Panerai Jupiterium Review

Panerai announced the start of the celebrating activity about the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first discovery. Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati made a short speech before the conference and published Panerai Jupiterium, which is a classic manual mechanical instrument and provides the Perpetual Calendar function.

Panerai Jupiterium doesn't follow the previous manufacturing style. It is three-dimensional and consists of a big glass with a glass ball siting in the middle, whose bottom is fixed on a square wooden base. To reflect the spirit of Galileo's astronomical discovery, the glass ball features a zodiac whose surface is coated with superluminova. Besides, the glass ball is fitted with titanium arms inside to hold the Earth and planets firmly. Whether from the north hemisphere or south hemisphere, the zodiac can be clearly seen at day or night.
About the time display, the Jupiterium inherits the design tradition of Panerai. Seeing from the picture, the dial is sandwich structure, hours, minutes and small seconds (small seconds subdial is at 9 o'clock with two rectangular apertures indicating AM and PM. Panerai Jupiterium has 40-hour power reserve and the Perpetual Calendar function that can tells the day, date, month and year without any need for manual regulation, even in leap years.

Panerai Jupiterium is only limitedly produced to 1 piece. Now it is exhibited in the Nobel Museum in Stockholm, Sweden.

There are currently no replica version of Panerai Jupiterium over the internet, but the replica watch industry always shocks us by introducing some extraordinary timepieces, the following pictures describe a vintage Panerai replica watches, it is only sold at $155.

I have visited the website Hellopanerai.com that is selling this masterpiece, they said the case of the watch is made of 316L steel, but is ETA coating, which means the case is processed in the same way as the genuine watch.

Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati: The Stage of P.9000

It was said that Panerai global CEO Angelo Bonati has always been very strict and serious, but this time I met him in Geneva and got a new feeling about this Italian gentleman that owned romantic factor.

From 5 to 1 - More Cautious Consumption

It was the first time that SIHH was held in winter, January, though so many people felt uncomfortable, Mr. Bonati shrugged and disagreed, because in the exhibition hall, you wouldn't feel the change of seasons and time, and such arrangement was more convenient to SIHH journalists guests, "come to Geneva at this time, we are very energetic, very willing to listen, but also have more time to enjoy the new watches. If, as in previous years, we first went to Basel, and then are heading toward SIHH, will be very tired, want to sleep, do not want to answer questions."

In addition to the time difference, the current global economic situation that SIHH faced was different from the past. As the exhibition and the brand's production were closely related to the economic situation, so the demand market of watches Panerai faced was also changed. Bonati told me that before people have always ordered five pieces of watches in order to get their favorite watches, but in fact they only needed one. This year, they only ordered one, or two, "the current economic situation, people become more cautious on consumption".

From an individual country in the consuming market today, the United States was the most important market for Panerai, next was its home country Italy, Hong Kong and Japan. From the regional perspective, Europe was clearly the most important for Panerai, followed by the Americas and India. Although some fluctuations in the economy, but the Panerai's global strategy would go on and no big changes accompanied by the economic situation, they got a lot of faith in the current market situation.

The Stage of P.9000

The origin of Panerai watch had a close link with the Italian Navy, in 1860, merchants, craftman and inventor Giovanni Panerai opened its first workshop in Florence. Soon, Panerai began to serve as the watch supplier of Italian Navy. Because navigation had a great demand for watches, so in a very long time, Panerai didn't sell watches to the public, until 1993, Panerai first introduced three limited edition watches to the public.

The real reason that made the public begin to fall in love with Panerai was not the watch itself, but because of a movie. In the 20th century, Panerai watch appeared in a Hollywood movie, which was acted by Sylvester Stallone,  "In that movie, the watch is placed on his desk", Bonati said proudly, "This movid makes a lot of people, especially the movie fans start to like Panerai".

Panerai was going to meet its 150-year-old birthday, the target for Panerai in 2009 was to launch a new movement that was completely designed and produced by themselves, Bonati said: "Movement technology is very important for Panerai", while the SIHH that was held at the beginning of the year was a world stage for Panerai to show movement masterpiece. As a result, the year 2009 would also become an important turning point in Panerai history. In Panerai Manifattura series, in addition to previous models, three new P.9000 series movements were added - P .9000, P.9001 and P.9002, within a short span of seven years, Panerai published eight self-made movements with excellent operability and usability.

With the development of self-made P.9000 series, and the halo that has ever worked with the Italian Royal Navy to provide them with military watches, the Italian manufacturer Panerai has successfully ranked among the few advanced watch-making factories that were able to design and produce movements by themselves.

Future Ambition

It was the first time for me to come to Geneva in January, where it was warmer than expected, even several degrees higher than Beijing, but it was said that before we arrived, here was snow all over the sky. Mr. Bonati said with a smile: "In the past, people may come to SIHH while wearing T-shirts, now you can come here to watch the snow in Switzerland."

