An eight day power reserve is unusual in wrist watches today, but it’s a substantial part of Officine Panerai’s past. This is why it is so fitting that the newest member of their Historic Collection is the Luminor Marina 8 Days Oro Rosso. With new P.5000 Calibre, which is composed of hand wound movement and an eight day power reserve, Panerai digs into their World War II roots, when in order to meet demands from Italian Royal Navy officials, they created a watch with a long reserve. This reincarnation closely follows the design of the first Radiomirs.
The watch possesses Panerai’s classic aesthetic, minimalist and robust in design. It is easily discernible by the locking lever that protects the winding crown from shock. The dial has large Arabic numbers, with baton hour markers and a small seconds dial located at nine o’clock. The bezel is made from 18K polished red gold. The gorgeous reddish hue is provided by a red-gold alloy that contains a high percentage of copper while a set amount of platinum helps prevent oxidation. The strap, as well as the case, is sophisticated in brown alligator, which complements the Oro Rosso hue. The watch comes with a second interchangeable strap and steel screwdriver.
Through the sapphire crystal set in the back, one can see a large plate with brushed finish and diamond-polished chamfering that reveals the variable inertia, which oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Underneath, the P.5000 hand-wound mechanical Calibre is hard at work. The long running time is achieved by 2 spring barrels that are connected in a series. The design is composed of 21 jewels working together to ensure that the pinions rotate friction free. The design boasts smooth Glucydur balance and KIF Parechoc anti-shock, all in all, making for a smooth running, and looking, time piece. The watch is water resistant for 300 meters, making it an ideal piece for the man who enjoys boating on weekends.
Panerai, the cult brand of Italian origin, has entirely produced the Luminor Marina 8 Days Oro Rosso in the Panerai manufacture, in Neuchatel. Bringing history into the present while making improvements, Officine Panerai has managed to create a piece that is as smooth on the outside as it is on the inside. ■
