4/29/2011

Panerai Donates 1.5 Million Hong Kong Dollars to Studer Trust Foundation

Panerai CEO Mr. Angelo Bonati signed the agreement to donate 1.5 million Hong Kong Dollars to the foundation.

High Auction Price Up to 1.5 Million Hong Kong Dollars

In the recent Panerai watch autcion, Hong Kong Sotheby successfully sold out all of their watches and created the first "White Gloves" auction record, the trade rate was up to 100%. At this auction, ten watches that were donated by Panerai acquired a high auction price of 1.5 million Hong Kong Dollars, and Hong Kong Sotheby donated all the money to Studer Trust Foundation, to support the foundation's beneficence of helping the poor and children in China and Burma, so this could benefit more people.

Panerai Luminor GMT 8 Days Special Edition

Created The First Auction Record of "White Gloves" Wrist Watches

At this Sotheby's auction, two Panerai special edition watches - Panerai Luminor 1950 and Panerai Luminor Chronograph, they were specially designed for this charity auction, besides, other 30 pieces of Panerai wrist watches were also sold out in this auction, the auctioneer received a pair of white gloves that only be given when the trade rate reached to be 100%. This auction created the first "White Gloves" wrist watches record of Hong Kong Sotheby, very impressive.

4/28/2011

Panerai P.2002 & P.2004 Movements


Radiomir 8 Days

Stainless steel / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / 44mm in diameter / 100m waterproof / sapphire crystal glass face, transparent case back / suggestion price: NT$429,000

Advanced Watch-making Technology

The birth of Panerai P.2002 indicated that Panerai was try to show the tradition of complication through their own craft and technology. Early in the 1940's, Panerai has been able to apply 8-day power reserve function. Today, such a long time power reserve function was replaced by a new movement that included three barrels. The Zero Reset device was made to adjust the time more precisely, this device could immediately stop the operation of the balance wheel, it could be said that such an advanced watch-making technology was perfectly applied in the structure of the movement. P.2002 is made up of 245 components, it was a manual winding movement and equipped with Free-Spring Balance, this movement didn't feature the micro-adjusting mechanism, but the speed could be adjusted through the screws on the balance wheel.


The inspiration of this Radiomir 8 Days watch's case came from the historic military watch of Panerai, and mixed the newest precision technology at the same time. Panerai-patented crown guard ensured perfect waterproofing capacity.

Movement Exclusively Developed by Panerai

P.2002/3 was entirely developed by Panerai itself, 13 1/4 lignes, 6.6mm thick, 21 jewels. Glucydur balance wheel, 28,800 alternations per hour. KIF Parechoc Shock Absorber. 8-day power reserve, three barrels. Black dial with luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers, date windown at 3 o'clock, small second subdial at 9 o'clock, the linear power reserve indicator was positioned at 6 o'clock.



Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT

Stainless steel / hours, minutes, small seconds / day, night display / 100 meters waterproof / sapphire crystal glass face, transparent case back / suggestion price: NT$593,000

Innovative Complicated Technology

P.2004 was entirely designed and produced by Neuchatel factory in Switzerland, on the dial, there was a linear power reserve indicator and we could obtain the information whether it was day or night. The movement was equipped with Zero Reset device and single-button chronograph that used Column Wheel and Friction Clutch. The unique design of P.2004 was displayed through the transparent case back, including brushed plates, polished chamfer and mirror-brushed screws and so on. However, the outstanding features of P.2004 were hidden inside: three overlapped barrels that supplied 8-day power reserve for the watch ensured accurate time and also offered power for other functions. Linear power reserve indicator was located at 6 that was marked with scales from 0 to 8. The Luminor 1950 8 Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT only had one chronograph button, press it continuously to start, stop and reset the chronograph function. This type of chronograph movement adopted a Column Wheel to ensure that the chronograph could achieve a correct degree of precision. Another unique device of P.2004 was the Friction Clutch, it eliminated the instability of the operating hands.


Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsant

Stainless steel / hours, minutes, small seconds / gmt / waterproof to 100m / sapphire crystal glass face, transparent case back / suggestion price: NT$614,000

Excitingly New Dial

The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsant featured a dark brown dial, which still used the traditional Sandwich structure that was designed in the 1930's: consisted of two discs, the middle was Super Luminova coating that could provide maximum visibility at night. The markers on the dial followed tradition, continued to use the markers of the first military Panerai watch and had unparalleled readability in any conditions: large-size Arabic numbers, stick hour markers, they were all presented on the skeletonized upper disc and had high luminous effect. Another distinctive place of this watch was the chronograph button, which was set on the left side, so this wouldn't undermine the case outline whose visual center was the crown guard and was very convenient to operate chronograph function by your right hand.

