Luxpresso – 
Officine Panerai, which started out as the official watch brand for the Royal Italian Navy, is paying ode to Mumbai with the launch of two lines of limited edition watches.
Both, available only in Mumbai, are engraved with an image of the maximum city’s most iconic symbol – the Gateway of India – on the back casing making this an interesting addition to an aficionado’s watch collection.
Talking about the special edition Mumbai collection, Milvin George, managing director for Panerai’s Middle East, Turkey & India operations, says, “The idea is to celebrate the opening of our first boutique in India and dedicate watches with engraving of monument or important landmark from the city of Mumbai.”
He says the decision to use etch the Gateway of India onto the watches was taken as it is symbolic for its commemoration of King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to India in 1911 and “is widely recognised as the gateway of power and majesty.”
The Mumbai editon Luminor Marina
The first of the two watches is the 44mm Luminor Marina. Encased in polished steel – the bridge over the crown is made from a contrasting brushed steel though – the dial comes in a classic Panerai black. It’s decorated with the brand and collection names and also features a slow-speed torpedo that sailors from the Royal Italian Navy used to conduct their missions in the 1940s, in a nod to the brand’s naval links. Adding vintage appeal is an antique leather strap.
Adding a modern flourish though, is the ecru Super-LumiNova substance that coats the hour markers and hour and minute hands. Only 50 pieces of this line are available.
The Mumbai editon Radiomir 10 Days GMT watch
Even more exclusive is the 10 piece collection of Radiomir 10 Days GMT watches. The 47mm watch comes in a cushion case of polished steel. And here, all the elements on the black dial, from the hour marking and hands to the ‘Panerai Radiomir GMT’ all are in ecru Super-LumiNova. Complications include seconds dials at the 9 o’clock position and a calendar at the 3 o’clock position.
Available at the Panerai boutique, Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai; price: on request.
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