Officine Panerai presents a Special Edition Set consisting of two models inspired by two of the watches most representative of the pre-Vendôme period, originally created in 1996.

Between 1993, the year of the first collection of watches not made exclusively for military use, and 1997, the year when the brand was acquired by the Richemont Group, Officine Panerai created just a few hundred watches which over the years have acquired an extraordinary value, becoming cult objects for many enthusiastic collectors. These timepieces illustrate the transformation which took place at that time of a tool-watch, known only by a few collectors, into a prominent brand of the international high quality sports watchmaking market.

Officine Panerai now presents a fascinating Special Edition Set (PAM000785) consisting of two models inspired by two of the watches most representative of the pre-Vendôme era, made to order in 1996 for the American actor Sylvester Stallone, a great enthusiast and spontaneous advocate of the brand, who was at the time involved in the film Daylight: the Luminor Black Seal and the Luminor Daylight. These two watches, produced in limited editions of 500 units each, are now offered exclusively as part of the Set, the presentation of which is inspired by that of the pre-Vendôme Luminor: a box of pear wood which also contains a model of the human torpedo (Siluro a Lenta Corsa or Slow-speed torpedo) on a teak base and a rare publication about the military equipment of the special forces of the Royal Italian Navy, naturally including Panerai watches and instruments.

The case of the two Luminors, with a diameter of 44mm, has the shape and proportions created by Officine Panerai in 1993 to reinterpret the historic Luminor 1950 case: forms of great simplicity but with an aesthetically impact of remarkably solid and robust. The element which stands out is the iconic bridge device with pressure lever protecting the winding crown, helping to ensure the watch’s water-resistance to 30 bar (a depth of about 300 metres).

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 vaporised carbon with a diamond structure which adheres perfectly to the metal, giving it a black colour 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.

Another difference between the two models is the design of the dial. That of the Luminor Daylight is white with numeric hour markers and a detailed minute track while the Luminor Black Seal has a black dial with numerals at only the cardinal points in. Both watches have the small seconds dial at 9 o’clock; another element taken from the past by Panerai which over the years has become a distinctive characteristic.

Although the design of the new Luminors is faithfully inspired by that of the watches of 1996, the technical content has changed dramatically: both have the hand-wound P.5000 calibre, a high-quality movement entirely designed and made in the Panerai manufacture at Neuchâtel. The hand winding, the power reserve of eight days (inspired by the models of the 1940s and achieved by two spring barrels connected in series) and the solid construction with two plates covering most of the wheelwork give the movement the vintage fascination and the ability to tell the story of the brand which is characteristic of every Panerai watch.

The strap of the new Luminor is also completely new but at the same time inspired by that of the models of the pre-Vendôme period. It is made of brown leather, with contrasting ecru stitching and a buckle coordinated with the case, sewn onto the strap itself. The Special Edition Set includes two spare straps identical to the original and a screwdriver.