Manufacturer: Panerai Year: Circa 2010 Reference No: PAM000 Case No: PB 515’833, G170/500 Model Name: Luminor, Firenze 1860 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. OP 1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Officine Panerai pin buckle Dimensions: 44mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Founded in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai (1825-1897), Officine Panerai specialized in producing high precision instruments for the Royal Italian Navy, ranging from wristwatches to navigation tools. In the early 20th century, Panerai created Radiomir, a luminous-based powder that was eventually patented on 23 March 1916. The firm’s Radiomir technology allowed for many strides in the military industry. When applied to the dial, the compound allowed the viewer to tell the time in any weather condition by glowing in the dark. Panerai produced its first Radiomir prototype in 1936.
Presented in excellent condition, this reference PAM 000 displays all the crucial elements and heritage of the Luminor model, with its half crescent crown guard, Luminor script and cushion-shaped case.
Offered in barely worn condition, the present timepiece is numbered 170 out of a limited edition series of 500 watches.
Known for its robust designs and large case sizes, Officine Panerai was established in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai in Florence, Italy. Around 1900, Giovanni's grandson Guido Panerai took over, and Panerai became the supplier to the Regia Marina — the Royal Italian Navy. After supplying the navy with high-precision instruments for a number of years, Officine Panerai created Radiomir, a radium-based powder that gives luminosity to the dials of sighting instruments and devices. By 1936, the Royal Italian Navy approached Panerai again with the request to design a watch resistant to extreme underwater conditions. The watch they created became known as the "Radiomir".
Panerai's watches made during the early twentieth century era were comprised of cases designed and manufactured by Rolex SA, with Cortébert, a Swiss manufacturer, supplying the majority of their movements. The most recognizable designs from the firm are the Radiomir and Luminor. To date, vintage models from the first half of the 1900s, such as the reference 3646 and 6152 models, remain the most desirable among collectors.