The SIHH 2011 Panerai Watch Collection (Part I)

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is one of the most-awaited events for watch makers and collectors. It is an exclusive event where well-known brands showcase their line-up for the year. Through the annually-celebrated SIHH, watchmakers and designers have the opportunity to share their love and passion for watch making. This year, Panerai is one of the brands who participated in SIHH and the Italian brand unveiled 15 new models to be released soon. Among the watches unveiled are manufactured with the new movement designed by Panerai, the P.3000. The P.3000 movement was launched last year and is the 8th in-house movement introduced by Panerai.

The P. 3000 movement boasts of a hand-wound movement, 3-day power reserve, 21 jewels, 16.5 ligne diameter, 5.3mm thickness, 2 spring barrels, and 3 Hz Frequency Oscillation (21,600A/h). Panerai luxury watches under the P. 3000 movement are expected to fall under the US$10,000 price range. The latest additions to the Panerai family are the following watches:

1. Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed – The Panerai Pam00345 is a flyback chronograph, having only one button to start, stop, and reset the counter. This model does not have the latest P.3000 movement though, but instead has the in-house Panerai 2004/9 calibre. Additionally, this limited edition only has 150 pieces.


2. Officine Panerai Luminor Chromo Daylight PAM00356 – The Chromo Daylight has a 44mm size which is the contemporary Luminor design. With a stainless steel case, the Chromo Daylight also boasts of water resistance of up to 100 meters. Activation of the chronograph function will produce two sub-dials at the 3 and 6 o’clock spots to measure periods of time up to 12 hours.

3. Panerai 1950 Luminor Left Handed 8 Days Titanio PAM00368 - A large Luminor watch, the Panerai 1950 Luminor Left Handed 8 Days Titanio is a limited edition watch – only 1,000 pieces are manufactured. It features the classic Panerai pancake dial, a brown dial that blends nicely with the titanium finish.
4. Panerai Radiomir Chronograph – A smaller 42mm in size, the PAM369 has a self-winding movement, the Panerai OP XXIII Calibre. Though not an in-house movement, the modified movement has a 28,000 vibrations/hour resulting in an almost imperceptible second hand.


5. Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Regatta – The Luminor Submersible 1950 Regatta features a Titanium case and is one of the two Submersible Panerai watches unveiled at this year’s SIHH. It offers a more practical choice because it is lighter, not only because of its Titanium case, but also due to its rubber strap. Powered by the Panerai 9001 calibre, it displays a second hour hand for a second time zone.



Among the other models unveiled at this year’s SIHH are the Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Logo, new Chronographs, Submersibles, Destros and Ceramic which will be further discussed in the succeeding entries.

Changing the Straps of Panerai Luxury Watches

One of the benefits of purchasing authentic Panerai watches is that they have lifetime manufacturing warranties. This means that collectors can simply bring their Panerai watches to authorized dealers for any services they need. Changing the straps of both older and newer Panerai models is an easy task, thanks to the tools that come with the purchase of authentic timepieces. If the tools are no longer available, you can substitute it with other tools. To change the straps of a newer Panerai watch, here’s what you need to know.

1. At the back of the Panerai watch, there is a release button which you should find just at the back of the screw posts, near the base of the watch strap.
2. With a 1.4mm screwdriver, press the release button while simultaneously using an equally sharp object to push the screw button through the screw post. If the original tools that came with the Panerai watch are still available, there is a special tool you can use to do these maneuvers concurrently.
3. Remove both the watch straps once you have pulled the end of the screw out of the screw post.
4. Between the two screw posts, place the new watch strap you want to replace the old one with. In the hole located between the two screw posts, insert a screw and make sure to push it all the way through to securely fasten the strap into the hole.
5. Press the release button and simultaneously push the end of the screw through the screw post with another sharp object.
6. Repeat the procedures to replace the other Panerai watch strap.

Replacing an older Panerai model is easier. Simply remove the two straps of the timepiece with your Panerai screwdriver or any 1.4mm flat-head screwdriver if the original is not available. Remove the old straps and place the new ones between the two screw posts. Finish off by inserting a screw into the screw posts and securing it by pushing it all the way through the screw posts. Tighten with a screwdriver and repeat the same procedure for the other strap.

Panerai luxury watches are truly unique and special. Mostly manufactured in limited editions, owning one not only says a lot about your taste, it also speaks of elegance and style.