The headquarters of Panerai was located in Milan, but Mr. Bonati often commuted between Italy and Switzerland, he joked: "I often ride a bicycle on the road between Italy and Switzerland. " Like many Europeans, he liked skiing in the winter, but "will not always go skiing, "falling on skis will affect the work, work is very important, haha" he laughed. In winter, what made Mr. Bonati feel warmest was his family, the appreciation from friends and work achievements.

In the temporary office of Bonati, we saw many yachts pictures on the wall, Panerai has sponsored Classic Yachts Challenge in the Mediterranean for many years, and was the designated timers of many yachts events, Bonati was naturally a yacht fan, in front of those yachts that were abot to set sail, his clenched fist was a manifestation of his ambition.

Luminor 1950 Marina 44mm(small second subdial at 9, date window at 3, white hands, black leather strap)

Movement: Panerai P.9000 automatic mechanical movement, entirely made by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date

Case: 44mm in case diameter, AISI 316L brushed stainless steel

Bezel: Polished stainless steel

Case Back: Transparent sapphire crystal glass

Crown Bridge: Brushed stainless steel(Panerai patent)

Dial: Black, luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers. Date window was positioned at 3 o'clock, small second subdial at 9

Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass, 2.6mm thick. Anti-reflective coating

Waterproof: 30 bar(300 meters)

Strap: Black alligator leather strap engraved with Panerai logo, large-size brushed steel buckle. Accompanied by spare leather strap, strap replacement tool and steel screwdriver

Reference Number: PAM 312

Luminor 1950 Marina 44mm Automatic Full Steel(small second subdial at 9, date window at 3, white hands, steel bracelet)

Movement: Panerai P.9000 automatic mechanical movement, entirely made by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date

Case: 44mm in case diameter, AISI 316L brushed stainless steel

Bezel: Polished stainless steel

Case Back: Transparent sapphire crystal glass

Crown Bridge: Brushed stainless steel(Panerai patent)

Dial: Black, luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers. Date window was positioned at 3 o'clock, small second subdial at 9

Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass, 2.6mm thick. Anti-reflective coating

Waterproof: 30 bar(300 meters)

Bracelet: Steel bracelet engraved with Panerai logo, brushed surface and polished side links. Accompanied by strap replacement tool and steel screwdriver

Reference Number: PAM 328

Luminor 1950 47mm Submersible(black rubber strap)

Movement: Panerai P.9000 automatic mechanical movement, entirely made by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, diving time calculation

Case: 47mm in diameter, brushed titanium

Bezel: Brushed titanium, polished edge. Unidirectional rotating bezel, engraved with markers to measure diving time and 15-minute scales

Case Back: Transparent sapphire crystal glass

Crown Bridge: Brushed titanium(Panerai patent)

Dial: Black, luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers. Date window at 3 o'clock, small second subdial at 9

Crystal: Sapphire, 4mm thick. Anti-reflective coating

Waterproofing Depth: 30 bar(300 meters)

Strap: PANERAI personalised rubber strap, coupled with large-size titanium buckle. Accompanied by a spare strap, strap replacement tool and steel screwdriver

Reference Number: PAM 305

Luminor 1950 44mm GMT(brown leather strap)

Movement: Panerai P.9001 self-made automatic movement, entirely made by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, gmt, power reserve indicator on case back, seconds zero reset device

Case: 44mm in diameter, AISI 316L brushed steel

Bezel: Polished steel

Case Back: Transparent sapphire crystal glass

Crown Bridge: Brushed steel(Panerai patent)

Dial: Black, luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers. Date window at 3 and small second subdial at 9
Crystal: Sapphire, 2.6mm thick. Anti-reflective coating

Waterproofing Depth: 30 bar(300 meters)

Strap: PANERAI personalised brown leather strap, coupled with large brushed steel buckle. Accompanied by a spare strap, strap replacement tool and screwdriver

Reference Number: PAM 320

Luminor 1950 44mm GMT Steel Bracelet(Subsidiary Seconds)

Movement: Panerai P.9001 self-made automatic movement, entirely made by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, gmt, power reserve indicator on case back, seconds zero reset device

Case: 44mm in diameter, AISI 316L brushed steel

Bezel: Polished steel

Case Back: Transparent sapphire crystal glass

Crown Bridge: Brushed steel(Panerai patent)

Dial: Black, luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers. Date window was at 3 o'clock and small second subdial at 9 o'clock

Crystal: Sapphire, 2.6mm thick. Anti-reflective coating

Waterproofing Depth: 30 bar(300 meters)

Bracelet: PANERAI personalised metal braclet, brushed surface and polished side links. Attached with strap replacement tool and a screwdriver

