Hands-On: The Panerai Luminor Marina Bronzo PAM01678

Just last week, I visited the Panerai boutique on New Bond Street in London, and there was a bit of a renaissance. The store was busy, and certain models were sold out. However, the staff members were friendly and happy to pull out prototype versions of popular references. Panerai is on a roll right now, and I expect that today’s new Luminor Marina Bronzo will support this increased enthusiasm.

Perhaps it’s too early to say that 2025 marks the return of Panerai to the forefront of popularity, but there’s certainly a feeling of increased interest. The brand’s new CEO, Emmanuel Perrin, is doubling down on going back to basics. Guess what: it seems to be working! I went to see the black-coated Marina Militare PAM05218, a September release, and it was already sold out for 2025. That’s great news for Panerai! Today’s new release is a pricier affair, but I’m sure it will interest enthusiasts. The new Luminor Marina Bronzo introduces a first for the brand, which is always noteworthy.

The Panerai Luminor Marina Bronzo PAM01678

When it comes to Panerai, bronze-cased models are seemingly among the most desirable. The first model, a Submersible PAM00382, was debuted in 2011 and still sells for well above its retail price. Since then, several bronzo pieces have come and gone. Now, the brand has taken a step that most die-hard enthusiasts have requested for ages. A no-date Luminor Marina Bronzo is finally here, and folks, it’s a winner.

The PAM01678 uses the same 1950-style 44mm case that debuted in steel earlier this year at Watches and Wonders 2025. A titanium version also joined the collection, but all featured date windows. For mainstream sales success, that makes sense, but Panerai made the right move for the Luminor Marina Bronzo. This watch keeps it simple, which is exactly how an elemental, time-only Panerai should look. Still, it’s a formidable performer with a 500m depth rating. In fact, Panerai further bolsters the capability by testing the watches to 125% of the stated figure.

A matte blue gradient dial

For the Luminor Marina Bronzo, Panerai has paired the bright bronze case with a matte dark blue gradient dial. The lighter shade begins in the dial’s center and darkens toward the edge. That said, it’s a subtle change, which prevents it from looking kitschy. Yet, it has enough dynamism to keep it from appearing drab. The other characteristic that fans will love is the sandwich dial. Here, beige Super-LumiNova was chosen for the bottom layer, which blends with the case and gold-tone rhodium-plated hands. Matching beige text is kept to a minimum, showing just the brand and model names, as well as “L Swiss Made L” straddling the numeral at 6 o’clock.

The P.980 inside

The Luminor Marina Bronzo uses the venerable automatic P.980 movement. It’s visible beneath the titanium and sapphire screw-in case back. While Panerai’s movements have received some complaints about finishing, this caliber sports perlage, anglage, and a skeletonized rotor. I happen to like a dive-style watch with an all-metal case back, but I suppose the market disagrees.

Regarding the specifications, the P.980 packs a three-day power reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. There’s very little else to add aside from the hacking capability and the fact that it manages this level of power reserve with a single large barrel.

Observations on the wrist

Panerai’s dedication to creating thinner cases is paying off. This watch, like the titanium version, has a 13.4mm profile. I’m not a person who typically considers 40mm+ watches other than a Speedmaster. Yet, the new Luminor Marina Bronzo and its siblings are putting me in a dangerous position. Basically, I can pull one of these watches off because the lugs curve downward so dramatically. Plus, the 1950-style case, with its upturned edges, looks lighter than the standard Luminor case.

Sure, the Luminor Marina Bronzo is still a large watch, and the bright (for now) case is a standout. Then again, as the case darkens, the watch will begin to look smaller and blend with skin tones. The aging process should be consistent since the entire case is brushed, including the crown guard and bezel. From a comfort perspective, the stitched blue calfskin strap is just supple enough and pairs well with the massive traditional trapezoidal pin buckle. A secondary dark blue rubber strap also comes with the watch, which is handy for those who’ll use this watch in the water.

Any nits to pick?

We’ll come to pricing shortly, but are there any concerns I have with the new Luminor Marina Bronzo? Well, there’s nothing wrong with the P.980 automatic movement, but I like it when the brand furnishes its simplest watches with a manual caliber. For me, it’s more in keeping with these retro pieces. Again, though, I can imagine that an automatic is more of a crowd-pleaser.

Luminor Marina Bronzo pricing and availability

The Luminor Marina Bronzo PAM01678 costs €17,000 / US$17,500 / £14,400, which is pricey. I suppose it reflects the desirability of non-ferrous-cased Panerai pieces. Regarding availability, the watch will follow in the footsteps of the black DLC PAM05218, with a limited production of 500 pieces annually. I suspect that the Paneristi will clamor for them, and the color combination will attract quite a few new buyers. It’s certainly a sound release that should perform well. For those who enjoy the brand, let us know your thoughts and if this model was a long time coming.