4/27/2011

Panerai Radiomir Black Seal | Steel | Ceramic


Radiomir Black Seal Manual Winding Steel Model

Model: PAM 183 / stainless steel / OP XI manual winding mechanical movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / 56-hour power reserve / 21,600vph / C.O.S.C. / 45mm in case diameter / sapphire crystal glass face, transparent case back / waterproof to 100m / reference price: NT$156,000

Added New Elements in The Classic Models

Black Seal was designed to praise the 1930s' Radiomir watches. The outstanding unqiue structure, excellent modernity case design, revealing the fashion style. The design of Panerai Radiomir was using thin lugs to link with the leather strap and cushion-shaped case, among all the 45mm original watches, showing a new brand style. This model showed its superior technology, neat elegant lines with good texture, set off its beautiful contemporary shape. The design of Radiomir model, modeled after the first official produced for Italian Royal Navy in 1938, at the same time was an extremely historic watch model. The feature was its case structure, with screw-in crown and screw-down case back, ensuring high waterproof performance. The Radiomir was made of sulfide, meso-thorium, radium bromide(Radiomir named after the Panerai invented luminous material). Even in harsh environment, also can offer highest visibility dial.


Radiomir Black Seal Manual Winding Ceramic Model

Model: PAM 292 / high-tech ceramic / OP XI manual winding mechanical movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / 56-hour power reserve / 21,600vph / C.O.S.C. / 45mm in case diameter / sapphire crystal glass face / waterproof to 100m / reference price: NT$207,000

Committed to The Pursuit of Optimum Performance

Panerai was known as its solid quality and original, once only made watches for Navy and other special units, provided watches for watch fans in latest years. The size also gradually change, compared to the previous military models cunrrent are slightly smaller, simple to meet the needs in daily life. However Panerai's watchmaking spirit will not change, always seeking the best performance. The crown of Radiomir Black Seal engraved with Officine Panerai the historic sign, be fixed by screw-down screws. The case back also fixed by screws, through the transparent crystal glass can appreciate Panerai OP XI mechanical movement. Unique design dial reproduced, stick hour markers among 3-6-12 hour markers, second hand subdial at 9 o'clock position. Previous unique three-dimensional sandwich dial, put two independent dial together: the upper black dial is the skeleton numerals and hour markers, and the bottom layer is coated with luminous material Super Luminova®, thus the dial is clearly visible in darkness.


Italian commandos take this nickname as maiali, black seal, known as human torpedoes in British, can dive in sea attack the boat, wrote a glorious battle. The slow torpedoes sneak into the enemy's port many times, together with gamma force divers sunk more than 20 million tons ships. Every action, from start to install the bomb, from calculted the diving time to return to base, all must be carried out based on the accurate time. Thus, a realible chronograph function, is the key to assault success.

Ceramic Model First Appeared in Taiwan

Panerai Radiomir Black Seal aoursed our momery of Italian Navy Gamma Force's exploits during World War II. They were fighting heroically on the slow torpedo that also known as SLC (Siluri a Lenta Corsa), maiali or Black Seal, become the legendary feats of Battlefield Heroes. In 2004, first launched Radiomir Black Seal manual winding stainless steel, well-received by watch fans until now. Classic shape and historic detail fully showed Panerai's spirit. At BaselWorld 2007, Radiomir Black Seal self-winding steel model and manual winding inquired by a lot of people. Three of Radiomir Black Seal series will display and sell on March 27 to 31 in Sims Watch Vintage Stores. In particular, Radiomir Black Seal manual winding ceramic model for the first appear in Taiwan.


Radiomir Black Seal Self-winding Steel Model

Model: PAM 287 / stainless steel / OP III self-winding mechanical movement / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / power reserve is 42 hours / 28,800vph / C.O.S.C. / 45mm in diameter / sapphire crystal glass face / transparent case back / waterproof to 100m / reference price: NT$173,000

4/25/2011

Panerai 1997-2007 Ten Years of Ideas Exhibition in Asia

The CEO of Panerai Mr. Angelo Bonati

A Milestone For The Brand

Novenber 29th 2007, OFFICINE PANERAI held a "1997- 2007: Ten years of ideas" exhibition in VII Central Terminal at Hong Kong, set a milestone for the brand. 2007 was the 10th anniversary of OFFICINE PANERAI in Richemont Group. This decade, Panerai constantly development, innovation and growth, becoming well-know classic watch brand. In order to commemorate the special moment, Officine Panerai held this spectacular exhibition. Through display its ten years series, detailed description of the history of the company, and the first public demonstration four brand new movements made by Swiss Neuchatel.


The First Exhibition In Asia

The exhibition held in Novenber 29, that night, the loyal customers and supporters of Panerai were invited to the private VIP dinner, frist to appreciate the precious and unique watch series, including world exclusive collection. The guests presented in the dinner were the frist lucky dogs who can enjoy the four Panerai independent developed movements. In the evening reception of November 30, more than 300 guests, watch enthusiasts and supporters enjoyed the exhibition first held in Asia.


Witnessed Panerai's Goals and Ideals in the Development Journey

The first stop of this global exhibition was Panerai's birthplace - Florence, Italy, and part of the exhibits will be moved to Hong Kong, thus the local watch fans can enjoy the brand's past ten years outstanding achievements through the unique site layout. The exhibiton not only can witness panerai's goals and ideals in the development journey, but also can through the exhibition focus - marking the brand tech, perfect craftmanship and innovation four independent developed movement, see the brand's future trend.

