2020 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for bronze, with AVI-8 joining TAG Heuer in using the alloy in the first watches announced this week.
The metal hits the right note on a couple of current trends: vintage styles remain hot, and customers are looking for rugged, utilitarian watches that look like they would survive a war.
Bronze ages almost immediately once it comes into contact with moisture or air, creating an aged and worn look.
AVI-8 is embracing the trend for its Eagle Squadron Bronze Automatic Limited Edition, which carries the Eagle Squadron insignia on a steel case back and MDT, the squadron’s aircraft code on the side of its 39mm case.
Its three-handed dial in blue, green or black, also has the insignia at 6 o’clock and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. It is powered by a Japanese automatic movement.
The watch is sold with a leather strap and a NATO strap for £400.
