Panerai first chronograph was created in 1943 and…never saw the light of day ! Paneristis, the brand’s lovers, know that story by heart. It was called the Mare Nostrum. It’s all true but didn’t stop the brand to create new references directly inspired by the project. It was a limited edition created a couple of years ago.
Nowadays, the Panerai’s range of chronographs spans over four different categories : Regatta, Flyback, Monopusher and Rattrapante. At the SIHH, the italian brand unveiled a fifth family : Tradition. Actually, it was kind of a gimmick at the fair. Roger Dubuis presented its « Hommage » family, when it was « Heritage » for Montblanc and then this « Tradition » for Panerai. Missing inspiration ?
However, the Tradition range will include three different models. A platinum one will use a 1940 case design. Actually, the iconic case itself was designed in 1936, reinforced in 1940 and then came, in the 1950’s, the famous crown protection. It will be a 50 pieces limited edition at 59’900 euros. As for the original piece, the glass will be in Plexiglas – and yes, a second sample will be provided with the watch and replaced when needed – « free of charge », underlines Panerai. Yes, hopefully, for a 60 k€ watch, shall we add.
The second model will be a 100 pieces limited edition, at 49’900 euros in red gold. It’s really different from any other models as it will have a mix of arabic and roman index on its dial – a strange combination but, surprisingly, that works very well. Last but not least, a third edition in white gold of 100 pieces will complete the collection with, again, 100 pieces. It can be recognized by the ‘sandwich’ construction’ of its case, designed in the 30’s.
In the Monopusher range, a new 1950 47 mm left handed piece joins the family. It’s an entry level Panerai PAM 357 of 700 pieces with the P3000 caliber, proposed at 8200 euros. It goes with the traditional large balance wheel, the three days power reserve thanks to two barrels and, again, a plexi glass.
SIHH 2014 Panerai – The Luminor family grows bigger
On the Luminor side, Panerai introduced last year three new references. The 8 days model will also come this year in three different finishings of 44 mm, one in steel and two in titanium. It’s probably the most well-known piece amongst Panerai’s portfolio, the core business of the brand. One version being stopped, the product line will now have 7 references.
SIHH 2014 Panerai – Expensive pocket watches
It will be the second time that Panerai comes to the SIHH with a pocket watch. It’s not a trend (yet), but Richard Mille did the same, as well as Urwerk. Is that the reason why Panerai wanted to go over its competitors with extreme pieces ? Extremely expensive, above all, especially for extremely simple watches : the white gold three hands model comes at an amazing 58’000 euros. It’s a 37,2 mm skeleton watch with a three days power reserve, and a mahogany desk support where the watch can be hung when it’s not worn.
Last but not least, a special project has been initiated by Panerai, an hommage to Galileo : a pendulum clock, in a limited edition of 30 pieces and 8 days of power reserve. It should be the start of a more global corporate investment in Italy in sciences and arts.
More resources about SIHH 2014 Panerai on the Official Panerai Website.