For decades, beginning in the 1910s with commissions for the Royal Italian Navy, Panerai instruments were shrouded in secrecy, designed exclusively for naval missions demanding uncompromising precision.
September the 10th, 1993 in Florence, marked a defining moment in Panerai’s history, its transition from a strictly classified military supplier to a name recognised by civilians and collectors worldwide. In 1993, these purpose-built watches finally became available to the public, signalling a breakthrough in watchmaking history. On the anniversary of this milestone, Panerai presents “The Depths of Time”—a historical exhibition honouring its naval legacy and celebrating the moment it emerged onto the international stage.
“We are proud to unveil The Depths of Time exhibition, where connoisseurs and watch enthusiasts can discover Panerai’s legendary past and the heritage that defines our unique identity.”
Emmanuel Perrin, CEO, Panerai
The exhibition, held at Panerai’s flagship boutique in Florence from September 10th for two months, retraces the Maison’s journey from naval supplier to luxury watchmaker. Visitors can explore never-before-seen archival materials—personal letters, technical drawings, patents, early catalogues, instruments, and historical photographs. The narrative culminates with the brand’s civilian debut aboard the destroyer Luigi Durand de la Penne (D560) in the presence of Duke Amedeo d’Aosta, a historic event that signaled Panerai’s new chapter. After Florence, the exhibition will travel globally, with stops in the U.S. and China.
A Modern Tribute: Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218
To commemorate this pivotal anniversary, Panerai introduces the Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218, a reinterpretation of the 1993 Luminor ref. 5218-202/A originally designed for Marina Militare personnel.
Key features include:
- 44mm DLC-coated steel case, echoing the PVD treatment of the original reference while enhancing durability.
- P.6000 calibre hand-wound movement, delivering a 3-day power reserve with stability and precision.
- Monolayer matte black dial engraved and filled with caramel Super-LumiNova®, reviving the “non-matching” patina effect of early tritium models.
- Marina Militare inscription honouring Panerai’s century-long naval partnership.
- Vintage-style calf leather strap with trapezoidal DLC buckle, plus an additional black rubber strap.
- Water resistance of 30 bar (~300m), staying true to Panerai’s naval roots.
The watch is powered by the P.6000 calibre—a hand-wound movement with a three-day power reserve. It measures 15½ lignes in diameter and features a balance wheel that oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. A traversing balance bridge that securely positions the oscillator enhances the movement’s stability and precision.
Launching in September 2025, the PAM05218 will be available exclusively in boutiques upon request, making it a highly coveted collector’s piece.
Non-Matching Dial And Hands
A defining visual trait of the 1993 model has been carefully revived: the “non matching” dial and hands. Originally caused by a chemical reaction between tritium and varnish, the early production pieces developed orange-brown numerals while the hands remained greenish—a contrast that later became highly collectible.
This unintentional anomaly was corrected in later batches, but only few “non matching” pieces were produced, making them especially rare. The PAM05218 recreates this effect intentionally using caramel Super-LumiNova® on the engraved monolayer matte black dial, paired with hands in a lighter tone—an exacting nod to one of the most cherished details in Panerai’s civilian debut. The case features a closed, screw-down caseback with a water resistance up to 30 bar (~300 meters). On the caseback, the Officine Panerai Firenze signature, historic OP logo and watch features appear just as they did on the original.
Technical Specifications:
Luminor Marina Militare
PAM05218
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, P.6000 calibre, 15½ lignes, 4.5 mm thick, 19 jewels, 21,600 alternations/hours. Incabloc® anti-shock device. One barrel. 110 components.
Functions: Hours, minutes.
Power Reserve: 3 days.
Case: 44mm, steel DLC case and bezel. Screwed steel closed case-back with Officine Panerai signature, OP logo and watch features engraved.
Dial: Monolayer hollowed matte black with caramel colour Super-LumiNova® and Marina Militare inscription at 6 o’clock.
Strap: Gold brown calf leather with T/T stitching strap, trapezoidal sandblasted black steel DLC sewn-in buckle. Additional black rubber strap and additional buckle.
Water resistance: 30 bar (~300 meters).
Price: RRP £7,200.00
For more information please visit Panerai