Various Panerai Watches on The Exhibition Scene

4/24/2011

Panerai Ferrari Granturismo Chronograph Yellow Dial

Stainless steel / self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / chronograph function / COSC certificate / 45mm / sapphire crystal glass face / waterproof to 100m / reference price: NT$216,000

Owned a Ferrari car, I believe that a dream of is many people, but to buy Ferrari in Taiwan is much difficult than in many forign countries, in addition to low national income, the high tariff lead to high prices is the main factor. Thus if there is a Ferrari car on road in Taiwan, will soon become the focus of all attention. As Ferrari has high degree of popularity, in 1994 Girard Perregaux has cooperated with FERRARI and produced various models, but in recent years, as mechanical watch market booming, thus Ferrari end this more than ten years partnership, embarked on the road of homemade watch brand. Ferrari selected to cooperate with Richemomt Group, tailored appearance and provide movement skilled by Panerai, couple with good marketing strategies, making Ferrari once was released caused public attention.


The appearance of Ferrari is similar to Panerai Luminor's, but Ferrari's case is gentle and can not see sharp lines. From the case side can see the oval-shaped curve, the same purpose with sleek lines of Ferrari car, the crown and chronograph button is very similar to the Ferrari's rear light. Viewed from the side, just like Ferrari's iceberg rear. Screw-in crown and chronograph button, ensure the case waterproof to 100m. And the most special design is the screw-in crown, I think most of watch fans have the experience of screw-in crown, most the crown not so easy to use. But Ferrari's screw-in crown designed specially, just push the yellow dot side of the crown in a certain direction, you can easily lock the crown, not need to repeatedly rotating the crown to find the thread, this also can be regard as a new innovative masterpiece.


Dial and Hands

Granturismo and Scuderia this two series are belong to Ferrari, the difference is the dial design, Granturismo series adopted silver Yamaha logo on 12 o'clock position, while Scuderia adopted the traditional black horse yellow background shield-shaped logo. This Granturismo Chronograph dial adopted another representative color of Ferrari - bright yellow as the background of dial, added with second subdial and 30-minute subdial, the color scheme is very dazzling. The design concept of the two subdials comes from the dashboard of Ferrari car, looking carefully of the subdials, we can see the inner circle pattern, the texture improved significantly. Tachymeter marked on the outer ring of the dial, though common people hardly use this function, but as this model name of Ferrari naturally can not lack of this function.


Compared with other transparent case back of most of Paneari watches, Ferrari watches are used solid case back. Because viewed from the practical point, the waterproof performance of solid case back is better than transparent one, though cannot appreciate the operation of movement, but most of the watch fans will not refuse the charm of Ferrari for this design. This watch equipped with PANERAI OP XII movement, which was updated from ETA-7750, has 60-second, 30-minute chronograph function, and received COSC certificate, precision performance and chronograph function better show Ferrari's brand features.

4/22/2011

Panerai Luminor Sealand for Purdey Third Edition

Specifications

Reference: PAM 817

Material: Brushed steel

Movement: PANERAI OPIII automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Case Diameter: 44mm

Water Resistance: 50m

Strap: PANERAI personalised leather strap

Crystal: Sapphire

Attachment: Panerai guarantee, original box, rubber strap, strap remove tools

Collections Value: NT$688,000

Today, I'm going to introduce another Panerai Luminor Sealand Special Edition watch, the other two special editions I have talked about is the Luminor Sealand Tiger and Rabbit, which are specially made for Chinese New Year. But the third series of the Luminor Sealand for Purdey is a special edition watch dedicated by Officine Panerai to James Purdey & Sons, only 100 units available.

This watch represents the meeting of two unique individual professions coming together to give life to a piece that perfectly reflects their natural affinities: high technical skills, long tradition of knowledge and experience, search for constant innovation.

The watch is equipped with an automatic mechanical movement, the Panerai OPIII calibre, certified as a chronometer by the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres. The case is in brushed steel AISI 316L, a very solid type of steel, and has a 44mm diameter. The outer face of its steel cover is decorated by three different motifs recalling the spirit of the creations of Purdey. The thematic engravings have been executed by master engravers entirely by hand. The subjects are particularly complex and may require up to one hundred hours of work. The cover, protecting the watch, has an internal mirror that turns it into a signalling instrument when it is open.

The box, specially made for this Panerai watch, contains a steel screwdriver and a second strap.

4/21/2011

Panerai Ferrari Granturismo GMT-Alarm Watch

FER00017/ stainless steel material / Panerai OP XXIV self-winding movement / hour-minute-second and date display / GMT function/alarm/ case diameter 45mm / sapphire crystal glass face, transparent case back / screw in crown / waterproof to 100m / suggestion price: NT$336,000

Full Interpretation the Outstanding Characteristics of Ferrari Car

Perfect combination Ferrari and Panerai's exquisite technology, inventions, delicate design and the creativity of Italian nation, finally created this Ferrari Granturismo watch. This model is fresh sport style, its outstanding features are the followings: GMT display and sound signal, the latter can set programmable alarm to remind appointments. Exquisite square case with rounded edge, part of the  case polishing and grinding. Case diameter 45mm, waterproof to 100 meters. Smooth, grinding bezel to distinguish the two crowns' grid microhyla edges - borrowed from the details of the Ferrari cars. Both crowns are adopted screw-in crown design, the top crown to set hour-minute and GMT function, and bottom crown for winding and set alarm, when you set the alarm, turn red arrow alarm hand to your required time.


