The Luminor Black Seal and Luminor Daylight watches ref. PAM00785 were inspired by the two watches that Panerai felt were most representative of their pre-Vendôme period.
Between 1993, the year of Officine Panerai's first non military exclusive collection and 1997, when they were acquired by the Richemont Group, Panerai had produced only a few hundred watches. These, now highly sought after vintage divers have increased extraordinarily in value over the years and have become kind of cult objects.
The Luminor Black Seal and Luminor Daylight perfectly illustrate the transformation of the (then) tool-watches, known only by a few savvy collectors to the prominent, luxury branded watches that we all know, today. They are inspired by the two watches made to order for Sylvester Stallone, one of the first Paneristi, who was at the time making the 1996 film, Daylight.
These two Luminors, have been produced in Limited Editions of 500 pieces of each and are offered exclusively as part of the Set of two in a special presentation box, inspired by the pre-Vendôme Luminor.
The pear wood box also contains a model of the human torpedo (Siluro a Lenta Corsa or Slow-speed torpedo) on a teak base along with a rare publication about the military equipment of the special forces of the Royal Italian Navy that includes Panerai diving instruments.
The case shared by the two Luminors has a diameter of 44mm. Its shape and proportions were created by Officine Panerai in 1993 as a reinterpretation of the historic Luminor 1950 case with its aesthetically simplistic form and solid, robust build. Its stand-out feature is the iconic bridge device with pressure lever that protects the winding crown, helping to ensure the watch’s water-resistance to a depth of 300 meters.
The two models are distinguished by the coating of the AISI 316L Stainless steel case. The case of the Luminor Black Seal is covered by DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), a layer of vaporized carbon with a diamond structure which adheres perfectly to the metal, giving it a black color and ensuring toughness and resistance to corrosion, scratches and harsh wear. The closed back of the case is engraved with the inscription “Officine Panerai Firenze” and the OP logo.
The most obvious difference between the two models is the design of the dial. The Luminor Daylight is white with Arabic numeral hour markers and a detailed minute track while the Luminor Black Seal has a black dial with numerals at only the 3, 6, 9 and 12.
Both watches have the sub-seconds dials at 9 o’clock; another element taken from the past by Panerai which over the years has become a distinctive characteristic of their watches.
Although the design of the new Luminors faithfully follows that of the watches of 1996, the technical aspects have changed dramatically: both are powered by Panerai’s, hand-wound P.5000 caliber, a high-quality movement entirely designed and made in the Panerai manufacture at Neuchâtel.
Inspired by the models of the 1940s, the hand winding, the power reserve of eight days is achieved by two spring barrels connected in series with two plates covering most of the wheelwork giving the movement a distinctly vintage feel.
The strap of the new Luminor is also completely new but at the same time is inspired by the pre-Vendôme era models. It is made of brown leather, with contrasting ecru stitching and a buckle to match its case, sewn onto the strap itself. The Special Edition Set includes two spare straps identical to the original and a screwdriver.
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