A. Laibacher — Zlata ptica
| Master Jakob

The art of patina: how copper tells stories

craftmaterials
The art of patina: how copper tells stories

Copper is a living material. From the moment it leaves my workshop, it starts breathing — oxidizing, changing, telling the story of its owner.

Why copper?

In a world of plastic and cheap alloys, copper is resistance. It is a material that demands respect and returns character. My copper watches are not just timepieces — they are living artifacts.

The patination process

In my workshop, I hand-patinate each case using a process I’ve been developing for over three years. The result is a unique pattern that continues on the owner’s wrist.

Steps

  1. Cleaning — Thoroughly clean copper of organic impurities
  2. Etching — Controlled etching creates texture
  3. Patination — A mixture of acetic acid and salt
  4. Fixing — Protective layer preserves the desired tone
  5. Aging — Natural aging continues the story
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