New Panerai Marine Chronometer - Wonder of Horology and Navigation

In 2007 Officine Panerai has introduced a new version of the timekeeping device that marked an important step in the evolution of both horology and navigation - the marine chronometer. From the middle of the 18th century until the recent times, marine chronometers have guided the course of many ships, representing the most precise portable mechanical instrument ever created.

Today marine chronometers are falling into oblivion. Yet Panerai, maintaining its historical connection to the sea, has developed a limited, individually numbered series of Marine Chronometers, the modern interpretation of a time-honored horological specialty. The original model of Panerai Marine Chronometer has been developed with a period movement. For the new Panerai creation, the mechanism's mechanical parts have been modified to result in the appearance of the hand-wound movement with a traditional key - Panerai calibre OP XX, with precision guaranteed by C.O.S.C. chronometer certification.

To create the modern version of the marine chronometer, Panerai watch-makers opted for the new appearance and innovative materials. The case of the marine chronometer has not been produced from brass as traditional chronometers. Instead, it has been crafted in AISI 316L stainless steel, the same as the bezel and the gimbals. The gimbals represent a special system necessary for achieving most accurate timekeeping as the watch stays in a perfectly horizontal position, despite the vessel's pitching and rolling movements.

The bezel is attached in place by a system based upon a quick-operating bayonet that improves the time setting operation. With such type of a timepiece, setting the time is performed when the bezel is removed and the hands are adjusted directly using a key. The stainless steel key is the same as used for the chronometer winding.

Following the steps of the historically important Panerai watches - Luminor and Radiomir, the dial of the marine chronometer consists of two layers of black metal that are superimposed on each other. This way the layers form a sandwich-like construction containing luminous paste. This system offers perfect visibility even in complete darkness.

The 52-hour power reserve is shown by a pointer moving horizontally along a graduated scale. The Panerai Marine Chronometer provides the indication of the power reserve not as just a aesthetic feature - it is an important detail of a marine chronometer that must work with no when at sea, so the power reserve indicator reminds when it is necessary to wind the chronometer up. The brand's watchmakers applied the innovative device that locks the small seconds hand and the movement which by using the same key. This way the clock is perfectly synchronized.

The movement of the new Panerai Marine Chronometer is worth special attention. To access the movement of the timepiece, its owner must release the stop keeping the gimbals locked when the watch is moved. Then, the watch's owner can turn the case over and rest one's eyes on the Panerai caliber OP XX due to the case back replaced with a thick crystal. The crystal contains a special opening for the key inserting in order to wind the chronometer, as well as the direction indication in which it is to be turned. The balance fitted with anti-shock protection and oscillating at 14,400 vibrations per hour is fixed in position by a bridge with two points of support. It operates with the complicated detent escapement that makes the small seconds hand move in clearly audible clicks, one per half-second.

The new Marine Chronometer is housed in a square-shaped case measuring 195 mm along each side and 170 mm high. It is produced from solid teak and equipped with brushed steel side handles featuring polished edges for carrying it. Inside there is a storage place for the winding and setting key. A crystal window in the top allows to check the time without opening the case.

The Officine Panerai Marine Chronometer has been developed in a limited number of 30 and will be available at the retail price of 22,000 Euro. The device can be still useful for navigation, but it is created also an exclusive collectorРІР‚в„ўs item, a descendant of the accurate portable mechanical instruments used for time measuring.