The Unofficial Black Bay Bronze Patina Thread!

[fivedime]

That's actually good news, in a way. Dealer told me the crown (and presumably buckle, too) were PVD'd steel. Much happier if they are bronze like the case.

[guelerct]

Theoretically would the aging process leave a nice green patina on my dress shirt?

[josephvman]

Here are a few more patina pics from this morning. I think the changes are very subtle and something that will be seen over many months or years rather than weeks. I think I'm coming up on week 4 since I got it.

[madgpol]

Here's mine. Good weekend everyone

[cangelosijeff]

Some progression pics. Picked up used Saturday morning with barely any patina at all. A typical salt and sand weekend and this is where we're at. The only concern I have is that the aging seemed to have lifted the bezel paint in two spots (see last pic), perhaps from oxidizing and then chipping off (speculation). I've used my Subs around the water for years (as have millions of others),and never saw this before. Definitely didn't bump it either. Rinsed at the end of the day in the shower. Doesn't really bother me, if it progresses I'll probably try and have it replaced.
Enjoy!

Day 1 (for me):

Day 2:

After:


Bezel (eight and fourteen markers):

[josephvman]

That bezel is a little concerning. You mention you bought it used, any idea how the prior owner might have used it or done something to lead to this issue.

[Bo-Dacious]

These pieces are going to be stunning in a few short years.

[beer]

what is the weight of this watch like? is it similar to a steel or a gold watch? or is it lighter like titanium?

[cangelosijeff]

Originally Posted by josephvman

That bezel is a little concerning. You mention you bought it used, any idea how the prior owner might have used it or done something to lead to this issue.

Nah definitely me. Was worn once by previous owner and it wasn't there on Saturday. It seems like it patina'ed under the edge and chipped it off as best I can tell a little strange.

[arizonapaul]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

Nah definitely me. Was worn once by previous owner and it wasn't there on Saturday. It seems like it patina'ed under the edge and chipped it off as best I can tell a little strange.

Hi Jeff,
Great watch you have there. Amazing the difference that the salt air makes on the effect of the patina. Very strange how it is chipping on the bezel, does not seem that would be normal.
I think with that watch being in the dry heat of the desert before, plus stored in its Oakley watch vault most of the time, showed almost zero patina effect.
I'm always here if you need any assistance.

[handsfull]

Love that watch! The colors are striking.

However....That bezel chipping is disappointing/alarming.

[SoonerTA]

Looking Great! I can't wait to get my hands on one

[kirksingleton]

If I had one, I would be tempted to give it a bath of saltwater and scrub it good with a old toothbrush to get rid of any manufacturing oils/preservative. Then think about some pee! Gross!!

[josephvman]

It was my understanding that only the caseback was PVD treated steel. It's a much deeper gold than the rest of the watch. The crown and buckles on my NATO are actually showing much more patina than the rest of the watch, so I'm 99% sure they are also bronze.

Originally Posted by fivedime

That's actually good news, in a way. Dealer told me the crown (and presumably buckle, too) were PVD'd steel. Much happier if they are bronze like the case.

[Abdullasaif]

Super interesting and tempting for me keep us updated soon

[cangelosijeff]

Another week in:

[kirksingleton]

Jeff, can you post a side view?

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by josephvman

It was my understanding that only the caseback was PVD treated steel. It's a much deeper gold than the rest of the watch. The crown and buckles on my NATO are actually showing much more patina than the rest of the watch, so I'm 99% sure they are also bronze.

The crown and buckle are indeed the same material as the case.

[arexander]

Not trying to speculate for investment purposes or anything, but do you think they'll keep this in regular production?

[cangelosijeff]

Originally Posted by kirksingleton

Jeff, can you post a side view?

No worries, two unedited pics:

[kirksingleton]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

No worries, two unedited pics:

Thanks! Looking good.

[josephvman]

Mine has been in the safe for a couple of weeks and I pulled it out this morning to wear. It definitely looks like it's darker to me.

[RKTudor]

Only the crown occasionally puts a slight green dot on my hand if I sweat while wearing it. It's much less of an issue than it is with other bronze/brass watches.

[Ronin78]

It is such a unique and different piece. Really a bargain for what it is IMO

[Joearch]

I have had a bronze for just about a week now. I have started to notice a few areas were there is a slight darkening. This image is from first day of wear.

[Orangejoe]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

Some progression pics. Picked up used Saturday morning with barely any patina at all. A typical salt and sand weekend and this is where we're at. The only concern I have is that the aging seemed to have lifted the bezel paint in two spots (see last pic), perhaps from oxidizing and then chipping off (speculation). I've used my Subs around the water for years (as have millions of others),and never saw this before. Definitely didn't bump it either. Rinsed at the end of the day in the shower. Doesn't really bother me, if it progresses I'll probably try and have it replaced.
...

Bezel (eight and fourteen markers):

I'd like to see a follow up on this pitting issue.

There is no reason for the bezel INSERT to react, it should be the same aluminum bezel insert construction they've been using for decades. Only the bezel itself is bronze, not the insert.

Right?

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by Orangejoe

I'd like to see a follow up on this pitting issue.

There is no reason for the bezel INSERT to react, it should be the same aluminum bezel insert construction they've been using for decades. Only the bezel itself is bronze, not the insert.

Right?

It is indeed a bit worrying. There's also some discoloration on the inner edge of the insert at 3, 5 and 6 ?

Looks very much like pitting. I've seen this happen once to an original BB insert and it certainly happened to mine (very early production BB Red) on the Alu ring in the crown tube...

One wonders why? After all they've been used anodized aluminum inserts for ages...

[Nav01L]

Not a BB, but patina nonetheless.

[cangelosijeff]

Originally Posted by Blackdog

It is indeed a bit worrying. There's also some discoloration on the inner edge of the insert at 3, 5 and 6 ?

Looks very much like pitting. I've seen this happen once to an original BB insert and it certainly happened to mine (very early production BB Red) on the Alu ring in the crown tube...

One wonders why? After all they've been used anodized aluminum inserts for ages...

Indeed, the inner edge had some too. I mailed it out Monday to RSC NY for evaluation and replacement. Will update this thread as a resource regarding if this will be a warranty or out of pocket expense.

[xIZeitgeistIx]

I am just preparing my vacation. The plan is to swim and oxidize together with the Black Bay Bronze @ Mediterranean Sea. However, now I am not that sure anymore.