PANERAI | In-depth Report from the Geneva Watch Days!

PANERAI

A Rich Array of New Models, Both Modern and Vintage

Panerai, forever mindful of its historical roots as "military divers' watches for special forces," has this year not only expanded its standard model line but also introduced numerous appealing special editions for collectors. The range of materials, from ceramic to red gold, is also diverse. For fans, it was a year of "happy dilemmas."

Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

Since its 1936 prototype model, manufactured for the Italian Navy's special forces, Panerai has evolved while maintaining its functional and iconic basic style, and has been used by other navies. Following its dramatic revival at SIHH in 1998, Panerai has developed models for both the "Radiomir," without a crown guard, and the "Luminor," with its bridge-type crown guard, incorporating innovations in details, movements, and case materials, all while respecting its history. 2012 continues this tradition. Moreover, the sheer number of new releases is so substantial that it poses a challenge for reviewers to decide which to feature.

First, attention should be drawn to the "Radiomir California Three Days 47mm," which is closest to Panerai's roots. This product faithfully reproduces the earliest style of the Radiomir and should not be missed by Panerai fans who cherish its history as a dive mission watch. In contrast to the previous two models, which could be called reproductions, we recommend the "Luminor 1950 Three Days GMT Automatic Ceramica 44mm." Its formidable appearance, with a case and bracelet made of black ceramic material and a black dial, perfectly matches the contemporary mood. Additionally, the "Luminor Marina 1950 Three Days 47mm" and "Luminor Marina 1950 Three Days Power Reserve 47mm," which feature a vintage-style Radiomir case housing a new three-day movement, are also enticing new releases.

Beyond the models mentioned above, there are also many cost-effective options perfect for first-time Panerai buyers, as well as models that collectors absolutely must not miss. We highly recommend visiting a directly managed boutique or a specialty store.

Radiomir California Three Days 47mm
Faithfully Recreating the Dial Design of the First Radiomir
This vintage model faithfully reproduces the design of the first Radiomir, with alternating Arabic and Roman numerals. The "OP" logo below the dial, the "CALIFORNIA" inscription on the flange at 12 o'clock, and the much smaller date display compared to current regular models are details that will captivate collectors. There is also the "Radiomir S.L.C. Three Days 47mm," which features a bar and dot dial design, also rooted in history, with the same case size and specifications, and equipped with the in-house P.3000 hand-wound movement offering a three-day power reserve. Both are limited to 1500 pieces worldwide and share the same price.

Hand-wound, stainless steel case, leather strap, 47mm case diameter, see-through case back, 10 bar water resistance, limited to 1500 pieces worldwide. ¥756,000, scheduled for release in Month.

Luminor 1950 Three Days GMT Automatic Ceramica 44mm
Equipped with GMT Functionality on a Formidable All-Black Face
This limited edition of 1500 pieces worldwide features a case made of Panerai's new zirconium-based black ceramic material (Ceramica, in Italian pronunciation), symbolizing the brand's exploration of new materials. It is powered by the in-house P.9001/B caliber, offering a three-day power reserve, date display, a GMT hand for a second time zone, and a zero-reset mechanism for precise time setting down to the second. Despite its formidable "Tutto Nero" (all black) specification, Panerai's distinctive index font and color lend it an air of mature sophistication. A version with a ceramic bracelet (limited to 1000 pieces) is also available, instead of a leather strap.

Automatic winding, ceramic case, leather strap, 44mm case diameter, see-through case back, 10 bar water resistance, limited to 1500 pieces worldwide. ¥1,008,000, scheduled for release in Month.

Luminor Marina 1950 Three Days 47mm
Newly Developed Three-Day Hand-Wound Movement
This new Luminor model, evoking the evolution that occurred between the Radiomir and Luminor in the 1940s, features a vintage aesthetic. However, it is equipped with the latest specifications, housing the P.3001 caliber, an advancement of the most basic P.3000 caliber. The power reserve indicator is located on the back of the movement and can be viewed through the see-through case back. A model with the power reserve indicator on the dial side, the "Luminor Marina 1950 Three Days Power Reserve 47mm," is also being released simultaneously.

Hand-wound, stainless steel, leather strap, 47mm case diameter, see-through case back, 10 bar water resistance. ¥924,000, scheduled for release in Month.

Radiomir 1940 47mm Special Edition
Combining Features of Radiomir and Luminor
This special limited edition features a new case design that embodies the characteristics of both classic Radiomir and Luminor models. The Radiomir produced in the 1940s, while lacking the crown guard of the current Luminor, had lugs connecting the strap to the case that were not welded wire but rather integrated into the case itself. This model's design is inspired by the Radiomir cases from that era. The simple dial utilizes the traditional sandwich structure. The movement is a classic and special modification by Panerai based on the antique Minerva 16-17 movement. A "Radiomir 1940 Oro Rosso 47mm" is also available, featuring a red gold case and a brown dial. Both are boutique exclusive and limited to only 100 pieces worldwide.

Hand-wound, stainless steel case, leather strap, 47mm case diameter, see-through case back, 3 bar water resistance, limited to 100 pieces worldwide. ¥2,551,500, scheduled for release in Month.

Panerai
Tel.03-3288-6660
http://www.panerai.com/