Heritage once again serves as a source of inspiration as Panerai dives into the depths of its history, revisiting the 1960s for its new PAM01731 and PAM01732 models.
Springtime in the watch world means one thing above all: Watches and Wonders, the industry’s largest annual showcase and, naturally, the stage for hundreds of new releases. Each year, the fair becomes the focal point of discussions that continue throughout the months ahead, setting the tone for emerging horological trends. Yet beyond the watches themselves, another aspect consistently captures attention: the remarkable booth designs. Brands compete not only with their novelties but also with immersive presentations that often resemble large-scale art installations. This year, Panerai left an unforgettable mark at Watches and Wonders 2026 with precisely such a concept.
At the heart of the Panerai booth stood a reinterpretation of the military diving tank originally designed by the brand in 1966 for training exercises at the COMSUBIN naval base. Conceived as a glass water tank filled with water, the installation invited visitors through a small hatch in one corner, where Panerai’s latest creations awaited beneath shimmering blue reflections. Yet the brand’s tribute to its heritage did not end with this striking display. Panerai also unveiled the PAM01731 and PAM01732, both inspired by a vintage model produced during the 1960s.
Watch enthusiasts know Panerai’s deep-rooted connection to the naval world. The Luminor collection, today one of the brand’s most iconic lines, was produced exclusively for military use until the 1990s, only becoming available for civilians in 1993. The Marina Militare Ref. 6152/1, which inspired the models featured here, was likewise developed for naval operations.
The Crown Moves to the Other Side
One of the heritage-inspired novelties, the Luminor Destro PAM01732, arrives in a 44 mm stainless steel case. The polished surfaces are paired with Panerai’s iconic crown-protecting bridge, though this time positioned in an unexpected place: the left side of the case. Referred to by the brand as the “Destro” configuration, this arrangement allowed military divers to wear the watch on the right wrist while adjusting the winding crown with the left hand. The result was a more practical and ergonomic tool underwater. The new Luminor Destro pays tribute to this historic layout with a design language that feels unmistakably Panerai.
