Founded by Giovanni Panerai in 1860, Panerai is a beloved Italian watch brand that sold watches to the Italian Navy through the 20th century. It was on the wrists of Italian Naval officers that Panerai proved itself as a reliable and durable watchmaker whose timepieces can handle even the toughest environments. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that the brand saw a resurgence in the U.S. when Sylvester Stallone brought the built-for-mine-sweepers timepieces to the American public when he sported them on his wrist on the silver screen in Daylight.
Like Sly himself, Panerai watches have traditionally been big watches with big personalities, which is what makes the brand’s latest release that much more notable. For 2021, Panerai has brought to market a downsized version of a Panerai legend, the Luminor Marina. This is a release that is sure to delight Panerai’s dedicated fanbase (referred to as Paneristis), as well as watch enthusiasts the world over.
Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta
PaneraiThe new Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta is a 40mm version of the legendary watch, revived from Panerai’s portfolio of legacy timepieces. This downsizing (the traditional Luminor Marina is 44mm) is a huge step for a brand that’s known for its beast-sized tool watches. And it works. Big time. Its brushed steel case and polished bezel retain its “large and in charge” feel, but it’s closer to the sweet spot for many watch lovers without Stallone-sized wrists. The Luminor Marina’s dial is also perfectly suited for 40mm, its small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and date at 3 o’clock leaving plenty of room for a clean, beautiful display.
But before you start to wonder where the compromise is with the Quaranta, don’t. This is the same elegant, refined, highly acclaimed tool watch in a scaled-down package that is sure to appeal to a broad audience.
The watch is powered by the enduring P.900 movement that, at just 4.2mm thin, packs a punch with an automatic winding caliber, three-day power reserve and water resistance of 10 bar.
Overall, it’s a Panerai that’ll look great on anyone, anywhere. At launch, the Luminor Marina Quaranta is available in three silhouettes, a gorgeous black, blue and white.
PAM01270
It’s all about the blue. A blue sun-brushed dial, to be exact, which shines like the ocean’s depths in the sun. On a navy blue alligator or tobacco brown calf leather strap (it comes with both), this watch is sure to impress.
Panerai
PAM01271
The white-dialed Luminor Marina really benefits from the 40mm size of the Quaranta, in our opinion. It’s crisp and clean, lending plenty of pure bright dial for the eye to rest on and emphasizing the small seconds subdial.
Panerai
PAM01272
Blacked out, on a black alligator strap, this watch is all business: whether in the boardroom or a sailboat, it’s sleek, classic Italian style.
Panerai