It seems Cartier’s exhibition isn’t the only one influenced by Indian revelry. Officine Panerai is paying tribute to India with two special edition watches showcasing the iconic ‘Gateway of India’ engravings. Mumbai’s most famous monument, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 has made its way to the back of the dials of two special edition timepieces today.
The first special edition is a Luminor Marina – 44 mm with a case in polished steel and the bridge protecting the crown in brushed steel. Its classic Panerai black dial and special ecru coated hour markers and figures add to its elegant appeal. The hour and minute hands, like the small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, are coated with the same luminous substance, thus combining maximum visibility. This luminosity is supported with a vintage look, afforded by the antiqued leather strap. Its movement is the hand-wound calibre OP II and only 50 of its plush units have been produced.
The next watch is even more exclusive. Only 10 in number, the Radiomir 10 Days GMT – 47mm timepieces are accompanied by a sophisticated cushion case in polished steel. All the elements on the black sandwich dial, as well as the hands, are in ecru Super-LumiNova. The strap is vintage leather again and the movement is the automatic calibre P.2003, created entirely within the Officine Panerai Neuchâtel manufacture.
Both timepieces are decked with sapphire, made from corundum and with an anti-reflective coating. They are to be sold exclusively at the luxury brand’s Mumbai boutique. Sitting in its prestigious Taj Mahal Palace & Towers setting, the boutique honors the historical ties between Officine Panerai and the Italian Navy besides offering the rarest special editions of the Italian fine watch making company.
