Little is known about the exact origins of the Mare Nostrum, the first watch imagined by Officine Panerai. The most eminent historians date the first prototypes back to 1943. It’s said that they were made for deck officers in the Royal Italian Navy. In those days, the style didn’t make it past the production phase. The Mare Nostrum was only made known through materials that survived the great flood of Florence in 1966, of which few documents actually came out unscathed. It was nonetheless on this foundation that Panerai produced the very first Mare Nostrum to be sold in 1993. That year marked the first collection of Panerai watches made for non-military usage – this was the beginning of their ‘Pre-Vendôme’ period (1993-1997).
Several years ago, one of the prototypes that belonged to the Royal Italian Navy was found and brought into the Panerai museum’s collection. Ever since, the manufacturer has been able to precisely reproduce the original formula. The Mare Nostrum’s unique functions and characteristics are thus reproduced in a new timepiece: the new Mare Nostrum Acciaio. Just like with the 1993 style, this neo-timepiece defines itself in a 42mm format made in an intense and highly refined shade of blue. Attached to the wrist via an alligator leather bracelet with matching topstitching and a sewn-on buckle, the dial also features Super Luminova hands.
At the heart of this watch, the same movement from the Pre-Vendôme style is also reused. An OP XXXIII calibre is made and customized by Panerai on the base of the ETA 2801-2 with a Dubois-D praz chronographic module. Since this edition is as special as it is iconic, the Mare Nostrum Acciaio will only see 1,000 copies released, presented in a box that’s equally special. This box will give a little surprise to collectors, since it was designed in perfect harmony with the vintage style. Just like in the Pre-Vendôme period, the box’s interior will enclose a tiny replica of the Durant De La Penne, the Italian navy destroyer that was brought into service in 1993, year of the Mare Nostrum’s initial launch. This is just one more way to prove that Panerai is always remaining current.
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