Between 1993, the year of the first collection of
watches not made exclusively for military use, and 1997, the year when
the brand was acquired by the Richemont Group, Officine Panerai created
just a few hundred watches which over the years have acquired an
extraordinary value, becoming cult objects for many enthusiastic
collectors. These timepieces illustrate the transformation which took
place at that time of a tool-watch, known only by a few collectors, into
a prominent brand of the international high quality sports watchmaking
market.
Officine
Panerai now presents a fascinating Special Edition Set (PAM000785)
consisting of two models inspired by two of the watches most
representative of the pre-Vendôme era, made to order in 1996 for the
American actor Sylvester Stallone, a great enthusiast and spontaneous
advocate of the brand, who was at the time involved in the film
Daylight: the Luminor Black Seal and the Luminor Daylight. These two
watches, produced in limited editions of 500 units each, are now offered
exclusively as part of the Set, the presentation of which is inspired
by that of the pre-Vendôme Luminor: a box of pear wood which also
contains a model of the human torpedo (Siluro a Lenta Corsa or
Slow-speed torpedo) on a teak base and a rare publication about the
military equipment of the special forces of the Royal Italian Navy,
naturally including Panerai watches and instruments.
The case of
the two Luminors, with a diameter of 44mm, has the shape and proportions
created by Officine Panerai in 1993 to reinterpret the historic Luminor
1950 case: forms of great simplicity but with an aesthetically impact
of remarkably solid and robust. The element which stands out is the
iconic bridge device with pressure lever protecting the winding crown,
helping to ensure the watch’s water resistance to 30 bar (a depth of
about 300 metres).
The two models are distinguished by the
coating of the AISI 316L stainless steel case. The case of the Luminor
Black Seal is covered by DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), a layer of vaporised
carbon with a diamond structure which adheres perfectly to the metal,
giving it a black colour and ensuring toughness and resistance to
corrosion, scratches and harsh wear. The closed back of the case is
engraved with the inscription “Officine Panerai Firenze” and the OP
logo.
Another difference between the two models is the design of
the dial. That of the Luminor Daylight is white with numeric hour
markers and a detailed minute track while the Luminor Black Seal has a
black dial with numerals at only the cardinal points in. Both watches
have the small seconds dial at 9 o’clock; another element taken from the
past by Panerai which over the years has become a distinctive
characteristic.
Although the design of the new Luminors is
faithfully inspired by that of the watches of 1996, the technical
content has changed dramatically: both have the hand-wound P.5000
calibre, a high-quality movement entirely designed and made in the
Panerai manufacture at Neuchâtel. The hand winding, the power reserve of
eight days (inspired by the models of the 1940s and achieved by two
spring barrels connected in series) and the solid construction with two
plates covering most of the wheelwork give the movement the vintage
fascination and the ability to tell the story of the brand which is
characteristic of every Panerai watch. The strap of the new Luminor is
also completely new but at the same time inspired by that of the models
of the pre-Vendôme period. It is made of brown leather, with contrasting
ecru stitching and a buckle coordinated with the case, sewn onto the
strap itself. The Special Edition Set includes two spare straps
identical to the original and a screwdriver.
LUMINOR BLACK SEAL
8 DAYS ACCIAIO DLC – 44mm
Unique edition of 500 units
PAM00785
MOVEMENT: Hand-wound mechanical, Panerai P.5000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, 15¾ lignes, 4.5 mm thick,
21 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 21,600 alternations/hour. KIF Parechoc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 8 days, two
barrels. 127 components. FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds. CASE: Diameter 44 mm, steel with special
hard black coating. BEZEL: Steel with special hard black coating. BACK: Screw, steel. DEVICE PROTECTING THE
CROWN: (protected as a trademark) Steel with special hard black coating. DIAL: Black with luminous Arabic numerals
and hour markers. Seconds at 9 o’clock. CRYSTAL: Sapphire, made from corundum, 2.5 mm thick. Anti-reflective
coating. WATER-RESISTANCE: 30 bar (~ 300 metres). STRAP: PANERAI personalised leather strap and trapezoidal
sewn-in matt steel buckle with special hard black coating. Supplied with a second interchangeable strap and a steel
screwdriver.
MOVEMENT: Hand-wound mechanical, Panerai P.5000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, 15¾ lignes, 4.5 mm thick,
21 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 21,600 alternations/hour. KIF Parechoc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 8 days, two
barrels. 127 components. FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds. CASE: Diameter 44 mm, AISI 316L polished
steel. BEZEL: Polished steel. BACK: Screw, steel. DEVICE PROTECTING THE CROWN: (protected as a trademark)
Brushed steel. DIAL: White with luminous Arabic numerals. Seconds at 9 o’clock. CRYSTAL: Sapphire, made of
corundum, 2.5 mm thick. Anti-reflective coating. WATER-RESISTANCE: 30 bar (~ 300 metres). STRAP: PANERAI
personalised leather strap and trapezoidal sewn-in polished steel buckle. Supplied with a second interchangeable strap
and a steel screwdriver.