Panerai's "Sea-Dweller" Special Edition: A Limited Run of 88 Pieces to Celebrate the Year of the Dog

PANERAI

From Italian Artisans, Steeped in Craftsmanship
Luminor 1950 Sealand with "Year of the Dog" Embellishment

Panerai, honoring the history of the Chinese zodiac, introduces the tenth model in its "Luminor 1950 Sealand" special edition series, which began in 2009. This latest creation celebrates the Year of the Dog, commencing on February 16, 2018 (Lunar Calendar).

Text by OZAKI Sayaka

A Special Edition Featuring Italian Traditional Engraving by Master Craftsmen

The "Luminor 1950 Sealand" special edition, which Panerai has been producing since 2009 with animal motifs from the Chinese zodiac engraved on its cover, now welcomes its tenth model, celebrating the 2018 Year of the Dog.

The cover of this special edition is adorned with a depiction of a dog, surrounded by auspicious plum blossoms, rendered in a style inspired by traditional Chinese iconography using an ancient engraving technique known as "spartelatura."

First, an engraving is made on the satin-finished steel cover. Then, gold wire is inlaid along the grooves, hammered and extended to completely fill the outline, creating the dog motif and its refined ornamentation.

This decorative method requires exceptional skill, as it involves engraving and polishing the cover before inlaying the gold wire into the grooves. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by skilled Italian artisans.

Opening the magnificently decorated cover reveals a simple, easy-to-read grey dial. It features Arabic numeral hour markers, baton hour markers, luminous dots, a small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock, and a date display at 3 o'clock.

The movement is the P.9000 automatic caliber, manufactured in-house at the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel. This robust and reliable movement is equipped with two barrels, ensuring a 72-hour power reserve.

The watch comes with a soft brown leather strap, as well as an interchangeable black rubber strap, which can be swapped using the provided tools and screwdriver. This special edition is limited to 88 pieces and is exclusively available at Panerai boutiques.