Calculate the density of your metal to help determine if it is one of the following common metals/alloys: Each one has unique properties, which means some chemicals will work and others won't. Some metals are made up of a single component, like gold and copper, but others are combinations, called alloys, like brass and steel. Subsequently polishing with a Cape Cod Cloth ($6) is further useful in returning a like-new look to your watch, and you can follow this process up with a buff from a microfiber cloth ($6).Determine the composition of your metal. Removing PatinaĮnough patina, you say, and now you want your watch to be shiny again? Soaking in acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar helps remove unwanted patina. You can repeat the process for more patina. Remove the watch head from its eggy interim home, and clean it thoroughly. Times and results can vary, though, so keep an eye on the experiment. This method tends to have only a rather subtle effect after an hour or so, so simply wait longer - perhaps several hours, but as many as eight for a significant, noticeable change - for more prominent patina. If the eggs are freshly boiled and warm, the heat will help speed the process.
This isn't the fastest patina method, but it tends to look natural - like the patina that commonly forms with time and use. Put it all in the plastic bag with your watch head. Crush them up to expose as much yolk as possible. Make sure your hardboiled eggs are thoroughly boiled and the yolk is solid (we'll assume you can do this part). Remove the strap and make sure any screw-down crowns are fully screwed in. We're introducing one of the simplest, most common and safest methods here, and it only requires a few basic and inexpensive items: What You'll Need Proceed at your (and your watch's) own risk. However, there always remains the possibility of damaging your watch when messing with substances it wasn't designed to interact with or by causing excessive oxidation. Since dive watches are popular subjects for bronze executions, these should be perfectly appropriate and have a rugged character that'll match the look you're after. You can find home tinkerers who have posted experiments and results online from dipping their watches in coffee or wine to various other approaches.īefore getting started, however, some words of caution: Many forced patina methods should probably only be applied to watches with reasonable water resistance. Interestingly, bronze reacts with a wide range of substances and chemicals, and the oxidation process can even bring out unexpected colors and patterns. The various methods and substances involved can have different effects, too. There are even specialized products for this purpose like Cool Tools Patina Gel ($14). Unfortunately, most of them are somewhat smelly, involving anything from eggs or vinegar to ammonia or other substances that speed the oxidation (patina) process. Over months of wear it'll naturally take on a worn, distressed look that's unique to the wearer, his or her lifestyle and climate.īut what if you're impatient? What if you want to post it on Instagram now? There are a number of methods for achieving instant patina gratification.
The use of bronze as a watchmaking material was once considered trendy but is now firmly established, part of the bronze's appeal being its tendency to form a patina over time. You say you want your watch to look like it was dredged from a sunken relic? It's "cool," you say? Well, you're not alone.
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