Panerai Dives Into History With ‘The Depths of Time’ Exhibition And A New Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218
4 min read
Florence, September 10, 1993 marked a turning point in the history of Panerai. After decades of operating behind military secrecy, supplying precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy since the 1910s, the brand finally stepped into the public eye. For the first time, timepieces designed exclusively for military divers became available to civilians, retaining their functional DNA while introducing Panerai’s bold design language to a wider audience.
In 2025, Panerai celebrates this pivotal anniversary with a twofold tribute: “The Depths of Time” exhibition in Florence and the debut of the Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218, a modern reinterpretation of the reference that first brought Panerai to civilian wrists. Emmanuel Perrin, CEO of Panerai comments, ““We are proud to unveil “The Depths of Time” exhibition, where connoisseurs and watch enthusiasts can discover the secrets of Panerai’s legendary past. The exhibition offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the birth of Panerai’s distinctive features, which have evolved into a design that is now unmistakable and recognized worldwide. Each innovation originally served a functional need, and each contributed to defining the Maison’s hallmarks. Through the lens of history, we showcase how a family-owned business, in less than a century, captured the public’s attention with its compelling allure and became a recognized name in the luxury watchmaking industry.”
The Exhibition: A Journey Through Classified Origins
Hosted at Panerai’s Florentine flagship, “The Depths of Time” revisits the Maison’s evolution from a closely guarded military supplier to a recognized name in luxury watchmaking. The exhibition features never-before-seen archival documents, including correspondence with the Marina Militare, technical drawings, early catalogues, and original photographs. Instruments such as depth gauges and compasses appear alongside historical watches and patents that highlight Panerai’s breakthroughs in underwater readability and luminous technology.
The narrative culminates with the legendary debut aboard the destroyer Luigi Durand de la Penne in 1993, in the presence of Duke Amedeo d’Aosta a symbolic moment that introduced Panerai’s watches to the public. The Florence exhibition runs for two months from September 10 before embarking on an international tour to the US and China.
The Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218: A Faithful Reinterpretation
At the heart of the celebration is the Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218. Inspired by the historic Luminor ref. 5218-202/A, first presented in 1993 alongside the Luminor 201/A and Mare Nostrum 301/A, the new model honors Panerai’s civilian debut while incorporating subtle updates.
The 44mm diameter of the case is maintained, recalling how the original ref. 5218-202/A marked a departure from the standard 47mm cases typically supplied to the Marina Militare. This change reflected Panerai’s mission to create a watch that retained the essence of larger cases while incorporating a minimalist and modern aesthetic, resulting in a clean and linear design. This daring design choice set a new benchmark for the watch industry, cementing Panerai’s status as a leading player and trend setter in the world of horology. The 44mm steel case of PAM05218 is now coated in DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), offering a color finish visually consistent with the original PVD treatment of the 5218- 202/A. This results in a striking all-black case, preserving the appealing aesthetic of the original ref. 5218-202/A, which stood out among the other steel references presented in 1993. DLC is a carbon-based coating applied to metal surfaces that offers hardness, resistance to wear, and corrosion protection while giving the case its distinct black appearance.
The watch is powered by the P.6000 calibre a hand-wound movement with a three-day power reserve. It measures 151⁄2 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. The dial bears the historic “Marina Militare” inscription, and its typography has been redrawn to match the original. Panerai has also revived one of the most collectible details of the early civilian models: the so-called “non matching” effect. The 1993 pieces developed caramel-toned numerals while the hands retained a green hue an accident of tritium aging that later became highly prized. In the PAM05218, this contrast is intentionally recreated using caramel Super-LumiNova® for the numerals against lighter-toned hands on a matte black dial.
The closed screw-down caseback, engraved with the Officine Panerai Firenze signature and OP logo, ensures water resistance up to 30 bar (300 meters). Completing the vintage inspired look is a golden brown calf leather strap with DLC-coated trapezoidal buckle, accompanied by a second black rubber strap.
A Legacy Honored
Alessandro Ficarelli, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Panerai, reflects: “With ‘The Depths of Time’, we invite enthusiasts and newcomers alike to discover Panerai’s captivating evolution. The new Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218 celebrates a milestone: the unveiling of the secret and the birth of the Panerai legend.”
The PAM05218 will be available exclusively in boutiques from September 2025, by request only ensuring its place as a coveted piece for collectors and a worthy homage to the moment Panerai first stepped from the shadows into the global spotlight.
Price:
Rs 7,76,569 Approx