Show Rigorous Craft Technique

Durable sapphire Crystal glass face, thickness 1.9mm, After anti-reflective treatment. The dial is clear and readable, using relief technique caved Ferrari words and Prancing Horse logo. The whole dial is black, central part has the same square grid microhyla with the crown. 60 equal portions of the minute scale, with bright and hugu relief Arabic numerals and two display windows. Black short stick hour-minute hand, coated with luminous material, while the second hand is red and thin. Ferrari Granturismo GMT-Alarm equipped with OP XXIV self-winding movement, 31 jewels, 47 hours power reserve, with a classic Geneva wave(Côtes de Genève) decoration, blue steel screws, further show the the strict standards of movement and dial treatment process. Well-known rancing Horse logo also engraved on the self-winding dial, through screw-down sapphire crystal glass case back you can see it, the case back decorated with metal patterns, the edge engraved "Engineered by Officine Panerai", which is the watchmaker Panerai's logo. Black crocodile leather strap, the opposite side is red crocodile leater. There is a printed with "Ferrari" spare rubber strap. The same with the case, adjustable personalized buckle made of polishing and grinding stainless steel.

All-out Attack of Panerai Manufacture Movement - The Charm of Titanio

Titanio / P.9000 self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / sapphire, see-through case back / 300m waterproof / 44mm in case diameter / suggestion price: NT$235,000

The Pioneer of Manufacture Movement

Since ETA announced that they would no longer provide movements, many watch factories began to research and develop their own movements, Panerai was the pioneer in this field, because it has manufactured movements by itself since 2002, Panerai introduced its first in-house movement P.2002 in 2005, since then, this researching road has never stopped, from P.2002 to P.2006, the function of the 2000 series movement could be said very complete, but because of its high pricing, it could not replace the ETA movement, in view of this, Panerai published the 9000 series movements, including P.9000(Subsidiary Seconds added with date), P.9001 and P.9002(GMT and Power Reserve), whether from the specifications, components, polishing or the functions, these three movements were obviously the simplifying editions of the 2000 series, and the price is similar to the entry-level model's of the general ETA movements.

Titanium made case, its anti-allergic, wear resistance and light characteristics supplied good wearing comfort, and the Crown Guard of the Luminor series was bright for the eyes.

This time, the Titanium watch Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days was equipped with P.9000 automatic movement, which was made up of 197 components, two barrels and had 72-hour power reserve, although you don't want to be bound by time on Saturday and Sunday, you could remove it from your wrist, and when wearing it again on Monday, it still worked accurately, very practical. The stopping seconds device made it possible to adjust the second hand independently.

PANERAI P.9000 that was equipped in this watch had two barrels and 3-day power reserve, the skeleton dial made the operation of the movement be clear.

The dial colour was coffee, which has been very hot in recent years, the dial structure was the classic Sandwich design, the luminous hour markers made it very easy to read time at night. The case was made of Titanium, whose anti-allergic made it easy to wear for those people who were metal-sensitive. The light feature of the Titanium made the whole watch look stable rather than heavy. The brown alligator leather strap echoed with the brown dial. Certainly, the distinctive Crown Guard of the Luminor watch protected the crown, was a scintillating point. The full Titanium model was also available.

4/20/2011

Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Flyback

Stainless steel / self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / flyback chronograph / 30 jewels / 28,800 vph / 42 hours power reserve / 44mm in diameter / luminous hands and hour markers / 100 metres waterproof / sapphire crystal glass / 800 pieces limited / suggestion price: NT$274,000

Panerai established a distinguished reputation in advanced watch-making industry, successfully mixed the functions of sports watch and personality, and continuously researched and produced impressive masterpieces. This Luminor 1950 Chrono Flyback watch integrated the above factors, the watch conveyed Panerai's modern sense and exquisite characteristics with simple lines and meaning. Besides the iconic chronograph appearance, the watch also had "flyback" or "retour en vol" function. When the chronograph function was working, you pressed the reset button, the central second hand would directly return back to 12 o'clock without stopping. Then you pressed the reset button again, the chronograph would be restarted.

4/18/2011

Ferrari Engineered by Officine Panerai FER00038 Chronograph Limited Edition

FER00038 / DLC stainless steel / OP XIII self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / chronograph / sapphire crystal / 100m waterproof / 45mm in case diameter / 100 pieces limited

When it comes to Ferrari watch, the most intuitive association was Ferrari car, compared with the previous yellow shield logo, Prancing Horse Logo and dashboard-like dial, the FER00038 chronograph limited edition that was launched in 2009 had a Ferrari car image at 6 o'clock, which not only described the relationship between Panerai and Ferrari, but it was also the first time that Panerai presented the contour of the Ferrari car on the dial.

On the dial, besides the Prancing Horse Logo at 12 o'clock, there was a Ferrari car pattern at 6, painted the contour of the car with neat lines. Both were embraced each other, in addition with the Ferrari representative red color, consistent with the image of the brand.

If you check the Ferrari watch that was published in 2009, it was not difficult to find the new Ferrari in this year had some changes in design. Probably the most obvious one was that the enlarged dial. Compared with the previous 45mm case diameter, the new watch had more area to apply, two chronograph counters on the dial were also much bigger now, set off by bright red, the chronograph function was more eye-catching. The bright color was also an important feature of the 2009 model, red was the most representative color of Ferrari, even the central second hand and hour markers were in red, gave you a clear visual effect.