Reference Number: PAM 329

Luminor 1950 44mm GMT(black strap, power reserve indicator at 6)

Movement: Panerai P.9002 self-made automatic movement, entirely manufactured by Panerai

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, gmt, power reserve indicator, seconds zero reset device
Case: 44mm in diameter, AISI 316L brushed steel

Bezel: Polished steel

Case Back: Transparent sapphire crystal

Crown Bridge: Brushed steel(Panerai patent)

Dial: Black, luminous Arabic numbers and hour markers. Date window was at 3 o'clock, small second subdial at 9 o'clock, power reserve indicator at 5 o'clock

Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass, 2.6mm thick. Anti-reflective coating

Waterproofing Depth: 30 bar(300 meters)

Strap: PANERAI personalised black alligator leather strap, coupled with large brushed steel buckle. Attached with a spare strap, strap replacement tool and a steel screwdriver

Reference Number: PAM 321

Panerai Won the Premio Italia per la Vela 2010

Eilean won the award which was sponsored by Tuttovela, A.I.V.E. responsible for the award, the ceremony was held in the 27th Naval Academy and City of Livorno Trophy, TAN.

April 26, 2010, Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati received the Premio Italia per la Vela 2010 in Italian Livorno Naval Academy. Panerai Eilean won this award. Eilean was a Bormuda yatch made in 1936 by well-known Scottish shipyard Fife(located in Fairlie), in 2007 Eilean was acquired by Panerai, and thoroughly rehabilitation in 3 years.

From left to right is Panerai president Angelo Bonati, awarder Italian admiral Massimo Vianello and Guido Del Carlo who was responsible for the repair of Eilean Francesco del Carlo shipyard.

Premio Italia per la Vela 2010 was initiated and organized by Tuttovela, and awarded by A.I.V.E. The sponsors were Italian Naval Academy and the Organizing Committee of the 27th Naval Academy and City of Livorno Trophy, TAN. Famous yachts that won this award before included Amorita, Bonafide and Lulworth, they were all the yachts that were familiar to those people who loved classic yachts events.

Eilean was dilapidated when acquire by Panerai. Francesco Del Carlo shipyard retained the appearance and characteristics of Eilean in the rehabilitation process, also preserved most of original ship materials.

In 2006, Panerai president found and acquired the Eilean in Antigua, Caribbean. At that time Eilean was dilapidated, then Viareggio Francesco Del Carlo shipyard took 3 years to rehabilitate it. The shipbuilding craftsmen retained the appearance and characteristics of Eilean in the rehabilitation process, also preserved most of original ship materials. Finally, the project made the broken Eilean return its old brilliance.

In the end of 2009, Panerai held a launching ceremony for Eiean in Italian Navy's Sezione Velica, in La Spezia. Italian Navy had close relationship with Panerai. In 1936, the year Eilean was built, Florentine top watchmaker designed the first prototype of the deep sea watch for the diving task of the first group of Italian Royal Navy commandos. To commemorate the common features of history, classic yachts and advanced watch-making, since 2005, Panerai has actively promoted marine culture through the high-profile classic yatchs tournaments - Panerai Classic Yacht Challenges.

Panerai was founded in Florence in 1960, it originally was watch foctory, store and watch college, in the early nineties, Panerai began to supply precision timers, especially designed products in needs of scuba diving Corps. The research projects at that time included Luminor and Radiomir watches that have long been regarded as military secrets, until in 1997 the brand was acquired by Richemont, Panerai watches were launched in the international market.

Today, Panerai was the only Italian manufacturer. They set up a plant in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, R & D watches and movement, collection of Italian history design and Swiss professional watchmaking technology. Panerai watch at authorized dealers around the world designated for sale, and in Florence, Boduofeinuo, Geneva, Madrid, Los Angeles, New York, Buenos Aires, Beirut, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Macau, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo set exclusive stores.

Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati: Production of Military Secrets

When open a new market, brands always need to remember their origin. Panerai is a top brand that appeals to a niche audience, limited production, excellent quality.

In June, Panerai opened a new store in Shanghai IFC, which was also the second store that this Italian top watch brand opened in Shanghai.

The large wall clock in that store shows an unique feature of Panerai watch in a large proportion - Sandwich Dial structure. The so-called Sandwich Dial structure referred that the middle layer that is coated with Super LumiNova luminescence is sandwiched between two identical layers (Super LumiNova is also used on hands and hour markers), this design is to ensure the markers'clearly visible in the absence of light environment.
Founded in Florence in 1860, Panerai originally supplied precise timing devices to Italian Navy, in particular designed products to meet the need of the submarine diving corps. The research projects at that time included Radiomir and Luminor watches, which has long been regarded as military secrets, until 1997, Panerai was acquired by Richemont, these watches were able to be launched in the international market. Today, Panerai is the only Italian manufacturer, it opened watch-making factory in Neuchatel in Switzerland, to research and manufacture watches and movements. Panerai global CEO Angelo Bonati accepted the newspaper's interview in the occasion of his trip to Shanghai.

