Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 Softbank Team Japan 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm (Reference: PAM00732)
Swiss watch maker Officine Panerai, the official partner of the 35th edition of America’s Cup and Softbank Team Japan, has created a special edition Luminor Marina 1950 for the Japanese team, which is returning to the finals of world’s most popular sailing event after a gap of 15 years.
SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN, which races under the flag of the Kansai Yacht Club, is led by the internationally famous Skipper Dean Barker, who is celebrated in the world of sailing for having set the incredible record speed of 47.57 knots in 2013, the highest speed ever recorded by an AC72 (America’s Cup 72 foot class yacht).
On the occasion of the qualifying races for the 2017 America’s Cup, Officine Panerai is dedicating to SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN one of the watches most sought after by enthusiasts of high quality sports watchmaking: a Special Edition of the Luminor Marina 1950 SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN 3 Days Automatic, of which only 150 units will be made.
The Official Watch of SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN combines in a masterly way the most iconic elements of the Panerai aesthetic with details paying tribute to the team led by the internationally famous Skipper Dean Barker.
The case of AISI 316L stainless steel, with brushed finish and polished bezel, has the classic device which protects the winding crown from accidental shocks and helps to guarantee the water-resistance of the watch to 30 bars (about 300 metres).
The sandwich-structure dial is black and, even in little or no light, its indications can be read with exemplary clarity, thanks to the large luminous linear hour markers and figures. The date window is at 3 o’clock while the small seconds counter is positioned symmetrically at 9 o’clock.
The blue in which the inscription AMERICA’S CUP is printed at 6 o’clock is immediately reminiscent of the colours of the prestigious competition’s logo, combined with the red of the seconds hand and the white of the other markings on the dial. The solid steel screw back carries the official logo of SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN and a drawing of the yacht.
The movement of the Luminor Marina 1950 SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN 3 Days Automatic is the automatic P.9010 with a power reserve of three days. The energy needed to accumulate a power reserve of three days is stored in two barrels whose springs are wound by a bidirectional oscillating weight.
The balance, fixed by a bridge with twin supports, oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and it is fitted with a stopping device which comes into effect as soon as the winding crown is pulled out, so that the watch can be synchronised exactly with a reference signal.
Also, the hour can be adjusted conveniently without interfering with the running of the minute hand, thanks to the device which directly moves only the relative hand in jumps of one hour forwards or backwards.
The black leather strap of the Luminor Marina 1950 SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN 3 Days Automatic (PAM00732) also pays tribute to the SOFTBANK TEAM JAPAN: as well as having the logo of the America’s Cup heat-embossed on both sides, it has contrasting stitching in red and white, the colours of the Japanese flag.
Technical details
Model: Luminor Marina 1950 Softbank Team Japan 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm, Reference: PAM00732
Movement
Automatic mechanical, P.9010 calibre
Power reserve: 72H
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Case
44 mm, AISI 316L brushed steel
Water-resistance: 30 bar (~300 metres)
Dial
Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers
Date at 3 o’clock, seconds at 9 o’clock
