Panerai Luminor Submersible Shark Grey Dial & Blue Ceramic

No other brand, with the possible exception of Rolex and Audemars Piguet, has a fanbase as loyal and constantly growing as the faithful followers of Panerai. Perhaps the reason for this trend lies in the fact that this cult Italian brand enjoys a superb reputation, offering high quality and a unique design. Another reason is perhaps that Panerai, founded in 1860 in Florence, was chosen as the official supplier to the Italian Navy early in the last century. The unmistakably recognizable case design, which has become its hallmark, is certainly no less a reason for the fans' devotion to the brand. Currently, Panerai offers four main collections: Historic, Contemporary, Manufacture, and of course, Special Editions. An interesting fact is that most of the models are produced in limited annual volumes of about 500 pieces and bear their individual number on the case back. Undoubtedly, for all Panerai admirers, it is the Luminor case that has come to mind first in recent years when the brand is mentioned. Perhaps for this very reason, the brand uses it specifically for its sub-series of typical diving watches, the Submersible – in the case of these timepieces, the case is upgraded with a rotating bezel, so that the use of the models underwater is much more functional. The series was first introduced in 1998, and this particular model was launched in 2019 and very quickly won over supporters, and not only from within the ranks of the brand's fans. A slight digression from the topic, but this particular series is Sylvester Stallone's favorite (and he knows his Panerai) – it is the Submersible model that can be seen on his wrist in all of his roles over the last 20-or-so years. In the last 6-7 years, Panerai began to exploit this success and started introducing all sorts of variations of the case to the market – with a larger case, bronze, titanium, DLC, greater water resistance, etc., but this particular model is different from its "brethren" – first because of its size and second because of the color scheme of the bezel and dial. All of this makes this watch sought-after and desired by the brand's collectors, as well as by watch enthusiasts in general. The bezel is made of steel with a ceramic insert in a bright blue color, and the dial is very unusual – besides being grey (not very common for watches in general), it also has a rough, leather-like texture – perhaps for this very reason, Panerai has named it “shark grey”. Among collectors and enthusiasts, Panerai is known for the fact that most of their watches look good with a large number of different straps and bracelets. Not all watches can boast this, as they only pair well with a limited number of color options. This Panerai is suitable for the rubber strap it comes with, as well as for the various velcro options, and let's not even start on the topic of what variations of color schemes, origin, and composition of leathers are available on the market for this brand. By changing the straps, you can give the watch a completely different look, while still adhering to the traditional one for the brand and model – from black to yellow and all possible colors of the palette, and changing bracelets and straps is made easy, thanks to the quick-change system with buttons in the case lugs. The dial displays the time, while an additional sub-dial at '9 o'clock' is designated for measuring the seconds, and the indicator at '3 o'clock' shows the date. The watch's luminescence is remarkable – the indices and hands are coated with SuperLuminova, which contrasts quite well against the dial. In the dark, the illumination provided by the luminescent coating complements the color and shape of the watch case, which makes reading the time very easy and effortless. Above the dial sits a thick 3.2 mm slightly curved crystal with an anti-reflective coating; the case is water-resistant to 300 m – typical for a serious diver's watch. Of course, as befits a true Panerai, this model also features the brand's signature protected crown, which is also quite easy to use. It can be wound even when it is not released, and when it is released, you can set the time by pulling it out.