21st Century: to you, what production process that was respectful of tradition is still in use? Normally how long to produce a self-movement?

Bonati: Panerai has been devoted to developing self-movement since 2002, the first self-movement P.2002 debuted at BaselWorld in 2005. Development of a self-movement usually takes 3-4 years to build, which is much shorter when compared with other watch factories. It is worth mentioning that our brand-new P.999 manual winding movement adopts Swan Neck Regulator, which is a very classic and traditional watch-making process.

21st Century: Almost every Chinese can say the name of several Swiss watch brands, we also try to calculate how much slaes contribution was made by our customers. Do you agree that the Asian market is the Noah's Ark that saved those luxury brands from difficult situation?

Bonati: You're right - the Asian market, especially China, is an important market for future development of the luxury brands. However, when open a new market, the brands need to always remember their roots. Panerai is a high-end brand that appeals to a niche audience, limited production, excellent quality. Brand image in China and Italy is completely consistent.

21st Century: Swatch Group plans to stop the supply of key parts to the opponent. Do you think Swiss watch brands are too dependent on Swatch Group? As a member of the Richemont Group, how to adhere to your independent production? What the advantages of Panerai that are different from other luxury watch brands?

Bonati: Panerai started to design self-movement 8 years ago, now there are almost 10. I do not know the status of other brands, but Panerai has made great effort to be independent, each year we put money into the work of R & D, most of the money is used to develop new movements and new material, and this is the main line of Panerai's propaganda. The origin of Panerai is very unique, this uniqueness is shown in its watch designs (created for Italian Navy, large dial) and the limited production model.

21st Century: Have you ever seen some impressive books about China? This trip, how you feel in Shanghai?

Bonati: Recently I read the Chinese novel "Water Margin ", is really fascinating. The trip in Shanghai is interesting and my interest in China is growing day by day. Expo being held now is brilliant, Shanghai offers a great development platform for luxury brands.

Panerai In-house P.3000 Movement

Last week, Panerai introduced another in-house movement in Florence - P.3000.

From the preferred timepiece for divers of Italian Navy force in the World War II, to a world famous luxury brand that has several in-house movements, Panerai has walked a long history. The new P.3000 movement was entirely manufactured by Panerai.

P.3000 Features Old Large Balance Wheel(13.2mm)

Last week, Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati invited some their loyal watch fans, they gathered in Florence, which is the birthplace of Panerai. After talking about astronomy and the impressive Jupiterium, Bonati unexpectedly shown a few masterpieces to guests, from the first prototype in 1936 to the newest Panerai series, including the Mare Nostrum re-edition that was exhibited at 2010 SIHH.

At the beginning of establishment, the first group of wristwatches published by Panerai in Florentine family equipped with Rolex, Corteber and Angelus movements. Since 1993, Panerai has introduced Unitas movements in many historic watches. Unitas has always been a powerful "engine" to keep panerai in good performance.

Bonati introduced the new P.3000 movement in "Time and Space" exhibition in Florence, Unitas 6497 manual winding movement would pass into history immediately.

P.3000, 16½ in diamater, 5.3mm thick. P.3000-1 features small seconds, P.3000-2 has small seconds and date, besides small seconds and date, P.3000-3 also adds GMT function. P.3000 works 21,600 alternations per hour, it has 21 jewels and two barrels, 3 days power reserve. Tick comes from the old large balance wheel, whose diameter is up to 13.2mm.

P.3000 is a simple movement and can easily pass C.O.S.C test, but this is not the future choice of Panerai movement. At the press conference, Bonati said: "Our movements will no longer be detected by C.O.S.C., instead, we will establish a comprehensive internal quality inspection system and Manifattura standards that suit for modern watch-making industry."

Until now, Panerai has introduced seven in-house movements. Early 2010, Panerai equipped P.999 in 42mm Radiomir. But, this movement was primarily designed for Asian market and in line with the requirements of small wristwatches. Actually, Panerai positioned 42mm Radiomir as ladies watch.

Will P.3000 compete with P.999 ? Bonati answers: "P.999 is not suitable for large Luminor case."

Plates are satin finished, you can view the internal structures through the transparent case back. A series of Panerai new models that equip with P.3000 movement will be shown at 2011 SIHH, after exhibition, Panerai relaiters will sell these watches in the market, with the price from 5000 to 7000. Compared with the price of other Panerai watches, this manual winding one is not cheap, but no doubt, it is a wise step towards the road of entirely independent innovation, especially SWATCH has reduced its external distribution of semi-finished products.