Much has already been written about the Holton from Elliot Brown, so if you fancy reading Richards’s article in more detail, do so here. Failing that, let’s get into the nitty gritty with this Bronze Edition.
The more hands-on time I get with an Elliot Brown watch, the more I want one. So by the time these reviews are done, I could well have one on order, or should I just keep this one? Answers on a postcard…
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
Ian Elliot and Alex Brown are the visionaries behind Elliot Brown watches, boasting decades of combined experience in the watchmaking industry. Their mission is simple yet ambitious: to craft top-tier outdoor adventure timepieces meticulously designed for real-world use. With a commitment to quality and a dedication to rigorous testing in harsh conditions, Elliot Brown watches stand as a testament to their expertise and passion for excellence.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
Drawing inspiration from their own adventures and the demands of professional users, Ian and Alex embarked on a journey to craft watches that were not only rugged and reliable but also exuded a timeless appeal. Their dedication to quality and their commitment to meeting the needs of their customers laid the foundation for Elliot Brown's success.
Allow me to introduce the Holton, a timepiece unveiled in 2018. Elliot Brown co-created this watch in partnership with a specialised unit of the British Armed Forces, who required a watch specifically crafted to meet their rigorous operational requirements in challenging environments.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
Their criteria were stringent: the watch needed to withstand extended exposure to water and dust, exhibit durability and shock resistance, offer clear visibility in any lighting conditions, feature a unidirectional timing bezel operable with gloved hands, facilitate easy strap changes, and provide comfortable strapping options that could withstand the demands of their missions.
Staying true to its military inspiration, the name "Holton" draws from the Royal Navy's Cordite factory located in Holton Heath, Dorset.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
The Holton Automatic, in this bronze rendition, boasts similar specifications as the others in the range. The main difference is the brushed bronze PVD 316L stainless case. This case has a real warmth and depth to it and the finishing is on point, as you would expect from Elliot Brown. The bronze Holton could easily be worn to either a stylish red carpet event or to help you navigate the depths of the rainforests in Borneo. You see, they are built to withstand everything that nature can throw at them. No mud, rain or dust can penetrate or damage these watches, in fact, if you listen carefully, you can hear them laughing at the sheer thought of any type of ingress.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
The unidirectional 120-click bezel has a definite positive click and a feel of precision at every movement. You won’t be slipping trying to alter it either, as the hobnail knurling is so easy to work with. The stainless-steel bezel insert is inundated with C3 Super-LumiNova at the hour and minute markers, making it extremely legible.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
The 43mm cases are bead blasted to a matt finish, then hardened, before the PVD coating is applied, giving it its lustrous glow. There are plenty of intimations to the Holton’s Military background and this is a more than capable watch. Don’t let the fact that this is a shiny version fool you, as you probably will fail, way before the watch will.
Under the bonnet, you will find the robust Seiko NH35 automatic, self-winding movement, which will happily just keep going, for as long as you do. With a 40-hour power reserve to boot, it will get you through a weekend and then some. This is housed in Elliot Brown’s unique anti-shock suspension system, to safeguard it and protecting the dial from any dangers is a 2mm sapphire crystal, which has an anti-reflective coating on its underside, to help with legibility.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
In quality control, each crystal must endure three impacts from a 17mm steel ball dropped from a height of 0.5m to meet the standards. Any marks and they fail, so hopefully the timepiece should survive a night out in the summer months with your friends.
The triple-sealed crown nestles half-buried at 4 o’clock and it is easy to adjust both the time and date. The crown also has hobnail knurling to match the bezel, which helps with any adjustments.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
The matt dial is easy to read, regardless of light levels, and the C3 hour markers, coupled with the 12, 3, 6 & 9, are ultra-clear. The triangle at 12 also helps with orientation. At low light, the performance and readability of the Holton is something you need to witness in person, as the photos don’t do it any justice.
Changing straps is a breeze, no more spring bars to deal with, instead, Elliot Brown fits a solid steel screw-in pin bar that can be removed with the supplied 5-lobe screwdriver. They really do just think of everything!
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
I have been wearing the watch for a week now and it really is a thing of beauty. The warm hue of the bronze is so appealing, it is just that little difference from a steel or PVD case that sets it apart from the norm. If you haven't had the pleasure of owning a bronze watch, I implore you to do so. They will over time oxidise; the shine will dull slightly, and it will take on a look all of its own. This will be all your own doing, depending on where you live, the temperature around you and if you are near the sea, the salty air will probably speed this process along. It’s easily reversed though, a wash of lemon juice will revert the watch back to its original state.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: Guest Author.
One thing I will point out and highlight is the new strap and buckle system that Elliot Brown now uses on certain models. Their patented clamp buckle system is an absolute game changer. No more pins, buckles and mis-aligning a hole. These are now adjusted to be millimetre perfect. Just snap the friction plate against the strap and you’re done. So simple and precise, I just hope Elliot Brown starts making this new system in a 20mm option, as I would use it in all my watches from now on.
In conclusion, the Holton by Elliot Brown stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, durability, and innovation. From its origins as a collaborative effort with the British Armed Forces to its evolution as a trusted companion for adventurers worldwide, the Holton embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure. This Bronze edition is a perfect addition to the Holton range.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto Bronze 101-A12. Credit: WatchGecko.
Elliot Brown crafts their watches to unparalleled standards, evident in the confidence they place with each timepiece, backed by a generous 5-year warranty. Rest assured, investing in one will leave you far from disappointed.
So, if you like the idea of a bronze watch, perhaps this may be worth a punt?
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Elliot Brown
- Model: Holton Auto Bronze Edition
- Price: £815 with Metal Bracelet
- Material: Brushed bronze PVD 316L stainless case
- Movement: Seiko NH35 automatic, self-winding movement
- Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Crystal: 2mm sapphire crystal
- Case: 43mm
