Given how well bronze stands up against saltwater corrosion, it’s a shame more brands didn’t adopt it as the material for their nautical models. Understandably, it’s heftier than steel and less prestigious than gold, thus only very few watch companies have truly embraced it. With the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Charles Darwin, IWC has made its first move to cosy up with bronze. In many ways, it makes perfect sense. Unlike gold, which is very stable, bronze has the ability to evolve, developing a patina over time and echoing the Darwinian theory of constant evolution.

IWC used a high-tech bronze alloy that contains aluminium, which makes it harder and more rigid, for both the case and the bezel (also reinforced with the IWC SafeDive system). Harmoniously, the hands and hour indices are also rendered in the same hue. The only difference is that they glow in the dark, thanks to a Super-LumiNova coating. Another familiar material used is rubber, for the crown, chronograph pushers, and of course the strap as well.

The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Charles Darwin (S$15,200) is such a singular timepiece but surprisingly it’s not a limited edition, so willing buyers are spared from tripping over themselves for it. Calibre 89365 keeps it powered for a maximum of 68 hours as long as the rotor is on full wind. On the case back, an engraving of Charles Darwin reminds the wearer of the importance of ocean conservation.