Wild Africa: Panerai Luminor 1950 Series Sealand Purdey Watch

　　Panerai watchA new product has been released, this time created for the famous British gunmaker Purdey. The new Luminor 1950 Sealand watch features a case engraved with motifs that showcase a hunter's style. As both brands belong to the Richemont Group, Panerai and Purdey have collaborated before. These new models are designed around the theme of Africa's "Big Five" animals. Being Sealand models, this means the dial is equipped with a protective metal cover, which not only fits perfectly with the firearm theme but also provides ample space for the animal engravings.

　　The case of the Panerai Luminor 1950 Sealand has always been a canvas for showcasing Panerai's engraving craftsmanship, with the vast majority featuring animal themes, such as the "Year of the Monkey" 3-day automatic mechanical watch. On this newly released model, the theme is the world-famous "Africa's Big Five" animals: the elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. The lifelike engravings perfectly capture their expressions, which is truly commendable.

　　Panerai explains that the engraved patterns on the cover are first outlined using chalk or magnesium powder, and then craftsmen hand-carve them using a burin, which takes at least a week of work to complete. The pattern surrounding the edge of the cover, along with the "Panerai for Purdey" inscription, is clearly inspired by African artwork and is inlaid with gold. This artistic creation itself is a very classic style, often seen on hunting rifles produced by Purdey.

　　Like other Sealand watches, the new Panerai Luminor 1950 Sealand Purdey watch is powered by Panerai's in-house calibre Cal.P.9000 automatic mechanical movement, beating at a frequency of 4Hz, offering a 72-hour power reserve, commonly known as a 3-day reserve. Panerai has not provided images of the dial, so it is currently impossible to know what lies beneath this cover with its wild African vibe once opened; perhaps, just maybe, it is quite similar to other models in this series. Similarly, we would very much like to see an exhibition caseback showing the movement, just like other Sealand watches. Its case size is 44mm with a water resistance of 100 metres. Wearers can choose to equip it with either a black rubber strap or a water-resistant calfskin strap; for the latter, pairing it with a hunting suit and leather boots would surely grant a "perfect shot" buff.

　　Firearms + wild animals + a large, heavy, and expensive Panerai watch... when these elements come together, a wild atmosphere practically rushes at you. Although the engravings on the cover look lifelike, vivid, and can be called works of art, this combination might not be appreciated by some animal-loving watch enthusiasts. The new Panerai Luminor 1950 Sealand Purdey watch is limited to just 80 pieces and will go on sale on 2016 11 17, but only at the Purdey Mayfair boutique and online, priced at £20500.

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