Back in April, Panerai launched an upgraded series of the Luminor Marina in steel and titanium that offered improved specs such as increased water resistance, slimmer dimensions and a series of visual updates. Now, Panerai are expanding that collection to include a bronze model, which also happens to be the first bronze Luminor Marinor ever. No surprise, it’s the Panerai Luminor Marina Bronzo PAM01678.
Starting with the case, there is a strong tradition of dive watches being produced in bronze, which is why it’s something of a surprise that this is the first Luminor Marina to make use of it. Especially as Panerai are no stranger to Bronzo models in other collections, like the Submersible. Bronze has a naturally high corrosion resistance as well as high strength and durability, making it ideal for use in and around the water. Plus, the warm bronze colour looks very attractive across the broad dimensions of the 44mm cushion case, which has the improved 500m water resistance from the 2025 update.
Another quirk of the material is that is develops a patina over time, meaning the watch will chart the individual story and journey of its owner. Not everyone likes that fact because it can result in the piece looking dirty, but at the same time there are a lot of collectors who love a bit of individuality to make a watch unique to them. An important consideration though is that extended wear of a bronze watch can end up marking the skin of your wrist but Panerai have averted this risk by giving the watch a titanium caseback.
Paired with the bronze case is a fumé dial in blue, with a dark royal blue colour in the centre that fades towards black around the periphery. In order to match the new case material, the sandwich dial makes use of beige lume on its lower layer. That has the side effect of giving the watch a faint vintage vibe, which Panerai have seized upon by removing the date window in order to emulate designs from the 1960s.
Beneath the dial is the P.980 automatic calibre with 3-day power reserve. As noted with the April release, it’s the same specs as previous movements in the Luminor Marina collection but at thinner dimensions, which allows the case to be 12% thinner than previous models. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback with classy, brushed finishing.
It’s priced at £14,400, presented on a blue calf leather strap. That’s a pretty significant jump in cost for a case material swap compared to the steel and titanium models – it’s almost double the price. But if that’s worth a bit of individuality for you.
Price and Specs:
More details at Panerai.
