, here goes a brief tutorial for those that have not gone this rabit hole just yet. Well, let’s get started;
PREPARATION
If you choose to take control of your bronze patina’s evolution you need to do this before even the first wear so it is as clean as possible. Even if not visible, finger prints are particularly difficult to remove once the process starts. It is preferable to clean the watch with a clear cleaning solution and a cotton piece of cloth without thinning to polish it in excess. This liquid is clear with a moderate viscosity and is found under different brands but it base component is ANHYDROUS HYDROCHLORIC ACID. Once the surface cleaned rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
ATTENTION: never use a cream or polishing compound like those used for cleaning silver or other metals.
Top begin with the process the only thing you really need is vinegar. Yes, the same vinegar you use for your salads. No need to shop for ammonia unless you are looking for EXTREME results or use your urine (yeah, I know…).I have even seen some use a hardboiled egg in a plastic bag. Don’t waist your time, eat the egg… If you wish to have a more extreme reaction them by all means, go get some ammonia. Previously wet the watch with saltwater will accelerate too. This will probably get you that blue-green patina fast. Unfortunately like that this patina will not last and most likely be all over you real fast. A “real” blue-green patina that does not fade takes time to develop and there is no way around that.
STEP 1
Remove the strap from the watch case and buckle. Nothing would happen to the strap but if surfaces touch the watch case will not be subjected to the process and stains will be visible.
STEP 2
Place the bronze parts like the watch case and buckle in a small glass container. For the result to be homogeneous it is imperative that the bronze components are treated together at the same time.
STEP 3
Use a larger container to be able to place the smaller one (open) inside that can be hermetically closed. Add some common vinegar to the large container. Preferably I recommend no more than less than a finger in height, to slow the oxidation speed and make it more controlable. It is important that the vinegar not come in contact with the watch case at any time. What causes the oxidation are the vinegar “fumes” and not the vinagre itself. Submerging the watch in vinegar will not only have the adverse effect but will also likely damage your watch’s gaskets.
STEP 4
Now close the large container and set a 10 minute countdown to be able to check and control the outcome of the process. Checking every 10 minutes will allow you to fine tune the desired level of patina.
THE END
Once your desired level is reached just clean the bronze with a damp cloth and the oxidation process will be halted. Put the strap back on and you are done.
In this case I chose a combination of controlled self-made light patina and the passing of time. New and shiny bronze does not appeal much to me but still want the experience of seeing it age.
We are able to control our bronze patina more that we might think. Different liquids like salt water or even sweat will yield different colours and results. Can it be reset? Yes, it can. Some use a lemon while others go for vinegar or synthetic cleaning compounds. No mater the outcome just know that you are more in charge than you know.
