On occasion, you can hear and feel the automatic mechanical movement working underneath – superb. With its engine purring on your wrist, this watch is elite among its peers
This Italian watchmaking label was founded by Giovanni Panerai in the Renaissance city of Florence in 1860. Panerai combines Italian passion with Swiss technical excellence, and the brand often releases limited numbers of each edition, encouraging long waiting lists.
At first glance
The Luminor Marina makes a grand entrance by bringing its own entourage to the party. It is housed inside a heavy pear wood velvety cushioned showcase box (which could justify its own review) and is muscled in by two tuning tools on either side. This watch means business.
Considerably weighty with its 40mm dial, it packs a mighty punch. It is a beast of a timepiece, but in all the right places. It’s not a watch that leisurely drops onto your wrist, it is chosen.
Up close and personal
The brushed steel case stands proud and with its polished steel bezel this is handsome wristwear. It’s hard not to notice the Panerai trademark crown protector safeguarding the accuracy of time; in fact, the show of this watch makes you feel ‘it’s got you covered’. It is strength personified.
Saying this, there is an aesthetic quality with the impeccable white dial and the black leather alligator strap softening the bravado. It has luminous hands and markers, pristine black glazed Arabic numerals and a 3.5 mm thick anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass. There is a small second at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock which is magnified by a lens lying flush against the surface. This refined finishing is well received adding a feminine dimension to this big boy.
On the wrist
Fastening the Luminor Marina, you literally have to strap it on which feels great. I wouldn’t expect anything different from a purposeful watch and feel like a woman with a mission. On occasion, you can hear and feel the automatic mechanical movement working underneath – superb. With its engine purring on your wrist, this watch is elite among its peers.
Originally created for the Italian Navy to withstand extreme environmental conditions, it is waterproof up to 300 metres, resistant to corrosion and is hypoallergenic – excellent news for our delicate complexions ladies.
Panerai create masterpieces known for their vigorous craftsmanship, so the real beauty of this piece lies in what you don’t see but know is there. If it’s good enough for the commandos it’s good enough for me.
- A choice piece
- Robust and beautiful
- Instils total confidence
- Perhaps too weighty for some
RRP: £5,000.00
Available from: Panerai
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
| Style: | Luxury |
| Colour: | Silver |
| Watch Movement: | Automatic Mechanical |
| Functions: | Hours, Minutes, Small seconds, Date |
| Case shape: | Round |
| Case width: | 40mm |
| Glass: | Sapphire, Anti-reflective coating, Magnifying lens over ‘3’ marker |
| Dial colour: | White |
| Strap type: | Alligator strap |
| Clasp: | Brushed steel, adjustable buckle |
| Water resistance: | 300 Metres |
| Manufacturer warranty: | 2 years |
