Long gone are the days of the sturdy and historical legendary-looking Panerai watches that I originally fell in love with, but regardless, I still have much appreciation for the brand. I really hope that sooner rather than later, Panerai takes a slight turn and brings back more of the historical aurae of the legendary watches like the Bronzo PAM507 or the L’Egiziano PAM341.
Even though I fell in love with Panerai since their Pre-Vendome —before it was purchased by the Richemont— era, it wasn’t until 2005 that I purchased my first Panerai watches and took the plunge for a Radiomir Black Seal PAM183 and a Luminor Chrono Daylight PAM196. Since then, I’ve owned more than a dozen Panerai references and mainly models that are historically inspired or that are absolute sturdy tool-looking watches, and every now and then, I regret selling all of them. But will Panerai ever be, what it once was?
I consider myself so crazy about the historical-inspired Panerais, that I’ve purchased up to three Luminor 1950 PAM 372 because every time that I would sell one, I ended up having to replace it. During my time collecting Panerai, I’ve owned mostly Radiomir models including the PAM609, PAM662, PAM721, PAM736, PAM992, PAM425, and the PAM570 Oro Rosso, but I’ve yet to own a Bronzo PAM507 and when I had the chance to buy one at a relatively convenient price, I passed on it. So many regrets in this watch-collecting hobby.
The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Bronzo PAM382 was the first sports watch to feature a massive 47 mm case completely made out of bronze and it was first presented in 2011 in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. Two years later, in 2013 another 1,000 piece limited edition came out, the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Power Reserve Bronzo PAM 507. Lastly, in 2017 Panerai released the last of all Bronzos in a limited edition of only 1,000 pieces with a striking blue dial. At the time the Bronzo PAM382 came out, it was priced around $10K USD, today, you can’t find a used one for less than $28K USD, talk about ‘no hype’ just pure ‘Panerai badassery’ at its best. But while many have always wanted the original or so called ‘first’ Bronzo, I ‘ve always had a soft spot for the PAM507 with power reserve indicator.
In a Panerai era where the Luminor Due —with its 42 mm slim case— has taken the center stage at Panerai and buying a limited edition Submersible for close to $20K USD is the norm —sometimes close to $30K USD if it includes some sort of special experience like diving with Guillaume Neri or training with Italian Special Forces—, the prices for the Bronzos in the secondary market don’t seem that crazy anymore. And even when most paneristi gravitate towards the original Bronzo, the PAM507 is still commanding higher money anywhere between $29K USD and $37K USD.
While the first Bronzo PAM382 is powered by the automatic calibre P.9000, the Bronzo PAM507 is equipped with the automatic calibre P.9002 with a power reserve indicator and seconds reset mechanism. Fitted with a display case back in titanium, the Bronzo is a perfect example of a historical-inspired Panerai with flawless modern execution.
Without a doubt, I can wholeheartedly say that watches like the Bronzo are the type of Panerai watches, that we who fell in love with the brand back in the days would love to see more often. Sorry, I am speaking for all of you, but I really know what makes the heart of a true paneristi tick. If you want to see more Panerai watches like this one and if you feel just the way I do, drop me an email.
