Panerai's sailing spirit shines in luna rossa watches

When it comes to dive watches, few brands are as authentic as Panerai. The 90-year-old Italian company built its reputation on rugged timepieces tried and tested for decades in the most extreme conditions, often underwater. But while many sports watch brands offer pieces purpose-built for the ocean, Panerai's modern iterations of those iconic designs can shine just as brightly on dry land.

Luna rossa's racing heartbeat

Take, for instance, Panerai's ongoing collaboration with the America's Cup, sailing's most glamorous trophy. The brand has been a close partner and sponsor of the Italian Luna Rossa squad since 2019, creating as many as 29 specially designed Luna Rossa watches in the process, including two releases last week based on the historic Luminor Marina design.

One of these new timepieces is a 44mm chronograph with a 42-hour power reserve, while the other is a 40mm GMT model boasting a 72-hour reserve. Both are crafted in stainless steel and feature sun-brushed silver dials, with the chronograph accented by a chunky rubber-and-textile strap in gray, complete with the signature red stripe of Luna Rossa. The GMT, meanwhile, comes equipped with a sleek stainless-steel bracelet.

These watches not only look the part but also embody the spirit of Luna Rossa, which has been chasing the America's Cup title for nearly 30 years. As operations manager and mechatronics coordinator Gilberto Nobili explains, the team's heritage and culture are deeply intertwined with the watches that bear their name.