Panerai Rolls Out FIVE Watches for the 35th America's Cup

Written By: Paul Altieri

Panerai rolls out the updated Regatta, Flyback, and Marina models at the 35th America's Cup — The Regatta, Flyback, and Marina are all produced by Panerai

Teams Sponsored by Panerai at America’s Cup

Officine Panerai just made a very smart move. They are inking a deal to partner with two of the teams competing in the 35^th America’s Cup in Bermuda. Sponsoring both Oracle Team USA and SoftBank Team Japan, as well as creating, an “official watch” for the famed race. With the amount of press, Oracle will get as defending champions Panerai is bound to derive some benefit from the move. The deal was just announced at SIHH where Panerai debuted not one but five new limited-edition watches in honor of the partnership. At the same time, Panerai has all but issued a challenge of its own to Zenith. Watch partner of the Land Rover BAR America’s Cup team produced a special edition America’s Cup watch as well. Omega is a partner with Emirates, a highly regarded team. Land Rover BAR is seen as the most serious contender for the Cup, which was first awarded in 1851.

Land Rover, Omega, Fly Emirates, LV, and other various sponsors at the 35th America's Cup. — Land Rover BAR Racing Team skippered by Sir Ben Ainslie (GBR) shown here in action on day 1 of racing this weekend. (Credit: Lloyd Images)

New Watches & Teams at America’s Cup

Panerai has long sponsored sailing races and now runs the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge every year, the largest international regatta series for classic and vintage yachts. The America’s Cup, the world’s most prestigious sailing race, is another order of magnitude. However, the five watches Panerai is introducing include:

The Official Watch of the America’s Cup: the stainless steel Luminor Marina 1950 America’s Cup 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm;
Three Official Watches of Oracle Team USA: the ceramic Luminor 1950 Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica – 44mm; the titanium Luminor 1950 Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio – 44mm; and the stainless steel Luminor 1950 Oracle Team USA 8 Days Acciaio – 44mm.
The Official Watch of SoftBank Team Japan: the stainless steel Luminor Marina 1950 SoftBank Team Japan 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm.

There is a limited amount of the Panerai Luminor Flyback. — Panerai Flyback from America’s Cup.

Introducing the Limited Edition Luminor Regatta

The 35^th America’s Cup watches are versions of Panerai’s beautifully designed Regatta series made for its previous yachting endeavors. Only 300 units of the Official America’s Cup watch will be produced for collectors worldwide. Panerai is billing the stainless steel Luminor 1950 Oracle Team USA 8 Days Acciaio – 44mm as a new version of the Luminor Marina with an eight-day power reserve. The already extant Luminor Marina PAM00510, which retails for $6,600, has the same function. We expect the 300-piece run of the America’s Cup watch to sell out quickly. Some may wait to pull the trigger on the Oracle watches. Until such time, as they (hopefully) emerge as the clear winner; the appeal of a watch designed for the losing team may be somewhat limited. Still, there’s no way to go off course with any of these handsome machines.

Keeping up with the sailors of America's Cup. — Panerai’s Luminor Regatta America’s Cup. Note the colors on the watch, even the thread.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.