Fourteen years ago in 2011, Panerai debuted its first-ever Bronzo watch: the Submersible Bronzo PAM00382. Outfitted with a dark green dial and a 47mm bronze case that, if exposed to the elements, could develop a patina on the initial warm, gold-like hue, the Bronzo became a highly sought-after watch – so sought after that the 1,000-piece limited edition commanded a hefty premium on the secondary market, and this premium continues to this day.
The original Bronzo was ahead of the trend, bringing bronze to the forefront and introducing the watch community to a case that would develop character and wear over time on the wrist. Since this instant success, multiple Bronzo watches would follow, and today we look at the newest, and perhaps most dapper Bronzo yet: the Luminor Marina PAM01678, combining this material with Panerai’s iconic Luminor Marina design for the very first time.
The case
Whereas the original was 47mm in diameter, this latest Bronzo finds itself in Panerai’s highly familiar 44mm size that many fans of the brand (or Paneristi as they are better known) adore. Measuring 13.7mm thick and 54.3mm lug-to-lug, the case will certainly have a bolder presence on the wrist. I don’t think most collectors would find the 13.7mm thickness too beefy, but certainly the 54.3mm span from the top to the bottom of the case means smaller wrists should try this watch on before buying it. However, if you already wear and love 44mm Panerai watches, you will certainly love this new Bronzo on your wrist.
As you would expect from Panerai, the PAM01678 is a very robust watch, boasting a 500-metre depth rating that is further secured by Panerai’s signature crown protection device that requires a lever to be lifted before the crown can be manipulated. The case is fully brushed, really creating a tool watch sensibility in its look. However, the warmth of the bronze, comprised of pure copper and pure tin, will have an elegant, precious look out of the box. That being said, in no time at all, a unique patina and character will develop – making each owner’s watch one of a kind and truly their own. Some brands have developed bronze alloys that stem or curb patina entirely. Panerai, however, is not shying away from the distinct character bronze can achieve, allowing it to be a feature rather than a symptom of the material.
The dial
The bronze case is paired with a matte blue dial, which again creates this balance between a sense of an elegant watch and a professional tool watch. The rich smoky blue would certainly suit a dressy timepiece, yet the matte finish ensures it is not too reflective and can still serve as a tool watch as well. Beige Super-LumiNova adorns this watch’s hands and indices: with its sandwich dial construction, which requires a full disc of beige Super-LumiNova to rest beneath the dial, you will notice a stronger, brighter emission in darkness – maximising legibility in a manner befitting of a professional dive watch.
Taking inspiration from its 1960s models, the new Bronzo omits a calendar complication at the 3 o’clock position. This makes the dial feel very clean and pure, with simply the hours and minutes hands at the centre and a small running seconds register at the 9 o’clock position. The signature Luminor Marina branding at the 12 o’clock position, Panerai branding at the 6 o’clock position, and even the “L Swiss L” text beneath are all executed in a beige hue that perfectly matches the Super-LumiNova and pairs excellently with the hue of the bronze case.
Sure, the case will age over time, but if anything, the cohesion is not lost as the darkening of the case will, in some respects or instances, match the smokiness of the dial. It all feels very well thought through, and certainly Panerai has had ample experience and success with Bronzo designs: a natural fit for a brand with such a rich maritime heritage.
The strap
The watch is sold on a dial-matching calf leather strap, which may seem counterintuitive considering leather and water do not mix very well. However, also included is a dial-matching rubber strap. This ensures you have an aquatic adventure-ready strap option out of the box. However, the PAM01678 does not utilise Panerai’s PAM Click Release System, and therefore, you will have to swap between the straps the good old-fashioned way.
The movement
Inside, presented beneath the hypoallergenic titanium exhibition caseback, is the new P.980 calibre, a 3-day, weekend-proof automatic movement that was designed to allow for better case proportions and optimal robustness. The balance is secured by a full balance bridge to better resist against shock, and the calibre is adjusted in six positions to ensure the utmost accuracy.
The verdict
To be clear, I am not modelling the watch in the video review above and the images throughout this article: on my 6.5 or so inch wrist, the 54.3mm lug-to-lug span is probably a bit much for me. That being said, for the many, many watch wearers around the world who have long enjoyed Panerai’s larger-sized watches, I suspect many will be working out how to have this watch on their wrist by the time the holidays come around. Its smoky blue dial is handsome and dapper, and, as I said, will continue to pair well with the case even as it ages. The beige and bronze mix very well, and the overall aesthetic exudes both the Italian elegance and strong tool watch robustness that the brand has built its name on. Overall, I think the PAM01678 is yet another strong entry in the pantheon of Bronzo.
Panerai Luminor Marina ‘Bronzo’ PAM01678 pricing and availability
The new Panerai Luminor Marina ‘Bronzo’ PAM01678 is available now for purchase exclusively via Panerai boutiques and authorised retailers. Price: US$17,500
Brand
Panerai
Model
Luminor Marina ‘Bronzo’
Reference
PAM01678
Case Dimensions
44mm (D) x 13.7mm (T) x 54.3mm (LTL)
Case Material
Bronze, titanium exhibition caseback ring
Water Resistance
500 metres, Panerai crown protection device
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front and back
Dial
Blue gradient sandwich dial
Strap
Blue calf leather strap, brushed bronze trapezoidal buckle
Movement
P.980, automatic
Power Reserve
72 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds
Availability
Now
Price
US$17,500