Panerai has just begun to deliver the first examples of the new “Regatta 2004”, latest in the Luminor SUBMERSIBLE series. For the past four years, the Italian brand has celebrated the Laureus Sports Awards and dedicates a limited series of a specific model to this international event. It is with his piece, so much awaited by Panerai enthusiasts, that la Cote des Montres™ has chosen to inaugurate its new rubric, “Test Bench.”

Launched in 2000, the much-prized “Regatta” series saw the light of day under the name “Montecarlo”, the site of that year’s sea competition. Two hundred examples of the model in question, the PAM00081, were brought out on the Luminor Marina automatic 40mm base. In 2001, the word “Regatta” appeared on the dial of the 44mm PAM00107 version (500 units produced.) In 2002, Panerai crowned the event once again with the Luminor GMT 44mm PAM00156 (300 examples) and 2003 was the turn of the Luminor GMT Chrono 40mm PAM168 (399units.)

This year, Panerai presents the “Regatta” Portugal May 2004, based on a Luminor Submersible dear to the brand, under the reference PAM00199.

Produced in only 500 units, it shares the essential characteristics of its older sibling, the steel Luminor Submersible PAM00024. It has a 44mm steel case, automatic movement with date at 3 o’clock, unidirectional turning lunette, natural rubber bracelet and water resistant to 300 meters (tested to 400meters). The main differences are the completely new dial in carbon fiber, and a very practical new generation Panerai unfolding clasp.

the completely new limited edition “Regatta 2004” will satisfy fans of the brand. What a pleasure to possess one of the rare examples of a watch brought out in such limited numbers (500 units worldwide) when for other brands, the fashion for “limited series” leads some manufacturers to put out a series of 9999 pieces!

The “standard” Luminor Submersible is an exceptional watch, and the Luminor Submersible “Regatta 2004” reaches the heights in terms of both design and ergonomics. On the purely technical side, it will enable aficionados of the brand to put on a watch that’s different to standard production but will also be a real professional tool for the adventurers amongst us. Allowing diving to 300 meters, the “Regatta 2004” once more proves its perfect legibility and optimum visibility in all conditions of use.

The absolute arm of Panerai is the quality of assembly of a Panerai time-piece and the irreproachable quality of materials used to make it. Once more, the “Regatta 2004” achieves zero errors.
Obviously, detractors will always say that the brand doesn’t really manufacture its own movement, but even so, less and less people would now contest the Italian company’s success.

The Italian firm once more strengthens its exclusive image by creating, as for all the special series, a huge and splendid pear wood presentation box marked with the name of the watch and accompanied by the certificate of authenticity filled in by hand by Mr. Panerai in person… Panerai marketing pushes out all the stops to flatter the ego of the new acquirer.

A magnificent product as always, efficient and well marketed. As for the price, for 3800 Euros, (the price of a standard Luminor Submersible) in addition to its exclusive image, the “Regatta 2004” offers a specific dial in carbon fibre and the superb and very efficient house-designed unfolding clasp. The whole will be delivered to you in a truly exceptional presentation box. We cracked, and you will too!

Careful, we’ve already got ours, so there are only 499 left.

Strong points:

• 500 units, not a single one more!
• Breathtaking style
• Quality of construction
• The power of attraction of the brand
• The house-designed fold-over buckle
• The Panerai natural rubber bracelet
• Superb super-size packaging

Weak points:

• 500 units, not a single one more!
• A rather conventional movement


Price: 3800 euros

Our verdict : ****

Thierry Castagna / La Cote des Montres™
Photos Luc Virginius