The rich, evocative world of vintage watches is typically a realm where age-old timepieces and cherished heirlooms reign supreme. However, an exception to this established order emerges in the form of the Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze, a compelling modern timepiece with a distinctive vintage edge.
Despite its recent inception in 2021, the Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze has managed to capture the hearts of watch connoisseurs, particularly those with an affinity for discoloration and change over time – a love story with patina. In a surprising twist, bronze, a material that welcomes and encourages patina, is at the center of this budding love affair.
Born in the mid-1950s for the French Ministry of Defence, the Type 20 Chronograph made waves in the horology world with its black dial, flyback function, rotating bezel, and robust design meant to endure aviation challenges. It quickly stood out among watches from fellow suppliers like Breguet, Mathey-Tissot, and Auricoste. With its compact case, crisp bi-compax layout, and sharp flyback action the Airain’s Type 20 has earned its place in the annals of iconic field chronographs.
Resurrected in 2020, Airain breathed new life into its Type 20 legacy with meticulously revised and modernly reimagined editions. From the Vert Militaire, a period-appropriate aesthetic variation, to the stealthy Type 20 Furtivité with DLC case and contemporary palette, these new iterations aimed to capture the past while embracing the future.