THE WATERY HISTORICAL DEPTHS

Panerai's long relationship with the Italian Royal Navy is notable and its Luminor Marina collection represents that robust connection.

- FARHAN SHAH

I LOVE WATCHES WITH STORIES, and Panerai has great ones to share, especially those involving the Italian Royal Navy, or Marina Militare.

Its relationship with the military outfit has several milestones. From creating precision instruments such as naval combat sights to 1930s underwater assault vehicles, the watchmaker has played a key role in Itay’s development.

The Panerai Luminor Marina collection represents the longstanding connection between the watchmaker and the naval institution. The watch first gestated in January 1949 when Giuseppe Panerai, son of founder Giovanni, received the patent for the Luminor name, which he derived for the luminescent substances used. Giuseppe moved away from radium as a luminescent material after scientists discovered the link between radioactivity and adverse health effects.

Then, in the 1960s, the first Panerai bearing the Luminor name introduced itself to the world. The members of the Marina Militare would still wear it.

In the decades since then, the iconic Panerai Luminor hasn't changed much. The crown protective device with lever, which was originally designed to prevent water from entering the device, remains. So does the sandwich dial, which began life to make the luminescence even more prominent and has now become a Panerai signature.