Panerai Marks Eilean’s 90th Anniversary With Return To The Classic Regatta Circuit
There are few names in the world of classic sailing that evoke romance and craftsmanship quite like Eilean. Designed and built in 1936 by the legendary Fife of Fairlie shipyard in Scotland, the Bermudian ketch has long stood as one of the most elegant symbols of Panerai’s enduring connection to the sea.
Now, as Eilean celebrates her 90th anniversary, Panerai announces the yacht’s long-awaited return to the classic regatta circuit following her last competitive appearance in 2018.
The announcement reinforces Panerai’s deep-rooted ties to the world of sailing, a relationship that began in 2000 with the sponsorship of the Laureus Regatta Panerai Trophy in Monaco and evolved further in 2005 with the launch of the celebrated Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. For fourteen years, the international circuit became a cornerstone of the classic-yachting calendar, with Eilean herself joining the fleet in 2010.
The 2026 season officially begins on 15 May in Viareggio, Italy, where Eilean will be launched at the renowned Cantiere del Carlo shipyard, specialists in the restoration and construction of classic wooden yachts. From there, the celebrated ketch will embark on a Mediterranean campaign spanning France, Italy and Spain before concluding in Cannes in September.
The regatta calendar opens with the 30th edition of Les Voiles d’Antibes (27–31 May), one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious gatherings of vintage and classic yachts. The season then moves to Argentario Sailing Week in Porto Santo Stefano (24–28 June), followed by Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona (8–11 July) and the Regata Illes Balears Clàssics in Palma de Mallorca (11–15 August). The voyage culminates with Les Régates Royales de Cannes from 20–27 September 2026.
“We are thrilled to witness Eilean’s return to the classic regatta circuit”, states , “Thank to its timeless elegance and storied past, Eilean perfectly embodies the enduring spirit of adventure and precision that our brand has championed since its inception. We are very much looking forward to seeing its presence on the water and providing our guests with the opportunity to rediscover Radiomir, Panerai’s most classic line and a faithful homage to our origins. For the debut of the season, we decided to dedicate our iconic Radiomir Bronzo PAM00760.” Alessandro Ficarelli, Chief Marketing Officer, Panerai
To commemorate the anniversary, Panerai shines a spotlight on one of its most evocative creations, the Radiomir Bronzo PAM00760. A watch intrinsically linked to Eilean, the model pays tribute both to Panerai’s maritime heritage and to the enduring spirit of classic sailing.
Housed in a commanding 47mm bronze case inspired by the historic 1935 Ref. 2533 prototype developed for the Royal Italian Navy, the hand-wound Radiomir Bronzo channels the unmistakable presence of a true “captain’s watch”. Its shaded green dial, accented with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers, perfectly captures the aesthetic language of vintage yachting.
Bronze, of course, has long been associated with the marine world. Before stainless steel became commonplace, the material was prized in yacht construction and naval instrumentation for its resistance to seawater and exceptional durability. Panerai has become synonymous with bronze in modern haute horlogerie and was among the first luxury watchmakers to truly embrace the material with models such as the groundbreaking Luminor Submersible Bronzo PAM00382, unveiled in 2011.
What distinguishes Panerai’s bronze is its unique alloy composition, combining pure copper and pure tin to encourage the formation of a rich and evolving patina. Over time, each watch develops an individual character shaped by exposure to air, moisture, heat and wear, transforming every piece into a uniquely personal object while simultaneously protecting the metal beneath.
Turning the watch over reveals a titanium caseback fitted with sapphire crystal, offering a view of the hand-wound P.3000 calibre. Developed at Panerai’s manufacture in Neuchâtel, the movement reflects the robust architecture and military-inspired reliability that defined the brand’s earliest naval instruments.
The calibre’s imposing 16½ lignes dimensions echo the large movements once used in pocket watches and historic Panerai references, chosen for their stability and ability to support the clean, highly legible dials synonymous with the Maison. A large bridge construction, secured with substantial screws, ensures rigidity and durability, while twin barrels provide a three-day power reserve through the consistent release of energy.
The P.3000 also features Panerai’s practical quick-adjust hour function, allowing the wearer to move the hour hand forwards or backwards in one-hour increments without interrupting the movement of the minute hand.
Aesthetically, the watch remains deeply rooted in vintage military design. The grain-textured green dial features a subtle degradé effect, transitioning from lighter tones at the centre to darker hues around the perimeter. Blue burnished steel hands provide elegant contrast, while beige Super-LumiNova® ensures excellent legibility in low-light conditions with a green emission after dark.
Completing the period-inspired aesthetic is a domed acrylic crystal, a direct nod to early Panerai dive watches supplied to the Italian Navy. In keeping with the spirit of authenticity, Panerai even includes a second replacement crystal, available for complimentary fitting at any Panerai Boutique or authorised distributor worldwide.
The Radiomir Bronzo PAM00760 is paired with a dark brown rolled leather strap featuring understated vintage detailing and secured by a trapezoidal bronze pin buckle inspired by historic military-era Panerai watches.
Technical Specifications:
Radiomir Bronzo
PAM00760
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, P.3000 calibre, 16½ lignes, 5.3 mm thick, 21 jewels, Glucydur® balance. 21,600 alternations / hours. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Two barrels. 161components.
Functions: Minutes, Hours.
Power Reserve: 3 days (72 hours)
Case: 47mm, brushed Bronze.
Dial: Grainy shaded green with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.
Back: Screwed, titanium and see-through sapphire crystal.
Strap: Calf leather dark brown, beige stitching, 27/22, BA, STD.
Water Resistance: 10 bar (~100 metres).
Price: RRP £16,800.00
For more information please visit Panerai