The expanding possibilities of the Luminor Marina, rendered in bronze.

PANERAI | Luminor Marina Bronze PAM01678

Panerai introduces the Luminor Marina Bronze PAM01678. Following the successful steel and titanium Luminor Marina series unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025, this new release is an ambitious creation that marks the first time bronze, a material deeply connected to the sea, is used in the brand's most iconic collection.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku

Embodying a Deep Connection to the Sea

Bronze, with its exceptional durability and resistance to seawater, has long been used in the construction of classic yachts and marine components. Before stainless steel became the industry standard, bronze reigned as a vital material in maritime applications. Panerai pioneered the exploration of bronze's potential in watchmaking with the release of the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo 47mm - PAM00382 in 2011.

The bronze alloy used by Panerai possesses a unique composition, setting it apart from standard watchmaking bronze. The use of pure copper and pure tin results in the development of a distinctive patina on its surface. This characteristic has cemented Panerai's bronze timepieces as highly sought-after models within the brand's esteemed lineup.

The most captivating aspect of bronze is undoubtedly its evolution over time. Each watch transforms with the wearer's life and the passage of time, developing a unique aesthetic. While it presents a warm golden hue when new, the formation of patina over time, through interaction with external elements like air, humidity, heat, and friction, imbues each timepiece with its own distinct personality without compromising the material's inherent properties.

This latest creation inherits all the signature elements of the Luminor Marina series while incorporating the latest design and technical advancements.

The case is complemented by a matte dark blue sandwich dial. The dial features a gradient effect, transitioning from a deep blue at the edges to a lighter tone towards the center, creating a beautiful harmony with the warm hue of the bronze case and the beige Super-LumiNova® applied to the indices and hands.

Inspired by Panerai's vintage models from the 1960s, the dial achieves a clean, minimalist aesthetic by omitting the date display and featuring only the maison's name and "Luminor Marina."

Other signature elements that define Panerai's identity remain, including the iconic crown-protecting device to prevent water ingress and the classic rhodium-plated small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock.

The sapphire crystal exhibition case back offers a view of the intricate mechanics of the newly developed P.980 caliber. This self-winding movement boasts a three-day power reserve and has been engineered for precise timekeeping. The stop-seconds function allows for accurate time setting by halting the second hand when the crown is pulled out.

With a slim profile measuring just 12.5 lignes in thickness, the caliber is designed to maintain consistent and accurate timekeeping over extended periods.

Despite its elegant appearance, the watch offers a remarkable water resistance of 50 bar (500 meters), a testament to Panerai's heritage of creating professional tool watches that meet the stringent demands of the Italian Navy's special forces. The compact construction of the P.980 movement also contributes to the watch's refined proportions and reduced weight.

The watch is fitted with a classic blue calfskin strap featuring beige stitching, exuding a vintage charm. A sporty and waterproof blue rubber strap is also included as a spare.

Alessandro Ficarelli, Panerai Chief Marketing and Product Officer, stated, "Bronze is more than just a material for us; it is a realm of expression. The new Luminor Marina Bronzo PAM01678 instantly evokes the maritime world. It is the fusion of the design of Panerai's most iconic timepiece with a material that embodies our marine heritage. Its evolving patina tells a story of time and the sea, reflecting the wearer's life journey."