The Luminor Destro Otto Giorni

From Panerai -

Courtesy of Panerai

So it goes without saying that while my first (intentional) horological purchase was from Omega, and my first true watch obsession was the Vulcain Cricket, a solid third place was Panerai. And in fairness, this was Panerai writ large. 

 

Courtesy of Panerai

I bought my first (and to date, only) Panerai when I was working at Tourneau in San Francisco. I say first because I do hope to have another one - serious negotiations are currently being held at the highest level with my piggy bank.

That Panerai was something special, if not perfect. It was a B-series, hand-winding Luminor. I had bought it as a pre-owned item while working for Torneau in San Francisco. After about 3 weeks of wearing, the crown stripped and it had to go back for service. Thus a painful month or two was spent anxiously waiting for its return. In the end we were reunited, but as I have learned through the paths my life has traveled, nothing is necessarily permanent. Although no longer with me, that Luminor still ocupies a space (and absence) both physically and emotionally. And just when I thought I was over this heartbreak, Panerai comes out with something that has stirred up that longing.

Courtesy of Panerai

The Luminor Destro Otto Giorni is something worth obsessing over. It ticks the old-school Paneristi boxes in that it is of stainless steel and measures 44 mm in diameter. But then, to quote that other great commentator on watches, James Brown, Panerai "takes it to the bridge"!

For those unfamiliar, per the Planetary Group:

Fans of James Brown will recognize the phrase “Take it to the bridge!” from a few of his recordings and many of his live performances. For James Brown, the bridge is an instrumental section that features a new melody and rhythmic line, such as in “Sex Machine”. It creates a break for the listeners’ ears, a new context that freshens up the original riff when the band returns to it, and sometimes makes space for James Brown to dance.

And this is just what Panerai has done! They've taken the original Luminor, and coaxed something special out of it.

First? The decision to go "destro" (that's left for you, and I don't think it's political). It adds that special bit of "Panesequa". But then we get to the movement, and the unfortunate fate of my B-series winding crown comes to mind. Every day you must unscrew the screw-down crown to wind the watch, then screw it back down. This causes wear. Moreover every time you do so, you give more opportunties for your watch's arch nemeses to invade the inner sactum - grit and moisture being the chief offenders. But what if you could go eight days between unscrewing, winding, and screwing back down? Or to use the Italian - Via otto giorni? Sounds pretty great to me.

So let's get down to details - the Luminor Destro Otto Giorni is not an impulse buy, priced at $8,100. But then again, when you consider just what $8,100 is getting you, it seems in line with what other brands have going in that price category. But I would go further - there are very few brands out there with an 8-day movement. And about that movement? It is hand-winding (mechanical) the P.5000 calibre, boasting a power reserve of 8 days.

For myself? I'm obsessed, thank you very much!