Friday, November 1, 2024

Panerai Navy SEALs Submersible Watches Are Built for Extreme Performance

Panerai PAM01518

A watch that lives up to its name is worthy of being singled out, which is especially true of the entire range of new Panerai Navy SEALs Submersible watches. Just looking at the four watches immediately brings to mind the image of special forces operators. We grant that this could be said of many Panerai watches, not just the four references in this Navy SEALs Submersible family; that is just the advantage that the Swiss-Italian watchmaker has with its distinctive looks and character.

In the case of the four new watches, this is reflected in the degraded (gradient) black to anthracite dials; beige desert camouflage-inspired Super-Luminova on the hands, markers and subdials; similarly themed Super-Luminova treated zero-position markers on the unidirectional rotating bezels; bullseye-style small seconds counters at 9 o’clock; and “NAVY SEALS” emblazoned on the dials at 6 o’clock. The Navy SEALs emblem – the famous trident – is laser-engraved onto the solid casebacks of all four models.

For ease of reference, the four new watches are the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Navy SEALs PAM01518; Submersible QuarantaQuattro GMT Navy SEALs Carbotech™ PAM01513; Submersible Navy SEALs Titanio PAM01669; and, to cap it off, the Submersible Chrono Navy SEALs Titanio PAM01521.

While PAM01518 may be the simplest model, it bears a certain distinction that may spark the interest of Panerai fans. This would be the notable absence of a date display, despite the movement here being the P.900 automatic calibre. This manufacture movement powers quite a number of Panerai models, all with the date function, as a brief search on the Panerai website shows. Although the brand does not say so, PAM01518 might just be the only no-date Submersible. The 44mm watch is cased in brushed 316L steel and is water-resistance rated to 300 metres. The power reserve rating is three days.

Skipping ahead to the most complicated watch, the PAM01521 is also a twist on something Panerai already does, but in its regatta line. This is a flyback chrono with a very specialized function, allowing the chronograph minute hand to be set back one minute at a time (via the pusher at 4 o’clock). When activated (by the start pusher at 10 o’clock), the chronograph begins counting down to zero minutes via the aforementioned minute hand, also with the same beige Super-Luminova. The countdown function is enabled by the automatic calibre P.9100/R, which has been in service since at least 2013. The 47mm watch is cased in DLC- titanium and is rated water-resistant to 500 metres.

The remaining two watches are the PAM01513, a true GMT watch, and the time-and-date PAM01669. Neither of these watches is new, from the perspective of functions so we will dispense with introductions to dive right into the specifications. PAM01513 distinguishes itself with its 44m Carbotech case, complete with bezel in the same proprietary Panerai-developed material; the watch is water-resistant to 500 metres. Powering the action is the automatic calibre P.900/GMT, with a power reserve of three days.

The unique Carbotech material also marks PAM01669, where it forms the bezel; the rest of the 47mm watch is in brushed titanium. Water-resistance is given as 300 metres and the calibre here is not the expected P.900 but the automatic P.9010, with three days of power.

All four watches are exclusive to Panerai boutiques and are available now. All are listed as regular production except PAM01521, which is a limited edition of just 80 pieces. Despite this, we expect that all editions will be hard to come by as previous Navy SEALs models are very popular.

For more on the latest in luxury watch and news reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Lewis Hamilton Goes Off-Track with Dior Men

Lewis Hamilton’s first co-designed capsule collection for Dior Men isn’t just a mere slap of his name.
(ALFREDO PIOLA)

When Lewis Hamilton was announced as Dior’s brand ambassador in July this year, it probably came as a shock to no one. The multiple Formula 1 record holder—the man has the most career wins and world championship titles to date—isn’t just a blur on the racetrack, he’s quite the snazzy dresser off of it. Specifically, Hamilton had been spotted wearing Dior Men on multiple occasions while making the F1 Grand Prix circuit this season.

Brand ambassadorships are a well-established concept that works. But at the rate persons of note are being conferred the title, it’s nigh impossible to keep track of who’s affiliated to which brand. What is rare, however, is a brand ambassador who is more than just a physical embodiment of what a brand represents.

(ALFREDO PIOLA)

Hamilton seems to have a knack for taking his involvement with fashion brands a step further than the norm. With Tommy Hilfiger, Hamilton co-created four TommyXLewis capsule collections from 2018 to 2020, imbuing his own personal sense of style to that of the American brand. And now at Dior Men, he’s charging ahead with a capsule collection designed together with artistic director Kim Jones.

(ALFREDO PIOLA)

“Working with Kim and the talented team at Dior has been a dream, and I was honoured when Kim asked if I’d like to do this with him. Our values and ideas are aligned, making it easy to bring to life a creative collection infused with our shared experiences,” Hamilton expresses.

The new Dior Men Lifestyle Capsule collection is not F1 , or even racing-related, because that would be far too predictable and Hamilton is a multi-faceted individual. Instead, the collection revolves around skiing and snowboarding as a personal celebration of Hamilton’s love for an outdoor-centric winter lifestyle. He’s an adrenaline junkie and has a love for extreme sports aside from motorsports.

“We share a love of nature, a desire to celebrate Africa and an interest in the artisanal processes and techniques that unite craftspeople in Africa with the savoir-faire of the Dior ateliers. Added to that, this collection also reflects Lewis’ sporting side, his virtuosity and our functionality,” says Jones.

