There’s a tool watch and then there’s the tool watch.
Sure any ol’ wristwatch that can tell the time could be considered a tool, but when you start incorporating niche complications for specific situations, you start venturing into purpose-built Tool with a capital 'T' watch territory. Such is the case with this Panerai Luminor 1950 Pangaea - equipped with a depth gauge function housed in a robust titanium case.
This Limited Edition model, a Panerai Reference PAM00307 features a substantial 47mm titanium case with a thick domed sapphire crystal, unidirectionally-rotating stainless steel elapsed time bezel with hash markers up to fifteen minutes, a depth gauge pusher at 10 o’clock and Panerai’s signature patented locking crown mechanism.
The dial is finished a deep glossy blue that comes off as black in low-light scenarios and features luminous hour markers, a constant seconds subsidiary register at 9 o’clock, a matching ‘skeletonized-sword’ handset, and a periphery ‘Arabic-dot’ depth gauge scale.
Rigged with 120 meters of water resistance and fitted to an accordion-style rubber dive strap with titanium hardware, this beastly diver houses the Caliber OP XV - based on the ETA Valjoux 7750-P1 - which offers 42 hours of power reserve and is accompanied by a lithium-ion battery-powered depth gauge function.
We’ve recently seen a slew of sub-39mm, sleek tool watches take over our timelines so seeing this Panerai Luminor 1950 Pangaea diver pass through our hands is refreshing and sparks a, “what the hell is that?” question every time someone walks past.
Limited to just 500 pieces, this diver makes a statement on the wrist — with an exclamation point!