ReviewBack To The Bronze Age: The 2019 Panerai Submersible Bronzo
A watch that’s right at home beneath the sea as well as on terra firma, the latest edition of the Panerai Submersible Bronzo breathes new life to a bygone era
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The last decade has seen the use of bronze in watches increasingly gather momentum—a surge that was only expedited after the launch of the Panerai Bronzo in 2011. Sure, there were some exceptional examples before it, and there will continue to be many more after, but it was the first Bronzo that made a sizeable impact in the world of watchmaking.
Price: ₹10,35,000
For queries on this watch, please call +91 9818051027
In order to decipher everyone’s new-found fascination with bronze, it’s imperative to understand two things. One: compared with other offbeat materials out there (it’s carbon-fibre this, titanium that, or in a few cases, some made-up tech term with a ™ symbol), bronze certainly comes as a breath of fresh air. And two: the nature of bronze as an alloy is such that each watch develops a unique oxidised patina over time, giving every single bronze timepiece a distinctive and warm look. Manufacturers have understood the true value of this ancient alloy, and are now riding the wave with a slew of releases. Making the biggest splash is the new edition of the Panerai Bronzo itself.
The Eponymous Case
The use of bronze in watchmaking came as quite a surprise to watch aficionados. After all, here was a material that scratched easily and would most definitely discolour over time. That’s generally the opposite of what horologists seek in a watch. But it is because of these very characteristics that the material has found a place in modern horology. This 47mm watch features a fully bronze construction—161g of it—which is highly resistant to corrosion.
In keeping with the DNA of the new standalone Submersible series, the Bronzo also gets a micro-sandblasted brown ceramic disc as a bezel insert. The caseback, for hypo-allergenic reasons, is a hybrid between titanium and a sapphire crystal. Equipped with Panerai’s trademark locking-bridge crown protector, this bronze timepiece is water resistant up to 300m. The solid build of this watch, however, could easily gull you into believing that it can dive much deeper.
A Rugged Appeal
A striking brown leather strap and an additional military green rubber strap, with glove seals, asserts macho functionality, be it under the sea or on terra firma. Both the options pair beautifully with the bronze case, completing the contemporary look of the Bronzo.
An earthy brown dial hosts luminous, applied hour markers, a date window at three o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial at nine o’clock. The choice of colour for the dial is ingenious, and the final result is a watch that looks harmonious and complete. Powered by the P.9010 automatic calibre, this watch boasts a power reserve of three days. This robust self-winding calibre has been crafted in the brand’s manufacture in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Price: ₹10,35,000
For queries on this watch, please call +91 9818051027
Looking Back; Thinking Forward
Despite its organic attractiveness, it has taken a while for bronze to make its way onto our wrists in a mainstream fashion. This watch carries its steampunk aesthetic with élan, which has been cleverly married to rugged functionality. With this Submersible, Panerai has reasserted that it’s time for the resurgence of the Bronze Age.