African-inspired touches come in the form of motif as well as the use of colours.
(ALFREDO PIOLA)

In many ways, the Lifestyle Capsule collection is a global effort. African-inspired motifs are incorporated within the collection (Jones grew up in African countries in his early years), adding vibrancy to technical functionalities. African weaves made in Burkina Faso, for example, have been crafted into casual suiting by the Dior ateliers, and custom snowboards by Switzerland-based Factory 9 feature Dior branding set against graphic African-inspired motifs. The collection’s technical skiwear by Japanese sportswear brand Descente too are made to withstand the harsh cold conditions on the slopes. The expertise rendered by these different “global ateliers” all ensure that not only do the pieces look exceptional and on par with Dior’s craftsmanship, but that they also function on the same level.

African-inspired touches come in the form of motif as well as the use of colours.
(ALFREDO PIOLA)

Hamilton has taken it a step further by pushing the boundaries of the Dior ateliers in ensuring that sustainability isn’t an afterthought to the creation of the collection. Having been on a plant-based diet since 2017, Hamilton insisted that no animal leather is to be used for any of the pieces in the Lifestyle Capsule collection. He’s pushed for more conscious choices in terms of materiality. The collection’s ready-to-wear such as slouchy denims, knitwear, and fleeces are made partly using organic or recycled textiles. A micro-fibre snow shoe, the Dior Snow derby, has been designed to serve as a casual pair of footwear while simultaneously being capable of performing on the slopes over a snowboard—a cleverly designed versatile pair.

These new touches serve to enhance the collection while retaining the essence of a Kim Jones Dior Men collection. The B44 Blade sneaker is a new addition to Jones’ expanding sneaker offerings for Dior Men. Conceptualised with a decidedly 2000s silhouette in mind, it’s undoubtedly sporty in its allure and rendered in tasteful gradations of colours. It’s too early to say if the design will become a mainstay for Dior Men but it definitely fits in with the existing Dior Men universe.

(ALFREDO PIOLA)

In an interview with WWD, Jones hints that there will be more to come. “This is almost like a taste, and then we get into bigger collections,” he said of the partnership with Hamilton. And to that, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes next, because this collection, in essence, is quite a game-changer for a house like Dior.

This article was first seen on Esquire.Sg

For more on the latest in luxury fashion and style reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

BRABUS BIG BOY 1200: Lavish Creature Comforts Outdoors

At 39.4 feet long, the BIG BOY 1200 provides owners with over 320 square feet of space within the confines of the habitation area.

from Men's Gear

Sunseeker Acquired by Faro Alternative Investments and Lionheart Capital

Sunseeker International — the British shipyard celebrated for its production of high-performance luxury motor yachts — has been officially acquired by Faro Alternative Investments and the American investment firm Lionheart Capital. This strategic acquisition marks the end of Sunseeker’s 11-year tenure under the ownership of China’s Dalian Wanda Group.

Read More: M&A: British Luxury Yacht Manufacture SUNSEEKER to be acquired by US Lionheart Capital

The acquisition was confirmed during a press conference at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), where the news had been anticipated for several months. Initial reports suggested an ownership transfer from Dalian Wanda to Lionheart Capital, with discussions of an Italian investment fund’s interest in Sunseeker first emerging in April.

Sunseeker Ocean 182

Faro Alternative Investments completed the acquisition through its Real Economy sub-fund, with advisory support from Orienta Capital Partners and backing from Lionheart Capital in a collaborative deal. The move is intended to underscore the company’s commitment to creating value through a “unique network of expertise and investment opportunities”.

Based in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker has been a prominent name in yacht manufacturing for over 50 years and is recognised globally as a pioneer in the luxury yachting industry. The company reported approximately GDP 320 million in sales in the fiscal year 2023, primarily from yachts ranging from 15 to 50 metres. Currently, Sunseeker boasts an impressive order book valued at around GDP 540 million (approximately EUR 640 million) and is set to expand its offerings by developing high-end superyachts.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55 

Read More: Sunseeker Superhawk 55 Shines At Sea

At the helm of the newly formed board is Giancarlo Galeone, who takes on the role of chairman for both Faro and Sunseeker. Galeone is a seasoned figure in the yachting industry, having previously served as CEO and vice president of the Ferretti Group under Norberto Ferretti, and co-founding Anvera, a shipyard known for crafting luxury RIBs. His extensive experience is expected to guide Sunseeker toward ambitious growth targets while enhancing the shipyard’s British identity and craftsmanship.

“We are excited to embark on this new journey with Sunseeker,” Galeone expressed, highlighting the potential for significant investment in developing both core and niche yacht models. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the brand’s roots while driving innovation and expansion in the global market.

Read More: Sunseeker Reveals 120 Yacht Concept

Ophir Sternberg — the founder and CEO of Lionheart Capital and now co-owner of Sunseeker — also voiced his enthusiasm, stating, “Welcoming Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital family is a strategic investment in a brand with a rich history and bright future. Our understanding of the luxury yacht industry’s dynamics positions us to support Sunseeker’s growth and innovation.”

A Sunseeker Predator 108 yacht, featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale, capable of sailing at up to 50 miles per hour. (Photo courtesy of Handout & SCMP)

Read More: Sunseeker, Sanlorenzo Building Up to Boot Dusseldorf

Under the new leadership, Sunseeker aims to uphold its legacy of crafting exceptional yachts that epitomise luxury, performance, and innovation. Andrea Frabetti, the company’s CEO, expressed confidence in the future, asserting that the new ownership structure will facilitate significant growth and allow Sunseeker to reach new heights while honouring the vision of its founders.

FARO Alternative Investments, a platform focused on alternative investments, aims to leverage its global reach and diversified strategies, primarily in private equity and venture capital. Meanwhile, Orienta Capital Partners, with its expertise in high-growth SMEs, will continue to play a crucial role in supporting the shipyard’s development.

Read More: Sunseeker announces nine models for Cannes Yachting Festival

For more on the latest in luxury yachting news and reads, click here.

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from LUXUO