The whole watch was coated with black DLC, the case was hard and very scratch resistant. The case back was engraved with grid patterns with white frames, which was different from the honeycomb decoration that Panerai Ferrari often adopted. The middle part of the case back had a Prancing Horse Logo, which made the watch more distinctive.

In addition, the watch was processed by black DLC coating, it was more wear resisting and harder than the PVD, even some specifics of the Ferrari car also used this processing. The case back of most Panerai Ferrari watches was decorated with honeycomb patterns, but this time, the new model used silver white frames to form grids, the middle was engraved with a Prancing Horse, echoing with the one on the dial.

PAM 276 Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT

PAM00276 / AISI 316L stainless steel / Panerai P.2005 manual winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / tourbillon / gmt / 6 days power serve / luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers / 47mm in diameter / arc-shaped sapphire crystal, transparent case back / limited edition / suggestion price: NT$3,323,000

Since Panerai's foundation, they have always upheld the spirit of researching and developing. To achieve consistent innovation, Panerai threw a lot of manpower and money. In 1938, with the professional technology that Panerai relied on to make the first group of professional diving watches for Italian Royal Navy, it first ranked among the watch-making industry, until now, Panerai has accumulated decades of experience in watch-making. Recently, Panerai upgraded its process again, introduced several kinds of in-house movements, which were entirely designed, developed and manufactured by Panerai's factory. "Calibre", in short, was a technical name of the movement, it was also the "engine" of the wrist watch and made it possible to display time. In technology, P.2005 was absolutely the most precise and complicated one among the four in-house movements of Panerai, that was exactly the movement Panerai used in Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT, which was a masterpiece that mixed long tradition and sports feature.

The tourbillon frame was vertically set with the axis of the balance wheel , a very special type.

The biggest characteristic of the brand-new Luminor watch was its tourbillon. Tourbillon was invented by the great watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet in the end of the 18th century, this device was designed to eliminate the inaccuracy of the time, that was to avoid the faster or slower situation. Reasons that caused time inaccuracy included: the impact of gravity on balance wheel, deviation of the manufacturing process, oil condensate and the resulting friction between different positions of the watch. To eliminate time inaccuracy, Mr. Breguet made a constant rotating framework, which consisted of balance wheel, escapement device and some pivots. In this way, any inaccuracy which occurred when balance wheel traveled to a specific position could be eliminated. More than two centuries, tourbillon has always been the synonym of ultimate technology, it required the most high-precision processing technology. This technology was just used in watch-making industry in recent years, and the watch brands that adopted it were naturally the representatives of highest quality. Watch enthusiasts from generations to generation have been obsessed with the tourbillon escapement, which was a recognized technical challenge in watch-making industry. However, Panerai was not afraid of challenge, it even successfully made an innovation in this field and left its own mark in this advanced watch technology that has rarely changed since the invention.

Movement: 16¼ lignes / 9.1mm thick / 28,800 vph / tourbillon / 31 jewels / 6 days power reserve / 3 barrels

Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT, its tourbillon rotated on axis that was in parallel with the base of the movement, rotating twice per minute. The time inaccuracy of the wrist watch was higher than the pocket watch because of the position, but the two innovation made this Panerai tourbillon better compensate for this deviation. P.2005 operated through a series of unique gearings that were similar to automotive differential gears, this was also one of the characteristics which P.2005 was different from other tourbillon watches. P.2005 had 239 components, manual winding, 3 barrels, it could supply 6-day power when being fully wound. Besides, Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT had GMT function, it used sapphire crystal glass face and see-through case back, so there was a panoramic view of the movement's operation through the case back, you could not only appreciate the charming appearance of the tourbillon, but the state of the power reserve could be read from the indicator.

Small seconds subdial and tourbillon indicator were at 9 o'clock, showing the operation of the movement.

This watch was highly distinctive, featured the unique crown guard that has been used by Luminor models for more than 60 years, polished and brushed stainless steel, 47mm in case diameter. It was water resistant to 100 metres, which fully met the standards of a navigation casual watch. The dial adopted sandwich structure and was protected by the antireflective sapphire crystal glass, 2mm thick. The middle layer of the dial was coated luminescent material, so the hour markers and Arabic numbers were particularly clear and readable even in the dark place. Hour and minute hands were large and wide, contrasted clearly with the slender arrow-shaped gmt hand, the gmt function was adjusted through the crown. Compared with the tourbillon watches of other watch brands, Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT didn't specially set a opening on the dial to show off this technical expertise, however, Panerai presented this feature in a distinctive way, the small detail at 9 o'clock, there was a blue dot indicator except the small seconds, its speed was two times the small seconds, 30 seconds per circle. The hand on another subdial at 3 turned a circle every 24 hours, the "pm" or "am" words told the wearer now was the day or night. The Panerai watch was fitted with alligator leather strap and Panerai personlised large brushed steel buckle, spare leather strap and the tools to replace the strap were also supplied.

