Written by: Mike Demertzis

Panerai is hosting a tribute to Galileo with the unveiling of new collections which are celebrating the famed astronomers scientific contributions and his impact on modern timepieces.

On November 2nd 2011, luxury watch manufacturer Officine Panerai hosted “Time and Space: A look back at the Clockwork Universe” at the famed Explorers Club in Manhattan, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo discovering the four largest moons of Jupiter. Rafael Alvarez, president of Panerai’s North American Operations co hosted the event which included explorers, astronauts and some of the world’s leading astronomers. On display were three of the most unique timepieces Panerai has created, the L’ Astronomo, Lo Scienziato and a planetarium clock entitled Jupiterium. Panerai was offered 2 million euros for the Jupiterium but decided to donate the clock to the Museum of Science which has recently been reopened as Museo Galileo after two years of extensive remodeling. Panerai representatives intimated that the decision to not sell the clock was due to its creation being a showmanship of their watchmaking talent. All of these magnificent timepieces will also be on display at The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva which opens on January 16th 2012.

Officine Panerai's 'Jupiterium'

News for the brand continues with the creation of the 3000P, which features a new hand wound movement in a sleek 5.3mm case. It has a three day power reserve, 21 jewels with over 20 thousand alterations per hour. The construction is solid with a large brush finished bridge that covers the mechanical parts of the watch. This calibre was created in direct response to the Asian markets incline toward compact movements.

Earlier in the year Mr. Panerai launched an exhibition “Time and Space: A tribute to Galileo Galilei” that is currently traveling throughout Italy honoring the astronomers great achievements. The exhibit features more than 100 vintage Panerai timepieces in addition to tools and instruments used during the evolution of mechanical watch manufacturing. This comprehensive exhibit will be appreciated by Panerai fans and horology aficionados, since it includes a rare collection of timepieces that were created in the 1930s by Panerai, when he was the official supplier for the Italian Navy. In an opening ceremony Angelo Bonati, CEO of Panerai Italy said ‘This successful exhibition is also celebrating Officine Panerai’s honored past and the brands bold step into the future.’ He also announced plans to open 20 new boutiques in the region within the next few years.