SIHH 2002 Report
Every year, Officine Panerai produce some special edition watches. These are either a particlar configuration (of case or dial) of a standard watch, or a watch, usually with a Radiomir case, with a fine new-old-stock (NOS) movement.
2002 is no exception to the special edition rule, although if anything there are less special editions than in previous years, particularly after last year's flood of Radiomir-based models.
The 1950
After much rumour and speculation, Panerai have revealed their "extra large" watch, and it has proved to be an instant hit with everyone who has seen it. I have already heard a comment that the whole of Italy is "on fire" for this watch, and comments on Paneristi and Timezone have been almost unanimously favourable.
The watch itself is steel, 47mm, with the new OP XI movement (see the historical section). The case is brushed, while the bezel and ring for the display back are both polished.
| The 1950 |
| The 1950 caseback |
The buckle is pre-Vendome in style, although thicker and less broad than the 1994-style to which we have become accustomed. I guess it is an exact reproduction of the original.
The watch was displayed in a window beneath the original, and apart from the "1950" on the dial of the new model they were nearly indistinguishable. The crown lock is reversed from the usual direction; it appears that on some models from this period, divers requested that the "arm" on the crown lock be reversed, to lessen the chance of it being accidentally knocked open - a nice historical touch.
| 1950 with the original |
Both front and back crystals are sapphire, although I was told that the display models had the wrong crystals, too beveled at the edges, thereby obscuring the numerals, and that proper crystals would be fitted to real production models. The numerals are cut into the dial, in the same style as the original. The reference for the 1950 is PAM 127.
| Last photo of the 1950, sorry it's a bit blurry |
On a personal note, the watch wasn't nearly as heavy or outlandish as it sounds, and if I had to choose one model from the new range that I would like for myself then it would be this one. I was asked by Panerai which watch I liked the most from the collection "except the 1950". It was taken for granted that this watch would be top of everybody's list, they know they have a winner on their hands.
1950 examples of this watch will be produced over the next two years. I understood that less would ship this year than next year. With the watch being so popular already I would guess that there will be considerable internet speculation on the prices.
The Black Seal
Again already the topic for considerable debate, the Black Seal is a love-it-or-hate-it watch. It is basically a regular 44mm Luminor, with a titanium case, and a "hunter" lid that hinges at 12. The inside of the lid holds a mirror, apparently for signalling!
The lid is engraved with a depiction of the famous "Maiale". I understand that each watch will ship with an extra blank lid, and that Officine Panerai will engrave whatever the customer wants on the second lid. I think the Paneristi logo would fit just nicely :-)
The Black Seal will be produced in just 100 units.
| The Black Seal |
| The Black Seal, with the hunter case open |
Radiomir Rattrapante
In a similar move to previous years, a Radiomir watch with a NOS movement has been produced. The Radiomir Rattrapante contains a Venus split-second movement with a co-axial pusher set into the crown. The case is yellow gold and has a display back. The movement itself is quite deep to contain the split-second complication. I was told that it is becoming harder and harder to find these NOS movements, so perhaps in years to come these special editions may dry up completely. This watch will only be available in 35 examples, with a truly eye-watering price.
| Radiomir Rattrapante |
| Radiomir Rattrapante |
Co-branding
In a departure from previous years, Offcine Panerai have also produced two sets of special edition watches co-branded with other luxury groups. I am sorry that the details on these watches are a little sketchy at present.
AMG
Two special edition chronographs have been produced in collaboration with AMG Mercedes.
Both are based on the regular 40mm Luminor Chrono, but they have different hands and dials. The strap model (PAM 105) has a white gold case, and will be produced in 55 examples. The bracelet model (PAM 108) is regular steel and titanium and will be produced in 100 examples.
Both these watches will only be available from AMG or from the Panerai Boutique.
| AMG white gold chrono |
| AMG bracelet chrono |
Purdey
Officine Panerai have also teamed up with Purdey the famous British gun makers to produce a set of watches based on the Black Seal described above. These appear to be called "Sealand", and are very similar to the Black Seal, except that the engravings are of hunting scenes. There are a total of four engravings, of a bird (PAM 152), game birds (PAM 153), a lion (PAM 154), and a floral design (PAM 155).
I am not clear as to whether these watches will only come in a set of four (as shotguns come in pairs), or whether they can be obtained individually, but there will be only 25 of each engraving, making a total of 100. Again, the watches can only be obtained from Purdey or from the Panerai boutique. Purdey are owned by the Richemont group, and had a discreet booth at the SIHH.
| The interior of the Sealand |
| All four Sealand models. I'm sorry the photo is so blurry, but it's the only one I've got! |