4/15/2011

Panerai Titanium Watches Exhibition in Kaohsiung Cheng Tai Watch Shop

PAM00240 / Titanium / OP III self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / C.O.S.C. / 42 hours power reserve / 28,800 vph / 44mm in case diameter / arc-shaped sapphire crystal face / water resistant to 300 metres / alligator leather strap, "PANERAI" word on it, adjustable Titanium buckle / suggestion price: NT$181,000

During September 27 to October 3, Panerai would exhibit its newest Titanium watches in Cheng Tai Watch Shop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In 2007, Panerai published four Luminor Marina watches, they all adopted Titanium material and used the new no-screw case to assemble, including the model that was fitted with metal bracelet. Besides, another Titanium watch that would be shown was Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge, the watch was suitable for professional divers and supplied diving measurement.

PAM00279 / Titanium / OP III self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / C.O.S.C. / 42-hour power reserve / 28,800 vph / 44mm in diameter / arc-shaped sapphire crystal glass face / 300m waterproof / metal bracelet engraved with "PANERAI" word / suggestion price: NT$ 257,000

The brand-new Luminor Marina Titanium watches(leather strap and metal bracelet were available, case diameter was 40 or 44mm) used no-screw case to assemble, it was a new technology that fixed the movement in the Casing Ring, not only improved the structure quality of the watch, but also very convenient for technical maintenance, whether it was a regular testing, or the more complex adjustments, they all could be implemented effectively. The Luminor Marina with metal bracelet saved 40 pieces of screws on the design of the bracelet, so it reduced the time that was wasted in assembling or removing links, or adjusting the length of the bracelet.

PAM00193 / Titanium / OP XV self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / diving time measurement / C.O.S.C. / 42-hour power reserve / 28,800 vph / 47mm in case diameter / arc-shaped sapphire / 120m waterproof / rubber strap, brushed steel buckle engraved with "PANERAI" word / suggestion price: NT$463,000

The 47mm Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge combined the features of depth gauge and professional diving watch. The depth gauge device of the watch has independently received the testing and certification of METAS. Being able to pass the multi-level testing of official organization, because Panerai deeply understood that any faults or any mistakes on the scales would cause the diver plunged into a very dangerous situation. So, the Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge has been certificated by METAS and proven to be a reliable and professional divng equipment. Besides the exquisite craft, the Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge also reflected the history and spirit of Panerai perfectly. Before manufacturing wrist watches for Italian Navy, Panerai has provided them with many precision optical instruments, like depth gauge(even could be used underwater), compass and flashlight, etc. Now, Panerai combined the two functions into one masterpiece that highlighted its glorious history.

PAM00282 / Titanium / OP III self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / C.O.S.C. /42-hour power reserve / 28,800 vph / 40mm in case diameter / arc-shaped sapphire crystal / 300m waterproof / alligator leather strap, engraved with "PANERAI" word, adjustable Titanium buckle / suggestion price: NT$ 177,000

4/13/2011

PAM 309 Panerai Radiomir Titanium 47mm

PAM00309 / Titanium / OP XXVI manual-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds / sandwich dial / sapphire crystal and see-through case back / 100m water resistance / 150 pieces limited / suggestion price: NT$ 795,000

Based on Minerva Movement

Tracking from memory or exploring the design elements that were associated with history was an essential development direction in modern watch-making industry, so was Panerai. Every detail of each series, the streak of the case, even the design of the new models, Panerai put emphasis on the historical origin of their own. In 2008, Panerai introduced a Radiomir watch that was equipped with Minerva movement, in fact, the combination like this has appeared in the past, including Rolex movement, Lemania single-pusher movement and Angelus SF 240 8 Days movement. This time, the new Radiomir Titanium 47mm was not a re-edition of Panerai, and Minerva has not been incorporated into the Richemont Group, so, it was not surprised that its movement would be equipped by the watch brand in the Richemont Group. Panerai emphasized the relation between history and design, and Minerva indeed supplied some movement parts to Panerai during the 1930s and 40s, so, the collaboration of this time was natural and logical.


Large geared wheel was Minerva's feature, its frequency was 18,000 vph. Special bridge shape, although there was no "Minerva" word engraved on, after being modified by Panerai, it was obviously the Minerva's design in appearance.

Collaboration Related to History

OP XXVI, which was modified from Minerva Cal. 16-17, kept the original feature of Minerva, like the large geared balance wheel, 18,000, although the bifurcated bridge has been improved, you could recognize it was the Minerva's design. In appearance, Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati expected to use simple material to show the movement's value, so they first adopted Titanium on Radiomir, the bezel is polished.


The Pink Gold Ring around the inner bezel was a new decoration which Panerai added, it was to imitate the past spiral that was used to fix the bezel. The Pink Gold Ring on the Sandwich Dial was a newly added detail, whose design concept came from the spiral that was invented in the 1940s, it was used in those 8-days models and its role was to fixed the bezel. The new Radiomir watch that was equipped with the discontinued Minerva movement was published in a limited number of 150, 100 pieces for black dial and 50 for coffee dial. Besides, Panerai also assembled 50 pieces of vintage Minerva chronograph movements into Ferrari, which was based on the different attribute of the two brands.

