For many people, the most iconic watch series from Panerai are the Luminor and Luminor 1950. Out of the brand's four main collections – Radiomir, Radiomir 1940, Luminor, and Luminor 1950, the latter two sport the distinctive protected crown guard, known for the brand. Despite offering some variety within the Luminor series, all of them are characterized by a minimalist and clear design, which has earned the brand considerable respect and recognition since its inception. What sets apart the model we have the pleasure of presenting is the combination of all the interesting elements present on the dial.
Undoubtedly, for all Panerai enthusiasts, it's the Luminor case that has taken the forefront in recent years when mentioning the brand. Perhaps it's precisely for this reason that the brand uses it for its sub-series of typical diving watches, the Submersible – in the case of these watches, the case is upgraded with a rotating bezel to make underwater use much more functional. Introduced for the first time in 1998, this watch quickly became one of the most emblematic and sought-after models from the brand – perhaps it's for this reason that it has been produced almost unchanged, including up to the present day. There aren't many Panerai models that have such a long production life. A slight deviation from the topic, but this series is Sylvester Stallone's favorite (and he knows his Panerai) – it's the Submersible model that can be seen on his wrist in all of his roles over the past 20-odd years. In the last 7-8 years, Panerai has begun to exploit this success and has started introducing various variations on the case – with larger cases, made of bronze, titanium, with DLC, greater water resistance, and so on, but undoubtedly, this model remains the main one for the Submersible series. All of this makes this watch coveted and desired by collectors of the brand, as well as watch enthusiasts in general.
In 2007, Panerai released a very special model – with the codename PAM193 and despite the fact that the model is not part of the brand's limited editions, the fact that it was produced for only one year in a series of only 600 pieces makes it just that. A year later, based on this model, a limited series of only 500 pieces appeared, with which the brand aims to mark its collaboration with one of the most famous contemporary explorers of the ocean depths, Mike Horn, and precisely because of this, the model receives its name "Pangaea" after Horn's 35-meter boat, which he used during his 4-year voyage, sponsored by Panerai.
The interesting features of the model are many: a titanium case, large size of 47mm, thickened case, engraved back, and of course, the built-in depth gauge – yes, this watch can accurately display the depth at which you are at any moment during your dive!
We've had the pleasure of showcasing several interesting watches with a similar function, but for the first time, the technical solution is implemented in this way!
The main mechanism of the watch is automatic, and for the purposes of the depth gauge, an additional electronic module is built-in. It includes a pressure sensor, microprocessor, lithium battery, and other components, acting as a depth gauge, allowing users to measure their distance below the surface on a scale around the outer edge of the dial. The main mechanism is COSC certified, and the depth gauge is additionally tested and certified by the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology (METAS).
Among collectors and enthusiasts, Panerai is known for the fact that most of their watches look good with a large number of different straps and bracelets. Not all watches can boast this, as they only match with a limited number of color options. The previous owner upgraded the watch not only with the very rare and hard-to-find Military strap from Panerai but also with the very rare diver's buckle, which is offered in their very few models.
The masculine utility of this watch is complemented very well by its dial, which is different from the usual for Panerai models – unlike other models, here the main color is black, the indications are many, and the luminescence is abundant. Traditionally, watches from the Luminor series are made with large numerals "12", "3", "6", and "9" on the respective indices. In this particular model, they are only "6" and "12", which becomes another distinctive feature of this model, which along with the others makes it unique and interesting.
The luminescence on the watch is remarkable – the indices and hands are covered with SuperLuminova, which contrasts well with the dial. In low light, provided by the luminescent coating, it complements the color and shape of the watch case, making it very easy and trouble-free to read the time.
Above the dial sits a thick 3.5mm slightly curved crystal with an anti-reflective coating, the case is water-resistant up to 120m – typical for a diver's watch. Of course, as befits a true Panerai, this model also has the trademark protected crown, which is also quite easy to use. It can be wound even when not released, and when released, you can set the time by pulling it out.
Inside the watch works the automatic mechanism Calibre OP XV, which is actually a downgrade from the ubiquitous Valjoux 7750 (how many other brands allow downgrades for their built-in mechanisms?). The mechanism of this watch deserves a separate presentation, but we'll limit ourselves to listing its characteristics: 21 jewels, Monometallic Glucydur® balance, 28,800 vibrations, Incabloc® anti-shock, 42-hour power reserve, Geneva waves, blue screws, and brand engravings on the rotor...