The Luminor model was not made publicly available until the early 90s. The civilian version featured a smaller 44mm case and brought back the crown guard, a feature previously deemed irrelevant for civil use but has since become the most celebrated design.
Panerai was founded in Florence as a watch retailer and then transitioned into manufacturing high-precision instruments for the Royal Italian Navy during World War II. This origin as a military supplier is the foundational truth of the brand, dictating a design philosophy rooted in absolute function over ornamentation. Its most significant early innovations were solutions to military problems, namely the development of patented radium-based (Radiomir) and later tritium-based (Luminor) luminescent compounds to ensure underwater legibility for naval commandos.
After its public debut in 1993 and subsequent acquisition by the Richemont group, Panerai transitioned from classified military secret to a global pillar of the luxury sports watch category. Its legacy is that of a tool watch whose function-first design created one of the most distinct and influential silhouettes in modern watchmaking.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: est. 2010 Contents: Watch Only Genre: Dive Watch
Size: 44mm Thickness: 15mm Lug Width: approx. 24mm
Case: Steel case, mirrored and brush finish, light wear, no dents Bezel: Steel dome bezel, mirror finish Dial: Black sandwich dial, lumed arabic markers Hands: Broad pencil hands
Crown: Luminor crown lock system, light wear Crystal: Dome sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Aftermarket brown leather strap Caseback: See through screw-caseback, light wear Movement: Manual Wind Caliber: OP X Caliber