MARANEZ Bangla BRASS

By TLex This is the Maranez Bangla, a homage of the 1980s Panerai Mille Metri prototype watch (bottom pic.) that was commissioned by the Italian Navy. A number of watches were built from Titanium and Bronze however they never actually went into production.



It wasn't until 2004, when Alessandro Bettarini, a former Panerai engineer revived the design in the form of the Ennebi Fondale that collectors even got close to this amazing watch.



Since then one or two people have built replicas of the Mille Metri. I came very close to buying a really nice one a year or so back, as it is a watch that has always fascinated me. I am a huge Ennebi fan and own a Fondale Titanium and Bronzo, they are stunning examples of Italian craftsmanship.



When I came across the Bangla (it was hard not too with the amount attention these watches have garnered recently) I was compelled to see what all the fuss was about and compare one to the Fondale. The Bangla certainly has its similarities, but is in fact closer to the Mille Metri in its design.



Its 47mm case is available in either Titanium or Brass. It is fitted with an anti-reflective treated Sapphire crystal and has a water-resistance of 300 meters. It is powered by a Seiko NH35 automatic movement.



The Brass model is priced 299USD and the Titanium model is priced 349USD. For that kind of money it is very hard to pass on the Bangla. A strange name indeed, but for the money a very well executed affordable Mille Metri homage that has put a smile on my face!



Click on the female free-diver below (as seen on the Bangla's caseback) for more info. OceanicTime is not in any way affiliated with MARANEZ.