Panerai’s new watch leans to the left

There is a small but notable category of timepieces known as destroy Clocks.

Designed for people who wear their watches on their right wrist rather than their left, typically an estimated nine percent of the population who are left-handed. destroy On watches, the crown can be folded to the opposite side of the case, making it easier for left-handers to use. (Destro = Italian for “right”.)

All subdials – e.g. B. with a display of the small seconds – usually also switch to the opposite side of the dial.

This design anomaly is not just because watch manufacturers are being considerate. Due to their niche appeal destroy Models often become collector’s items.

In 2022, Rolex launched its first left-handed watch design, the GMT-Master II Ref. 126720VTNR, a model that caused the collecting community to smell salts and was immediately hailed as “one of the most significant new design moves” the company has made in years. Hmmm.

Tudor launched its Pelagos LHD (Left Hand Drive), a left-hand version of its popular diving watch, in 2016 – divers arguably have more reason than anyone else to have equipment that is as easy to use as possible.

Panerai’s roots in diving go back a long way – anyone even remotely familiar with the brand will be made aware of an underwater tradition that dates back to the 1930s, when the company provided equipment for the Regia Marina, or Royal Italian Navy manufactured.

Maybe that’s why Panerai has become one of the most productive suppliers destroy Watches in the store, over the years around 20 different left-handed models appeared in the catalog.

These included the Luminor Marina Lefthanded, the Luminor Power Reserve Destro, the Luminor Submersible Chrono Destro, the Radiomir 8 Days Destro and so on and so forth.

Now a new watch has been announced – the Luminor Destro Otto Giorni.

The original (right-handed) version of this watch was released in 2004. The designation Otto/8 refers to the watch’s eight-day power reserve, an impressively long running time without winding, made possible by the three-barrel caliber specifically developed by the brand.

Now this watch is back, with a destroy Revision – the crown and the subdial for the small seconds have swapped sides. There is also a size reduction. The original’s 47mm case is now handier than 44mm.

“This design,” says Panerai, “is not a mere aesthetic choice but a functional one” and is intended to “accommodate left-handers and those who wear their watch on their right wrist by choice or necessity.”

The Luminor Destro Otto Giorni has a water resistance of 30 meters and is presented on a brown calfskin strap. It’s available exclusively at Panerai boutiques and costs £7,000.

panerai.com