The name Panerai holds a special place in the heart of watch enthusiasts both here in Australia and around the world, immediately calling to mind the highest achievements in refinement and sophistication, thanks to more than 160 years of history and expertise.
Despite this well-established pedigree, it’s always illuminating to re-examine a watchmaker of Panerai’s stature through the eyes of someone who’s discovering the brand for the very first time. With fast-rising Australian actor Lincoln Younes – star of the smash-hit series Last King of the Cross – having recently explored Panerai’s exquisite range via its Boutique on King Street in Sydney’s CBD, we sat down with him to find a new way of looking at landmark timepieces like the Submersible, Luminor, Luminor Due, and Radiomir.
‘A Timepiece Can Say So Much’
As you might expect, exploring Panerai’s meticulous offering via its Sydney Boutique location is certainly a long way from Younes’ first step into the world of watches: “I think my first watch was a Casio G-Shock Tough Solar 5600. Classic, durable, with a bit of grunge,” he laughs. “I was 13 I believe, and I remember thinking the light-up feature was pretty snazzy back then. Simpler times…”
As is the case for so many of us, from those humble beginnings Younes’ appreciation for the craft of luxury watchmaking has continued to grow. Now, his recent Panerai tour has seen that appreciation reach new heights.
“I’d describe myself as an aspiring watch enthusiast. I love the idea that a timepiece can say so much about a person and carry so much history, refinement, and finesse,” he explains. “But you only learn about it if you ask. Like anything in life.”
‘A Sophisticated Elegance’
This idea of watches speaking to who we are and offering a useful way of communicating with the world around us is one of the key factors to consider when deciding which one is right for you. When asked, Younes explains how his recent experience has helped him to clarify precisely what kind of watch speaks to (and for) him: “For me, I look for a masculine shape, polished face, durable band, simple complications, understated aesthetic and a rich history behind the design. And I like that Panerai’s a brand that lets the work do the talking.”
The watches within Panerai’s range can certainly accommodate these criteria from the talented young Australian, and as we dive a little deeper into what makes particular Panerai models special he reveals a passionate understanding of them that far exceeds what his humility would suggest.
Image: Luminor Due Goldtech™ (PAM01336)
Image: Radiomir Tre Giorni (PAM01334)
Image: Luminor BiTempo (PAM01361)
“The Luminor and Luminor Due have a sophisticated elegance to them, with their skeleton backs, complications and polished finish,” he explains. “They lean into the luxury where the Submersible chases the adventurous aesthetic with a bolder frame, replacing Arabic numerals with luminous hour markers and dots. The Radiomir feels like a vintage departure from the other timepieces and a return to the classic Panerai feel with a simple face, robust frame, leather strap and no crown-protection bridge or complications. An understated aesthetic which belies the technical prowess.”
‘An Appreciation for the Finer Things’
Having embodied a plethora of rich characters throughout his career, we can’t help but ask which of them Younes believes would have the best taste in watches. He answers without pause: “The character of John Ibrahim in Last King Of The Cross. He has an appreciation for the finer things in life and though he usually only has an old-school pager on his person, I can see a watch being a gift he would buy himself to commemorate an achievement. Who knows… If there’s a second season, maybe he’ll need a Panerai watch…”
A second season of Last King Of The Cross would certainly be a welcome development, but even if that doesn’t come to be, Younes on-screen presence ensures he won’t find himself short of opportunities any time soon.
“I’m excited for the release of C*A*U*G*H*T, a dark comedy series I filmed with some friends and Sean Penn, which is slated to premiere later in the year on Stan,” he explains. “Aside from that, I’m filming a brief stint on an ABC comedy that’s set in the 1850s called Gold Diggers and creating and developing my own series, which I hope to make early 2024. Oh… and learning more about the world of watches!”
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco (PAM01226)
- Movement: Automatic mechanical, P.900 calibre, 12 ½ lignes, 4.2 mm thick, 23 jewels, 28,800 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 3 days, one barrel. 171 components
- Functions: Minutes
- Case: Diameter 44mm, AISI 316L brushed steel
- Bezel: Brushed steel anti-clockwise rotating bezel with graduated scale
- Water Resistance: “30.0 bar (~300.0 metres)”
- Strap: Caoutchouc Verde Militare, Verde Militare Stitching, 24.0/22.0 Standard size
Luminor BiTempo (PAM01361)
- Movement: Automatic mechanical, P.9012 calibre, created by Panerai, 13¾ lignes, 6,0 mm thick, 31 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 28,800 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 3 days, two barrels, seconds reset device. 231 components.
- Functions: Calendar aperture
- Case: Diameter 44mm, AISI 316L brushed steel
- Bezel: Polished steel
- Water Resistance: “30.0 bar (~300.0 metres)”
- Strap: Alligator Blu profondo, Blu profondo Stitching, 24.0/22.0 Standard size
Luminor Due Goldtech™ (PAM01336)
- Movement: Automatic mechanical, P.900 calibre, 12 ½ lignes, 4.2 mm thick, 23 jewels, 28,800 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 3 days, one barrel. 171 components.
- Functions: Small seconds
- Bezel: Polished Goldtech™
- Water Resistance: “3.0 bar (~30.0 metres)”
- Strap: Alligator Nero, Nero Stitching, 22.0/18.0 Standard size
Radiomir Tre Giorni (PAM01334)
- Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, P.6000 calibre, 15 ½ lignes, 4.5 mm thick, 19 jewels, 21,600 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 3 days, one barrel. 110 components.
- Functions: Hours
- Case: Diameter 45mm, AISI 316L Patina steel
- Bezel: Patina steel
- Water Resistance: “10.0 bar (~100.0 metres)”
- Strap: Calf Leather, Stitching, 27.0/22.0 Standard size
To discover more about Panerai’s range of fine timepieces, book an appointment at the Panerai Sydney Boutique on 84 King Street via email: [email protected], phone: (02) 9061 4521, or on Panerai’s website below.
