There’s no denying that brass in one of the most commonly used alloys in the world. Everything from architectural cladding to elegant door knobs can be fashioned out of this metal. In fact, so versatile is brass that even watchmakers are behooved to pursue brass for sale when designing new timepieces.
A Storied History
The use of brass for timepieces is hardly a novelty. According to historical records, Giovanni Dondi completed an astronomical clock in 1364 that not only kept time but also displayed the position of the planets. Interestingly, the clock was made entirely of brass and its parent metal, copper. Likewise, the Wallace Collection in London is home to 17th and 18th Century clocks of brass, the majority of which are still working.
A More Portable Timekeeper
It wasn’t long, however, until clockmakers thought of using brass to create more portable timepieces: watches. Of course, the earliest watches were very different from the timepieces sold today. The earliest ones are believed to have been invented in Nuremberg in the 15th Century, and were shaped like eggs, earning them the moniker “Nuremberg eggs.” Soon, though, watchmakers started experimenting with the design, eventually leading to the flatter—and more flattering—form factor found in modern timepieces.
An Ideal Metal
Brass is a remarkably durable alloy, making it ideal for watches whose parts are in constant motion. Furthermore, brass offers excellent malleability, allowing it to be shaped into just about any manner needed to create components in a watch. It can be fashioned into face plates, frameworks, gears, and numerous other watch parts. Lastly, brass is readily available in custom-sized tubes and even sheets, allowing watchmakers to easily turn this alloy into stunning timepieces.
A Matter of Style
Many watch brands tout permanence in their sales pitches. They boast that the watch will look and function the same regardless of its age. However, brass watches differentiate themselves because change is part of their nature. As an alloy, brass is subject to patination, wherein it develops a different color due to exposure to the elements. Far from being a downside, a patina lends an air of legacy that perpetually polished watches cannot match. Therefore, watchmakers can create pieces that not only tell time but also change with it.
Of course, a brass watch is only as good as the material it comprises. When artisans look for raw materials, they should work only with trusted copper and brass sales experts.
Sources:
Watch Buyers Guide, zales.com
Brass Clocks and Watches, copper.org
