A veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, a remarkable athlete, a gentleman both on and off the field and all in all a true Indian cricketing legend – That’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni (aka MS Dhoni) for you! Dhoni has been a long time admirer of Panerai, and it was back in 2018, the Florentine watchmaker signed on the cricketing icon as its brand ambassador for India.
This year Panerai is celebrating this collaboration with the launch of two new models: the Luminor GMT – 44 mm (PAM01056) with a case made of solid AISI 316L stainless steel and the Luminor Chrono Flyback – 44 mm (PAM01057), which is naturally more sophisticated but just as good-looking with its case made of Goldtech, a gold alloy developed by the Panerai Laboratorio di Idee. Both these models are still unquestionably a Panerai, albeit with a whiff of fresh air and a touch of art-deco.
Panerai Luminor GMT 44 mm (PAM01056)
The Panerai Luminor GMT 44mm PAM1056 is a watch that is actually quite refreshing. It features a 44mm cushion shaped case formed from a solid block of AISI 316L stainless steel, a polished steel bezel and the brands’ signature crown protector, with a locking lever (protected by trademark). Apart from the usual functions, the watch also offers a GMT function. A feature shared by both models is the green dial. This is a very relevant identifying characteristic, green being MS Dhoni’s favourite colour as well as one of the colours of the Indian flag. You have a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o clock and a date window at 3 o clock, along with adequate luminosity on the hour markers and hands for optimum readability even in the dark. The watch is secured by a closed caseback which has a special engraving consisting of the inscription “Mahendra Singh Dhoni 183”, the outline of the Indian peninsula and a picture of the player with his signature. Within the 16mm thick case, is a P.9010/GMT automatic mechanical movement with twin spring barrels providing a power reserve of three days. Presented on a black semi-matt alligator leather strap with dark green stitching and an additional military green rubber strap, with a watch like this, turning into a Paneristi, could very well be a possibility.
PAM01056
PAM01056
Panerai Luminor Chrono Flyback 44 mm (PAM01057)
What makes the Panerai Luminor Chrono Flyback 44 mm (PAM01057) particularly impressive is the combination of the matt military green dial sandwich dial and the 44mm case made of Goldtech™. Unlike standard gold, Panerai Goldtech™ is made with a percentage of copper that imbues the material with a rich and intense red hue—one that is both strikingly modern and uniquely timeless. This exquisite metal also contains platinum, which prevents the material from oxidizing, thus extending the lifetime of the watch. The P.9100 calibre used in the Luminor Chrono Flyback – 44 mm (PAM01057) also has twin spring barrels and a power reserve of three days, but its architecture is even more sophisticated in that it has a chronograph movement with a vertical clutch and a column wheel equipped with the flyback function. Appearing in 2013, it was the first automatic chronograph to be entirely developed and produced by Panerai, and it was created with the potential to be used in all kinds of sport. Water-resistant to 30 bar, a depth of about 300 metres, or 5 bar, a depth of about 50 metres, each of the new Luminor MS Dhoni wat GoldtechTM ches has an alligator leather strap, semi-matt black with green stitching. An additional strap in military green rubber is also supplied, together with a special tool for changing it and a screwdriver to remove the pin buckle.
PAM01057
PAM01057