Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo

Panerai release the  Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo.  It's not the only piece unveiled by Officine Panerai at SIHH 2011, and many would argue that it's not the pick of the crop of their new releases, but with a watchcase constructed from bronze it is surely the most unusual.  Known as the PAM00382, it is symbolic of all things pelagic, a piece so aquatic in appearance that you can almost sense the saltiness of the sea.  If King Neptune wore a watch then this would be it.

If you know Panerai, then you'll know this model, it has all the safety hardware - unidirectional rotating bezel with graduated scale for dive time, the outsize security brake lever-locked crown, the raised studs on the bezel.  That bronze case ( ....sure to produce a patina which would impress even "Old Man" Harrison) has a tactile brushed finish and after a series of 44mm models across the Panerai portfolio big is back, this one is a cuff-busting 47mm across.

The stunning yet subtle green dial continues the aquatic theme, displaying by far the best Luminor dial layout - bar-markers and dots, with the small seconds at 9 o'clock and date window at 3 o'clock, another fine example of a reassuringly retro + refreshingly revamped mix which Panerai execute so brilliantly.

The  piece uses the formidable P9000 Calibre with its chunky 3/4 plate construction visible through the caseback.  Sensitive skin? fear not, a titanium ring frames the sapphire crystal on the caseback so no nasy rash.  The only possible problem with this big boy might be that weighty bronze case.

The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo is a limited edition of 1000 pieces and comes presented on a vintage style leather strap with a spare strap and the tools required to fit it also supplied.