If you’re a follower of Panerai, you’ve likely seen that historic black and white photograph reading ‘Orologeria’, an important location on Florence’s Piazza San Giovanni that served as the heart of the brand in its earliest days. What you may not have realised is that that location opened in 1926, meaning that this year marks the centenary of the seminal location with an immersive exhibition (you might even say a ‘deep dive’) into the brand’s history, as well as two new limited editions in honour of the occasion.

These two watches, PAM01734 and PAM01794, both make use of the famous Luminor case in a 44mm size, and continue to express Panerai’s focus on the history and fundamentals of the model, with the classic silhouette, dial configuration and powerful manually wound movement.

Both references owe homage to the ref. 6152/1 from the 1960s, but unlike other models in the brand’s catalogue, these releases feel less like a trip down memory lane and more like a modern interpretation of a classic. PAM01734 is cased in Platinumtech and is obviously the more exclusive of the two, only made in 100 pieces, while the steel PAM01794 is limited to 1000 pieces.

A vintage Panerai Ref. 6152/1 (Image: Phillips)

Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01734 and PAM01794 (©Revolution)

The dials on these releases are unusual, and a nod to a rare prototype of the ref. 6152/1, with ‘Panerai Firenze’ etched onto the circular brushed dial (green in platinum and black in steel). Purists will appreciate the use of the famous sandwich-style construction and the familiar, vintage-inspired pencil hands in gold or blue, depending on the model.

Closed up on the dial (©Revolution)

Closed up on the dial (©Revolution)

While the case and dial speak to the history of Panerai, the movement is Panerai’s contemporary P.5000, offering a mighty eight days of power out of two barrels, and serving as an evolution of the fundamentals of Panerai’s movement requirements that have remained consistent ever since they were supplying timepieces to the Italian Navy. On the steel model, the calibre is hidden behind a closed caseback, while the platinum model affords a view of the massive 3/4 plate.

The closed caseback with “Orologeria” engraved (©Revolution)

The view of the massive 3/4 plate (©Revolution)

Two final nods to the significance of these references can be found on the strap and box. The straps, in calf, are hot-stamped with the symbol of the city of Florence, a distinctive lily, and both models are presented in mahogany boxes with dovetail joins and, on the interior of the lid, a custom plaque displaying the historic boutique entrance. While these watches are available in boutiques worldwide, we think a trip to Florence to pick one up in its historic home would be special indeed.

The hot-stamped with the symbol of the city of Florence (©Revolution)

Details on the side (©Revolution)

Tech Specs: Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01734

Movement Calibre P.5000, hand-wound, eight-day power reserve
Functions Hours, minutes
Case Platinumtech, 44mm, water-resistant to 100M
Dial Green sandwich construction dial
Strap Black calf with hot stamp inspired by the Florentine lily, white gold buckle and additional rubber strap
Price and availability SGD 77,300, limited to 100 pieces

Tech Specs: Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01794

Movement Calibre P.5000, hand-wound, eight-day power reserve
Functions Hours, minutes
Case Polished steel, 44mm, water-resistant to 30M
Dial Black sandwich construction dial
Strap Dark brown calf with hot stamp inspired by the Florentine lily, steel buckle and additional rubber strap
Price and availability SGD 15,100, limited to 1000 pieces