Panerai Luminor GMT Automatic 42 Titanium ref. PAM01279 – Limited edition of 500, Carbotech bezel, Mint

In 1860, Officine Panerai started life as a watchmaker’s shop, which, somewhat unusually, also sold maritime equipment. Decades later, at the turn of the 20th century, the brand became the official supplier of the Italian Frogmen, who famously wore their watches – developed in collaboration with Rolex SA – while riding atop torpedos aimed at docked enemy ships. They would then attach limpet mines to those ships and try to make it back in time to avoid the explosions that followed. As you can imagine, a legible and dependable timekeeping device was an absolute must for these specialized soldiers, so that’s exactly what Panerai provided. The brand also supplied the Royal Italian Navy with a wide array of technical equipment and precision instruments, which further cemented its place in horological history.

Since Panerai tends to follow a similar design language for all of its watches, the watch on offer here – the Limited Edition reference PAM 01279 – is strongly reminiscent of its iconic predecessors. However, it takes certain liberties that lend it a decidedly unique flair, chief among which is the stunning blue sunburst sandwich dial – not at all a common sight on a Pam. Framed by a tastefully-finished ceramic bezel, it is adorned with slender hands and hour markers and features a GMT indicator at 9 o’clock paired with a stealthy date display at 3 o’clock. Encasing the dial is the familiar shape of the Luminor cushion, but this time rendered in titanium and covered with a utilitarian bead-blasted finish. The movement inside, the in-house Calibre P.9010 GMT, boasts a 72-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 bph.
Whereas most modern Panerais go for a more or less brutalist appearance, the PAM01279 wears almost like a dress piece in comparison, striking the perfect balance between rugged individualism and dapper style.

Our offering is in superb, real mint condition and is outfitted with its OEM leather strap. Somewhat regrettably, it comes without any of its original boxes or papers.

Covered by a limited warranty of 1 year, starting on the date of purchase.