Bronze watches are nothing new. If anything, they’re getting a little passe. Who doesn’t have a bronze timepiece somewhere in their collection? Still, there was a time when it was horologically new, a time when it was still cool. That time was 2011; the watchmaker to use it was, of course, Panerai. Now the original is back as the Panerai Submersible Bronzo.

I don’t need to re-tread what makes Bronze so special, but I will anyway. The most important aspect of the metal is that is gains a patina over time, ageing differently from piece to piece. This in turn means that each watch is unique. It also happens to look seriously cool.

The Submersible Bronzo is a big chunk of heavy metal. 161 grams might not look much on paper, but once you’ve strapped it to your wrist it’s a nice daily workout. Almost every part of the massive 47mm case is made from bronze, from the signature cushion shape to the Luminor and Submersible’s signature crown locking mechanism. This is not a subtle timepiece, but it is one the Paneristi will go wild for.

The only part of the case in fact that’s not bronze is the bezel. Instead of the softer material, Panerai have opted for a micro-blasted ceramic bezel with bronze markers for a little bit of an update on the nearly decade-old classic. It also means the rotating bezel should last a little better when actually being used and that it won’t be obscured by patina later in its life.

As you’d expect from a Submersible, this is a professional standard diving watch. It has 300m depth resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel and indexes lumed to light up the depths. You might not want to take the chunky leather strap into the water with you, but the Bronzo also comes with military green rubber for actual marine use.

Inside, Panerai’s in-house calibre P.9010 automatic movement and it’s reliable three days of power reserve. It manages to fill the cavernous insides of the case, as you can see through the exhibition back. It’s simple and reliable, just what you want for a diver.

Bronze may have become more commonplace than anyone needs or wants, but the Bronzo Submersible is the granddaddy of them all. It’s the OG bronze diver and damn are we glad it’s back in business

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Panerai Submersible Bronzo – 47mm

Ref: PAM00968 Case: 47mm width, brushed bronze, unidirectional rotating bezel in bronze with applied brown ceramic disc

Dial: Brown with luminous hour markers and dots. Date at 3 o’clock, small seconds Movement: P. 9010 calibre, automatic mechanical, entirely executed by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, calculation of immersion time

Frequency: 28,800 alternations/hour Power Reserve: 72h

Water Resistance: 30 bar (300m) Price & Availability: £13,900 (available at Panerai Boutiques and Mr Porter)



For more information visit Panerai’s website.