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An Interview with Panerai's R&D Director Federica Carpano

By Sotheby's
With just a few days to go before Sotheby's sale, Panerai: The Prototypes, closes, we spoke to Federica Carpano, Panerai R&D Director, to get some insights into these stylish watches and find out why they were her picks for the sale.

S othebys: Why have you chosen these three particular prototypes for the auction?

Federica Carpano: All three watches are “one of a kind” watches, each highlighting a different side of the Panerai DNA.

The PAMA0300, which was chosen by the Italian Navy for its reliability, represents a key period in the history of the brand. The PAMA0672 relates to our Florentine origins and the artisanship of Panerai special edition. Its association with a California dial is another link with Panerai's debut in watchmaking. The PAMA0700 is the forefront of the innovation at Panerai. We are, on a daily basis, developing product following and mixing these pillars.

S: Is there a relationship between these three watches?

FC: The relationship between the three watches is their uniqueness. We have chosen iconic models with new, special details in order to assure that the customer gets a really unique watch.

S: How does the Mare Nostrum differ from its retail model?
PAM00300 (a Mare Nostrum launched in 2010) was the first one with a black dial, SLN C3 green, an open case back and a stainless steel case. The strap was in green fabric. Then PAM00603 came in 2015 with a brown dial, SLN ecru vintage, gold plated hands, a closed case back and a titanium case. The strap was in calf.

Mare Nostrum - 52mm, PAM00300, OP XXV Movement, steel, black dial, fabric and leather strap.

The Sotheby’s watch is a melding of these two models: a green dial with SLN C3 green, blueish steel hands, a closed case back and a titanium case. The strap is green fabric as per the PAM00300. It is the first commercialised Mare Nostrum with a green dial.

Panerai, Mare Nostrum Ref PRT.MN52TI. A titanium chronograph wristwatch , 2010.
Estimate £20,000-30,000

S: What opportunity does this sale offer watch collectors?
FC: This auction’s pieces are the real proof of the development process we engage for every new model, and give buyers the opportunity to own something truly unique.

CLICK HERE to view the sale.

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