As you may have noticed, we tend to be a bit selective on what crowd-funded watches we choose to cover. Once we’ve built a conversation with the brand, we keep track of how things are going, and then await word of what the next project (whether crowdfunded or not) is going to be. This time around, it’s Scuro coming back with a new offering, the Scuro Bronzo.
As you might guess, the Scuro Bronzo is a bronze-cased watch. This is something we saw a lot of a few years back, and now the popularity of the material has cooled down a bit. I think it’s still an interesting material, as it gives a warmth that you don’t see with other metals. Add in the patina it can develop (unless you polish it) and the watch will take on a character that is unique to you and your habits.
The project page for the Scuro Bronzo labels things as a pilot/diver combo, but this really feels more like a diver to me. Along with the 42mm bronze case, you’ve got a sailcloth strap (more marine ties), and then with the dual-crown layout, and internal bi-directional bezel, things feel like they’re headed for the water, not the air. On the pilot side of the equation, I suppose you’ve got the cathedral hands and sandwich dial, but still.
Rounding out the design, they’ve put two different “burst” patterns on the dial of the Scuro Bronzo, one in brown, and one in blue. What this means, of course, is that you’ve got the lighter – almost bleached-out – color in the center of the dial, darkening as it gets to the edges. This is another “vintage” trick, but the color used here work nicely against the bronze. As does the third dial, which is a simple black. Regardless of the color, you’ve got the same sandwich dial looks (which I particularly like) that work well with the handset. The one element that feels like a miss to me is the date window. I’m generally a fan of the function, but on the Scuro Bronzo, it really feels incongruous with the overall design. Fortunately, they do have a no-date option that can be selected as well.
Tucked into the case of the Scuro Bronzo, and under its domed sapphire crystal, you’ve got the friendly Miyota 9015. This is an established, budget-friendly movement that, given it’s almost omni-presence, should be serviceable by a great many places. The presence of the movement also means that pricing is friendly, with early bird pricing starting at only $225. At this price, you’re also getting a two-spot leather watch roll, so plenty of value for the money. For those with some budget left, you’ve got some other options you can go for (a leather strap and/or a sapphire display case back). The Scuro Bronzo is an interesting – and very affordable – look from the brand, and we should be getting some time with the prototype here shortly to give you more complete thoughts. project page
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Scuro Bronzo
- Price: Earlybird pricing starts at $225
- Who we think it might be for: You missed out on the bronze craze of the last few years, but still want to pick one up
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? In a blue dial, no-date configuration, sure, I could see that getting wrist time
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Delete the date window (which is an option)
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The interaction between the bronze case, burst dial, and cathedral handset
Tech Specs from Scuro Bronzo
- Case Diameter: 42 mm
- Lug to lug: 50 mm
- Thickness: 13 mm ( including domed sapphire crystal )
- Case Material: Bronze Cusn8
- Bezel: Bi-directional custom designed internal bezel
- Crown: Custom dual screwdown crown with embossed S logo
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystalwith AR Coating
- Movement: Japanese Miyota 9015 Automatic Movement
- Dial: Sandwich dial, index & hands painted with Super-Luminova
- Strap Material: 20mm black sail cloth strap.
- Water Resistant: 20 ATM/200M
- Warranty: 12 Months