Panerai Luminor Sealand Tiger Special Edition


Stainless steel / OP III self-winding movement / hours, minutes, small seconds, date / sapphire / 50 metres waterproof / 44mm in case diameter / 25 pieces limited / Call to order

Chinese Style Tiger Carving

As the Chinese market became huge day by day, many brands increased additional attention to this big cake, Panerai, a brand started in Italy, also published Luminor Sealand China Special Edition, to celebrate the coming of the Chinese New Year. As we knew, in China, there was a cycle of twelve years, each with a different animal. The coming Chinese New Year was Tiger Year, which was the third animal sign in Chinese Zodiac. Panerai designed the Luminor Sealand China Special Edition on the theme of the tiger, the watch was limited in a number of 25, very precious.


Excellent waterproofing was one of the most distinctive features of Panerai wrist watch, and the Crown Guard was the iconic symbol of this brand. Although the waterproofing performance of the Luminor Sealand Tiger was not particularly outstanding, it still kept the Crown Guard, which let people know it was a Panerai's product at the first glance.

The Vivid Tiger Carving

The watch had a cover protecting the crystal glass face, on this cover, there was a vivid tiger, it was a very Chinese style carving, the painting was full of charm, the most prominent was the ringed tiger, it seemed very mighty and gave people a strong impression, with the Chinese "虎" word in the upper right, a vivid Chinese painting was crowned with success. This painting was hand carved by master craftsmen, the extremely complicated process needed up to one hundred hours to be completed, which fully presented its value. Open the cover, the dial looked very simple, Arabic numbers at 6 and 12 o'clock, there was a small seconds subdial at 9, the date window was set at 3.


On the case back, besides the brand's name, there was also an unique "OP" number engraved on.
The watch equipped with OP III self-winding movement, which has been certificated by C.O.S.C., it also featured the Panerai-patented Crown Guard and inherited the traditional style of Luminor series. The most important was, on February 14, 2010, this Panerai special edtion would be exclusively offered in two stores in China, each was located in Shanghai Plaza and Beijing Yintai Centre.

4/12/2011

Vintage Panerai Radiomir Mare Nostrum At Christie Auction

Stainless steel / manual winding movement / hours, minutes, seconds / chronograph / luminous hour markers / produced in 1943 / sapphire crystal glass face

On September 28, 2005, a vintage Panerai Luminor Marina Militare was auctioned at a high price at Antiquorum that was held in New York, in November of this year, Panerai created a new record at Christie auction, the vintage and historic Radiomir Mare Nostrum was sold out at the price of CHF 132,000(about NT$ 3,370,000).

Panerai has started to design professional wrist watches for Italian commandos since 1938. In 1943, the first Panerai chronograph watch Mare Nostrum was born, it was specially designed for those civilian officials on the deck. The name of Mare Nostrum came from the torpedo timer, the watch was only a test item, because it was during the World War II(1939-1945), Mare Nostrum was not put into production, until 50 year later, it just came out. In 1993, the military contract between Panerai and Italian Navy expired, after one year, Mare Nostrum was officially introduced to the general consumers. At the Christie auction in this year, the Mare Nostrum was exactly the test item that was produced in 1943, its historic significance made it more precious.

4/11/2011

Watch Lovers Around The World Follow Panerai

Guido Panerai & Figlio created the first prototype watch in 1936 and later renamed this company to "Officine Panerai". In the beginning, this brand used Rolex movement and supplied advanced precision equipments to Italian Navy.

The highly specialized manufacturing standard of Panerai had an integral relationship with marine environment. Top quality and high-performance products that were beyond the military use standards included fluorescence calculator, aiming device, depth gauge, compass, and the timing fuse of landmine or underwater detonator. It was the accumulated technology in these ares that made Panerai able to create an unusual professional diving watch.

Radiomir Jonined The Navy


Panerai Radiomir started to serve for Italian Royal Navy from 1938, as participants, they were also loaded into a number of annals that filled with legendary battles. Commando wore these watches and swim to the enemy naval vessels.

The most impressive attack was the one that was made in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1941. Six commandos defeated two warships of the British Mediterranean and a navy tanker. During this mission, lieutenant Luigi Durand De La Penne was captured, before the explosion of the devices he set, he told the British captain to evacuate the ships immediately, so the crew could be saved. De La Penne and his assistant were arrested on HMS Valiant, this ship exploded in the scheduled time. The two italian survived, De La Penne was awarded the Gold Medal and the British admiral described him as the commander that made fleet suffer the maximum losses.

After war, hundreds pieces of Radiomir Panerai watches that have been produced became the priceless treasure, followed by the watch lovers around the world.

Luminor Got on Stage

In the early 1950s, Radiomir Panerai was gradually replaced by Panerai Luminor, which made some obvious improvements while maintained the same shape and dial. The waterproofing of Luminor watch was improved by a special lever device that pressed down the crown into the case. The watch equipped with Angelus movement, whose power reserve was 8 days, greatly reduced the winding frequency and the chance of water penetration. This crown locking device was a unique characteristic of Panerai and has become the trademark of the brand.

In 1993, Officine Panerai re-launched the famous Panerai Luminor and published the first Radiomir Panerai Platinum edition. In addition, the Panerai Mare Nostrum, originally designed for Italian naval deck officers and has never been listed, was also put into production. This chronograph watch that had two chronograph counters and waterproof case was a perfect combination of Swiss advanced technology and Italian design. The watch has been tested under a series of extreme conditions.

