Yes, you are reading this right. For the first time, Panerai is releasing a 42mm version of its iconic Bronzo this year at Watches & Wonders 2021. Dubbed the Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso PAM01074, it is the first time in five iterations that Panerai is downsizing the iconic Bronzo to 42mm from the traditional 47mm diameter.

Many would have remembered the frenzied craze sparked off by Panerai in 2011, when it released the Luminor Submersible Bronzo 1950 PAM382. It was Panerai’s first foray into maritime alloy and became an instant icon in Panerai’s lineup of testosterone-pumped watches. Since then, the Bronzo took on a life of its own, spawning several iterations over the years including the PAM507, PAM671 and the PAM968 being the latest.

The tried-and-tested colour scheme of the PAM01074 follows the footsteps of its PAM671 elder brother — warm hues of bronze complements perfectly with the deep blue (literal translation Blu Abisso) dial. More character will develop over time as the case begins to oxidise, taking on unique colours as it oxidises and patinas.

In true Panerai fashion, the PAM01074 is dive-ready with a 300m rated water-resistant case with Panerai’s signature Safety Lock crown protection device and a unidirectional rotating bezel. Other integral aesthetic codes of the Submersible are rendered on the PAM01074 including studs on the graduated bezel and dial dots and indices filled with beige Super-LumiNova. Given the smaller dimensions of the PAM01074, a smaller 12½ lignes in-house automatic P.900 calibre powers it while still offering 3-days power reserve while operating at 4 Hz.

Similar to the PAM968, the PAM01074 will slot into Panerai’s regular production lineup with 1000 pieces made a year and is hallmarked as a Panerai boutique exclusive.