When Bronze Finally Doesn't Mean Third Best

Bronze is usually associated with coming in third, deserved by someone who got beat by those awarded with gold and silver. But in the world of watches, Bronze is disassociating itself with being third best and based on the reception of the Paneristi to the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo PAM382, Bronze has zoomed to the top of the PAM-must-have pedestal.

And who can blame the ristis? Look at this beauty.

Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo PAM382
(pictures from SJX of Watch ProSite)

I am obviously one of those people that has been enamored by this beauty and the concept of developing my own unique case Patina based on where I am, what I do, and my body chemistry has got me drooling for a piece of bronze candy. Unfortunately for me, the Bronzo unofficially costs about CHF9,300 (USD9,600) which is more than what I can afford.

Time to sell a kidney.

Not wanting to part with any of my vital organs, I quickly turned to Mr.Google and what I saw lifted my spirits up. It seems that there are more than a few options at a price range more palatable to a common pinoy watch idiot like me.

Benarus Bronze Moray
(from watchprojects.com)

Anonimo Bronze Polluce

(from Nalu of WUS)

Helson Bronze Shark Diver
(from time2watchdotnet.blogspot.com)

And my two favorite bronze divers:

Bronze VDB II
(from vintagevdb.com)

Kazimon 1500 Bronze
(from leeye rolexforums.com)

Unfortunately for me, these bronze pieces are as rare as a Pithecophaga jefferyi in the mountains of Cordilleras! They exist but seldom do you see them in the wild! All of them had very limited production runs and it seems that their owners are not willing to let their pieces go. If it was me, I wouldnt either especially if the case Patina has already developed.

I'll probably need to be extra vigilant in waiting for these independent watchmakers to even have a chance of owning a bronze piece in the future. In the meantime, I'll also pray for an online watch forum contest where prizes are watches instead of medals, and where I won't mind actually finishing third best for the bronze!