Watches and water usually don’t mix. Even “waterproof” ones have their limits. But, Officine Panerai watches are not only safe for water… they want you to jump right in. This year, Panerai has teamed up with the 2017 America’s Cup, bringing two legends of the sea together.
Instead of building a watch, and then making it waterproof, Panerai watches looked to the ocean for inspiration from the beginning. Giovani Panerai, the company’s founding father, was contracted to build ship clocks for the Royal Italian Navy throughout the 19th century. As the Italian Navy began doing more work underwater, Panerai developed precision instruments designed to be submerged for extended periods of time. This included depth gauges, wrist compasses, and timers for detonators. Panerai even developed luminescent materials for these instruments that made them glow at dark depths.
Toward the end of World War II, Panerai developed watches for the First Submarine Group Command, making the Panerai Radiomir the first underwater military watch in history.
Today, the Radiomir is still one of Panerai’s most popular models, and makes for a perfect partnership with the legendary America’s Cup. This year, you’ll see Panerai backing both major teams: defending champs, Oracle Team USA, and Softbank Team Japan, Asia’s first entry into the America’s Cup in 15 years. Earlier this year, Panerai unveiled five new watch designs made especially for the event.
The Luminor Marina 1950 America’s Cup 3 Days Automatic Acciaio 44 mm, is the official watch of the 35th America’s Cup. It is 44 mm in diameter and features Panerai’s patented crown-protection lever device. Like it’s teammates, the Luminor Marina is waterproof up to 300 meters.
The three of watches shown above are were made in honor of Oracle Team USA – the Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio 47 mm, the Luminor 1950 Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica 44 mm and the Luminor Marina Oracle Team USA 8 Days Acciaio 44 mm.
For SoftBank Team Japan, Panerai has created the Luminor Marina 1950 SoftBank Team Japan 3 Days Automatic Acciaio 44 mm.
All five of the America’s Cup watches will only have about 150 to 300 made of each model.
In case your new to the sport, the America’s Cup is actually the world’s oldest sporting trophy, with the final race happening this year in Bermuda on June 26th. At the last America’s Cup in 2013, Oracle Team USA became an international phenomenon as they captured the cup in the most improbable and historic fashion. This race for the cup is sure to be thrilling at every turn.
No matter who wins this year, the competitors sporting a Panerai watch will have a timepiece made to withstand the toughest seas, both above and below the water. Come see for yourself at our San Francisco and Palo Alto locations.