Panerai Radiomir



Panerai Radiomir required to be strong, waterproof and highly readable. In 1938, Panerai introduced a cushion-shaped prototype watch with a large case(about 47mm in diameter), this watch had wire lugs, screw-in case back and a 16-ligne movement, a classic diameter for pocket watch. The movement, case back and crown all had Rolex logo, which confirmed the cooperation between Panerai and this Geneva watch brand. Other noticable details included the Perspex glass face that could prevent corrosion of atmospheric elements and acid, the luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers on the dial and the long enough leather strap that could be worn outside the diving suits.

From the prototype to a small production, the case and dial of the watch have been improved obviously. The test reports in the prototype stage pointed out the biggest flaw of the watch was that it was hard to read time. The new version adopted a Sandwich Dial, the black top had hour markers, including the Arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12, the layer below was coated with Luminescent material. The luminescence feature of the watch was strengthened by the name - Radiomir. The inspiration of Radiomir's name came from a luminous material that Panerai researchers developed and was made up of Zinc, Radium and New Th.

These early examples and improvements in technical area have been more than 60 years. Officine Panerai designed new case and approachs to improve waterproofing performance, such as the patented plate and crown guard, as well as other movements. The Radiomir radioactive material of Panerai was replaced by Luminor, which was another Panerai-patented luminescence and based on Triple H. The latter was replaced by the recent Super-Luminova.

Today's Officine Panerai

In the 1990s, another revolution happened, Panerai became the adoring products of mechanical watch lovers. Those watches, whose size and aesthetic details were fully shown on the basis of the past vintage models and basic concept remained unchanged became the popular models followed by the public. The determination of supplying reliable and prestigious watches which Panerai insisted on has never changed. The famous Radiomir and Luminor have also become two symbols of sports watches.

Radiomir series kept the appearance and style of the 1938's models, from 1997, Panerai started to introduce complicated Radiomir models and Radiomir developed towards chronograph direction, but its production was small and only available for collectors. The Radiomir published in 2004 included Radiomir 45mm Black Seal, Radiomir 8 Days and Radiomir GMT.

Officine Panerai was bought by Richemont Group in 1998 and continuously specializes in producing high-precision products and extremely complex mechanical devices. The combination of the long history and the particular italian design tradition interpreted the uniqueness of this watch brand. Panerai's creativity, technology and unique heritage were the integral parts of the history of Radiomir Panerai and Panerai Luminor.

4/08/2011

Panerai Luminor Sealand for Chinese Rabbit Year

To celebrate Chinese Rabbit Year, famous watch brand Panerai specially designed a special edtion for Chinese market(only in a limited number of 25), the watch would be on sale in the end of January 2011, in the three stores located in Shanghai and Beijing.


Brushed stainless steel case is 44mm in diameter, forged in one piece metal, gray dial with black hour markers, small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock, date windown is positioned at 3, sapphire crystal case back, inside is the Panerai OP III self-winding movement, which is C.O.S.C. certificated, the watch is 50m waterproof and fitted with PANERAI personalised leather strap and brushed steel buckle, attached with steel screwdriver and spare rubber strap.


As the third edition of Panerai Luminor Sealand Lunar New Year Special Editions, the brand-new Rabbit Year watch drew the inspiration from Chinese traditional paper-cut art, and engraved a mercy and grace rabbit on the watch case, the superb craftsmanship of Panerai's top technology masters made the rabbit image vivid. Hand-carving also reflected the brand's long tradition and innovative spirit.

Perfect Interpretation of 150-year history of Panerai

Panerai is the perfect combination of Italian design and Swiss watch-making. Every year, Panerai will make an interpretation for its nearly 150-year history, the watch design comes from Panerai's consistent adherence to excellence, aesthetics and functionality.



Radiomir and Luminor 1950 GMT Tourbillon Watches

They equip with P.2005 tourbillon movement, which shows the essence of Panerai watch-making. The structure of P.2005 is complex, technology is highly innovative, the movement is equipped in Radiomir Tourbillon GMT 48mm and Luminor 1950 Tourbillon 47mm.

From technology, P.2005 is the most complicated one in all in-house movements of Panerai, it is self-winding, has three barrels and 6 days power reserve, with power reserve indicator.


Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm Titanium Chronograph Watch

Strong but not light, traditional but not modern - Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm Titanium Chronograph Watch, this is the Luminor watch that was developed for special military tasks 60 years ago and pushed Panerai to the professional diving watch field.

This brand new watch inherits its previous case shape of Luminor series and features the unique crown guard device. The crown guard fits the case tightly, with double functions of protecting crown and guaranteeing waterproofing.



Luminor Marina Automatic

New bracelet and case size as well as unique dial, they are all the characteristics of the two Luminor Marina Automatic watches. Luminor Marina Automatic belongs to PANERAI CONTEMPORARY and its name originated from a special series that was named after an Italian navy soldier.


Luminor 1950 Regatta Rattrapante 44mm

To specially designed for Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge(PCYC) and commemorate the ancient origin between Panerai and the ocean. This international yachts challenge game that was sponsored by Panerai, which originated in Florence, witnesses many rare yachts, after being repaired, they regain the old glory and participate in the yachts games that are held in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.