Quote:
Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88
Lower quality vintage watches had brass cases that were chrome plated.
Once the plating wore off and the brass was exposed, it would start to "rot" and get pits as a result.
I'm sure some of these alloys are better. But I'm pretty sure some are the same as those old watches.
I just can't bring myself to buy a brass case watch for that reason.
Turning skin green is a very common reaction to brass.
If it is happening to you, pretty sure the salts from four skin are penetrating the brass. Which will cause the pitting over time.
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Though both Brass and Bronze are alloys of Copper, they are not the same. Possibly, a very low end watch would use Brass as a case material, but I have never personally seen a brass cased watch. Panerai, Oris, Breitling, Tudor etc all use solid Bronze. Even at that, all Bronze is not the same either. Panerai Bronze is known for its potential to show extensive patina, this is because they use phosphor bronze which is 92% copper and only 8% tin. Many of the other brands listed use an Aluminum Bronze. The make up of this varies between 6-10% aluminum and 6-10% Nickle. These will not patina near the extent of Panerai but will show more of just a darkening.
Granted, they aren't for everyone, but I believe you may have the wrong view of bronze watches. Personally, I own three and love them all with my Bronzo being my daily wear. A bronze watch just feels so much warmer than stainless, much like a precious metal time piece. I'm not sure I could possibly abuse one of my bronze watches enough in my lifetime for it to show a single sign of pitting or other deuteriation. YMMV