Like something excavated from a sunken ship, the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Power Reserve Bronzo is simply bursting with retro allure. Indisputably durable at first sight, the watch is also highly functional, with a date display, seconds subdial, and power reserve indicator on the green dial. That comes surrounded by a distinct, unidirectional bezel and 47mm bronze case. Powering this bronze diver watch is Panerai’s own P.9002 calibre, which can be glimpsed through a sapphire crystal window on the titanium case back. If you have to ask how much this top bronze watch costs, then you probably can’t afford one.

Limited to 2000 pieces, the Oris Carl Brashear is the stuff that diver’s watch dreams are made of. This version comes equipped with automatic winding date movement, a minimalist blue dial, leather strap, and a 42mm bronze case. Named for the first African-American Master Diver for the U.S. Navy, this brilliant bronze watch is all kinds of legendary.

Built to last and priced to move, every watch in the Mori Brass Diver Watch Collection derives its name from the great warrior Mori Motonari, who created indestructible weapons by binding three arrows together at a time. Taking the “three arrows” story to heart, these trusty brass watches for men expertly align three design features: a dive bezel triangle, a dial triangle, and the Ventus logo. Throw in a 1950s vintage aesthetic, water resistance to 300m, double-domed sapphire crystal with AR coating, and a trusty 41mm case, and you’ve got yourself an outrageously affordable stunner. A quick lesson on brass: it’s similar to bronze in that both are durable, copper-based alloys. However, brass consists of copper and zinc while bronze consists of copper and additives like tin. In summary, when a bronze watch is too expensive, a nice brass watch will do you just fine.

If only the most unmistakable of timepieces will suffice, accept nothing less than the BR 01 Skull Bronze from horology legends Bell & Ross. Leaping out from the “phantom” monochrome dial is a menacing skull emblem, which takes direct inspiration from the emblem rocked by the 1944 parachutists. Limited to 500 pieces, the unique watch hosts BR-CAL.302 automatic mechanical movement, a calfskin strap, and bronze PVD coated steel. It might not be real bronze, but you wouldn’t get this watch for the material anyway. In other words: it’s all about that dial.

A true classic, the Archimede Bronze Pilot delivers unfettered, minimalist style. Within the borders of its elegant bronze case–which develops that beautiful bronze watch patina over time–is a straightforward dial with large, luminous numbers. Over the display is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and under the skin is ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. A black leather strap with bronze rivets seals the deal.

Balancing a bronze case and bezel with luminous markers on a black dial, the Zenith Pilot Montre D’aeronef Type 20 exudes perfect harmony, sophistication, and luxury. Powered by an automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve, this legendary bronze watch for men features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a brown nubuck leather strap.

As a material already synonymous with weaponry and machinery, bronze definitely gives off an intrinsic masculine vibe. Driving that vibe home is the Tudor Black Bay Bronze, a downright rugged piece that nevertheless retains an elegant edge. The 43mm case is bronze with a satin finish, and the case back is bronze-coloured, PVD-treated steel. Under the skin is manufactured Calibre MT5601 self-winding mechanical movement with a bi-directional rotor system and 70-hour power reserve. Also featured is a bronze screw-down winding crown, and a bronze unidirectional rotating bezel. Rounding out the watch’s masculine charms is an aged leather strap, which delivers all the more patina.

Perpetually ready for action, the Lum-tec B19 stays legible–even in dark environments–thanks to patented LUM-TEC MDV technology. Water-resistant to 300m, the versatile watch includes a variety of straps, each of which hosts bronzed details. Powering the watch is a Miyota Japan 9015 28,800 BPH automatic movement. Take this bronze beast anywhere.

Representing an exquisite blend of masculine colours, the Anonimo Automatic pairs a dark blue bezel and dial with a lustrous bronze case. Affixed to the case is a blue calfskin leather strap. Meanwhile, Sellita SW 200-1 Automatic winding movement keeps the watch as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.