Panerai Luminor 'Tantalum'

Although by no means diminutive, Panerai watches — with their excellent "cushion" case design that has become synonymous with the brand — do have a way of wearing smaller than advertised. 

For us vintage snobs, modern Panerai can be a tricky subject.  They’re either a home-run, or, well…the opposite.

This particular limited edition piece, a Reference PAM00172, is very much the former.

Housed in a 44mm case constructed out of tantalum, it features a sapphire crystal, a guarded and locking crown, a luminous satin black 'sandwich' dial with a matching blued'steel handset, and the signature Luminor Marina small seconds indicator at 9 o’clock.

Powered by the Panerai's Calibre OP XI manual winding movement, this piece comes paired to a signed black rubber strap with a signed tantalum pin buckle.

With just 300 units made worldwide, this piece combines prototypical Panerai looks with its beautiful, balanced dial, excellent proportions, and classic Luminor design, with a stealthy exotic touch.

It’s everything a modern Panerai should be.

Giovanni Panerai founded his eponymous business in Florence in 1860 and quickly began making strides in the development of military and timekeeping equipment. In 1916, Panerai developed a radium/zinc sulfide powder mixture which he encased in glass vessels, the invention of which would form the basis of the “Radiomir” line of watches so beloved by collectors today.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Panerai supplied various units of the Italian Navy — including the Decima Mas, which carried out special forces-type raids on Allied shipping using small submersibles during the Second World War — with watches. These oversized timepieces, which were some of the world’s first dedicated military watches, featured stainless steel cases and Cortebert-made movements produced for Rolex. (Their distinctive, glowing “sandwich” dials were yet another Panerai invention, and continue to feature heavily in the brand’s modern catalog.)

Following the War, Panerai developed a new, tritium-based luminescent technology it dubbed “Luminor,” which replaced the radium-based Radiomir. A new case design featuring a bridge and locking mechanism to increase water resistance accompanied this luminous compound, resulting in one of the most iconic case designs still in production today.

In 1972, following the death of Guido Panerai’s son, Guiseppe, the firm was taken over by engineer Dino Zei, its name changed to Officine Panerai S.r.L. The company, which had never before produced its military designs for the civilian market, reissued three of them in 1993 to much acclaim. Panerai was subsequently purchased by the Vendome Group — the precursor to the modern Richemont Group — in 1997, and remains within its portfolio of luxury brands today. Its production of both Luminor and Radiomir-inspired designs firmly reestablished, Panerai continues to introduce new models that include complicated, in-house movements and unique case materials, such as its patented Carbotech.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.