Face Time: Panerai special edition blue dial watches

If blue happens to be your lucky colour for the year, you’re seriously in luck, because Panerai has launched the wrist candy for all your auspicious needs. Featuring a vivid blue dial with eye-catching satine soleil finish — inspired by the rays of the sun on ocean waves, of course — these special edition Luminor and Radiomir models are only available exclusively in Panerai boutiques worldwide.

With a history that dates all the way back to 1860, Officine Panerai has been known for its military-styled watches, though that focus appears to be skewing towards a more contemporary design approach to accommodate the modern gentleman. This collection in particular is surely testament to the brand’s commitment to evolving itself with the times, as a blue dial has never been applied to its iconic timepieces.

Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Acciaio – 42mm (Ref. PAM00688)

This Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Acciaio might be the least expensive of the lot at S$12,300, but it’s in no way basic. Inside, Panerai’s automatic Caliber P.9001 powers its hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, date indication at 3 o’clock, a GMT function and a three-day power reserve indicator, visible at the back of the movement. Still not impressed? Well, it also has a seconds reset function that stops the balance wheel and zeroes the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. Outside, a matching blue leather strap with contrasting ecru stitching gives the timepiece a retro-chic look that’s synonymous with the brand.

Panerai Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT Automatic Acciaio – 44mm (PAM00689)

At 44mm, this bigger iteration also comes equipped with a dial-matching blue leather strap, but that’s where its similarities end. Within sits a different in-house Panerai movement, the Caliber P.2003, which — proudly displayed on the dial at 6 o’clock — boasts a remarkable 10-day power reserve. Formed in Panerai’s “sandwiched style”, which sees two superimposed disks over a film of Super-LumiNova, the numerals on this watch shines through the top disk’s stencil-cut sheet. The date window is at 3 o’clock, and across the dial, a useful AM/PM indicator cohabits with the small seconds subdial. This version is slightly costlier at S$19,200, thanks to its more complex mechanism.

Panerai Radimoir 1940 3 Days Acciaio – 47mm (PAM00690)

If you’ve always been more biased towards the Radiomir, Panerai has also got you covered. The larger version sees a 47mm-wide case that accompanies a more classic looking untreated leather Assolutamente strap, complete with a hot-pressed Officine Panerai “OP” logo. On its azure face, the large Arabic numerals provide more than enough legibility, especially with its ecru Super-LumiNova finishes. Inside this vintage-looking piece lies the manual-winding P.3000 movement, which will provide three days worth of power from its two spring barrels. The manufacturer has also equipped this S$13,200 watch with a device that allows user to conveniently adjust the hour hand without interfering with the minute hand — a feature that will prove useful for frequent travellers who find themselves in different time zones every other day.

Panerai Radiomir 1940 10 Days GMT Automatic Oro Rosso

Thanks to its precious metal case, the last of the quartet is also the most expensive at S$51,500, and most exclusive with only 200 examples. Made from a special alloy named 5Npt — a blend of gold, copper and platinum —which gives it its warm, reddish tone, the 45mm timepiece runs with the P.2003/10 movement. Though mechanically identical to the movement inside the PAM00689 mentioned above, this one is skeletonised — the first for Panerai and its credentials are impressive. Automatically wound, it has a frequency of 28,800 mph, and its three spring barrels will get you through 10 days at a go. Look to its back and its movement, complete with open worked bridges and bidirectional winding rotor with the brand name cut out on its outer edge will surely mesmerise you for hours on end.

Officine Panerai, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #01-18, Singapore 238801; +65 6636 9313 

www.paneraibluedial.com