A Reissue of the 1993 Version

The "Mare Nostrum" was Officine Panerai's first chronograph. However, its origins are shrouded in mystery.

Records indicate the first prototype appeared in 1943 for Italian Navy deck officers, but it was never actually manufactured. Its existence was only known through limited documentation that survived the great Florence flood of 1966.

Based on this documentation, Panerai first produced a reissue (Ref. 5218-301/A) in 1993. This coincided with Panerai's first release of watches for the civilian market. This period (1993-1997) is referred to by enthusiasts as the Pre-Vendôme era.

While the 1993 model shared the same design and functions as the original, there were several differences due to a desire for a more manageable watch and a lack of information regarding the 1943 prototype.

The case was made of AISI 316L stainless steel and reduced in diameter from 52mm to 42mm. The large, flat satin-finished bezel was engraved with a tachymeter scale in km/h.

The newly released "Mare Nostrum Acciaio – 42mm" is a reissue inspired by the 1993 model. Like the 1993 version, the dial is a deep blue, harmonizing beautifully with the alligator strap featuring prominent stitching.


The dial's engravings and hour markers are coated with beige Super-LumiNova®, ensuring legibility. It's a design that embodies Panerai's aesthetic while expressing a unique and distinctive personality.

The movement is the same as used in the Pre-Vendôme era models. The OP XXXIII caliber is based on the ETA 2801-2, equipped with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module, and was produced and customized by Panerai.

The "Mare Nostrum Acciaio – 42mm" is a special edition, limited to 1000 pieces, presented in a box that includes a surprise reminiscent of the original model.

Inside the elegant wooden box, similar to the Pre-Vendôme era, is a miniature model of the Italian Navy destroyer Luigi Durand de la Penne, commissioned in 1993. This destroyer was named in honor of Vice Admiral Luigi Durand de la Penne, who served with distinction in Egypt during World War II and received a medal.

It is said that he and other special forces personnel wore Panerai instruments. The 1993 model was first unveiled aboard the destroyer Luigi Durand de la Penne.

Furthermore, as with the 1993 model, the box includes a leather strap with a sewn buckle and a screwdriver.

Among Panerai's lineup, the "Mare Nostrum Acciaio – 42mm" is a model that particularly evokes its rich history.

Mare Nostrum Acciaio – 42mm
Movement | Manual-wind mechanical, Panerai custom caliber OP XXXIII
Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Case size | 42mm
Case material | Satin-finished steel
Dial | Blue dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers, minute counter at 9 o'clock, small seconds at 3 o'clock, central chronograph seconds hand
Power reserve | 42 hours
Water resistance | 5 bar (50m)
Limited edition | 1000 pieces worldwide
Price | ¥1,070,000 (excluding tax)

*Officine Panerai is not the trademark owner of Super-LumiNova®.