This week’s post is on a watch that is not only one of my favorites, but also one that I own. And this watch is very different than most watches I have owned (or dreamed of owning); for instance the brand is Italian, the movement is not an automatic, it’s not a chronograph, it’s not a pilot’s watch, and it doesn’t even have a second hand. But let’s not keep you waiting…
Panerai Luminor Base
Panerai has an interesting history, although I’m not exactly sure how much of it is factual and how much is marketing embellishment. Without delving too deep into the hyperbole, the company was founded in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai and quickly established itself as a builder of precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy. Depth gauges, torpedo sites, and compasses where specialties of Panerai, as were rugged, oversized dive watches with exceptional luminescent faces. They were made for the frogmen of the Marina Millitaire. The watches were not sold to the public, and they were made in very limited numbers - only 300 pieces were produced between 1938 and 1993.
In 1993, Panerai ceased production of watches for the Navy and began selling to the public on a limited basis. The company was purchased by Richemont in 1997. Brands within the Richemnont group include Cartier, Piaget, IWC, Montblanc and Vacheron Constantin. So Parerai found itself in good company, and supported by a organization that had the capital and the right connections. The rest is history.
For me, discovering Panerai in 2000 really opened my eyes to large watches. At the time, I had a selection of vintage watches from Rolex, Heuer and Omega as well as a recent model Omega Speedmaster Automatic. Everything changed for me. I sold off all of my watches. What I really wanted was a Panerai Luminor Base in titanium.
The Base Luminor may sound like the bottom-of-the-line model, and in terms of price, it is. But it’s my favorite, for several reasons:
1. It’s large. The 44mm case definitely has a presence on your wrist. And the dial is large too, with a bezel that’s not too thick and not too thin.
2. Its clean design. – Probably the cleanest I have ever seen. The case is brushed titanium and dial is a dark brown. Markings include a “3”, “6”, “9”, and “12” plus eight hash marks, the words “Panerai” and “Luminor”, and that’s it. No bells, no whistles.
3. It’s rugged as hell. - This thing is a tank. It is machined from solid titanium, which makes it a bit lighter than stainless. But this case is solid. And I really like that the case back and the buckle are solid titanium as well – no skimping here. The lugs are nicely integrated, and the crown protector with its unique lever is not only bullet-proof, it’s very functional in the way that it compresses the o-ring to seal the crown against water and other intrusive contaminants. Even the crystal is over-engineered; it’s domed shape is 3mm thick at the center, and it’s coated on both sides.
The hand-wound movement was something I was not excited about, but this model was not available with an automatic movement. My thinking was that I would forget to wind it. It will stop if it’s not wound in 40 hours. I was surprised that I actually didn’t forget to wind it, and I also didn’t mind winding it either. It just becomes part of putting the watch on. You strap it on, open the crown lever, wind it until it stops, and then re-close the lever. In a way, it’s an interaction that I enjoy. I’m forced to pause for just a few seconds and do my part to keep my watch running along.
It basically comes down to this: This watch just plain looks great. It’s not only big; it’s very well proportioned and sits comfortably on my wrist. The titanium matches up very well with the brown face and brown alligator leather strap. I get more comments on this watch than any other watch I have owned. Watch nerds comment on it, of course, but non-enthusiasts also ask about it. Mine is a bit beat-up as I’ve been wearing it for seven years, and it needs to be serviced, so I will likely have it buffed-out and even get a spankin’ new OEM strap.
Lastly, if you want to buy, I suggest you go back in time and get yours when I got mine. Back in 2000,I picked mine up brand new complete with the amazing pear wood box, extra rubber strap, and the tool for changing the strap for less than $1,800. I think you would need to plunk down at least $4,500 or more now for the same model. And they tend to be scarce, so even finding the exact model you want can be a challenge. Pre-owned models in good condition are not much cheaper than new ones.
Well, you’ve got to pay to play I guess, but that’s a lot of scratch for a watch that doesn’t even have a second hand.
What a great looking watch! Thanks for the background and critique. I’m still looking for “the watch”, so all this is helpful to me.
Thanks for your article, just decided to buy a luminor base and your insight helped alot. Now just have to wait for it to arrive.Thanks
That’s great. What an excellent watch. I’m sure you will love it.