Panerai Unveil The New L’Astronomo Luminor 1950

Written by: Poppy Skinner Created: 31 May 2018

When luxury meets functionality.

Galileo Galilei is one of the most famous Italians ever to have lived, and thanks to for his work in science, he revolutionised the way we see science, and indeed astro physics, today. So when Italian luxury watch makers, Panerai, dedicate their latest model to him, you know something seriously special is afoot. But this isn't the first time Panerai are presenting the Panerai L'Astronomo, with it making its debut in 2010, to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the observations and scientific discoveries made by Galileo as a product of the invention of the telescope. 

While in 2010 the model featured a tourbillion regulator, a first for the brand,  a calendar and a sunrise and sunset display, today's L’Astronomo is different is some very small, but very important ways. Taking its cue from the original L’Astronomo, the L’Astronomo - Luminor 1950 is also made to order but with this model featuring personalised geographical coordinates as chosen by the client which goes hand in hand with one of the most unique features, and the biggest nod to Galileo, with the indicator of the phases of the moon. Thanks to the fact that each and every watch is personalised to the coordinates of a destination chosen by the watch's owner, the indication of the moon placement and phases relate to the sky in that very destination so even when you are far from home, you can feel at home. 

When it comes to aesthetics, the characteristic Panerai tourbillon can be admired from both the front and the back thanks to the clever use of skeletonising the movement and the fact that the dial is indeed absent. Turning tradition on its head, the elements normally found on a dial, are with this model, to be found on the rim of the watch which at any given time, has enough power to store for at least four days, handy with a hand-wound watch. Saving the best for last, the materials and finish of the case, the colour of the hands of the watch as well as the strap colour - are all fully personalisable, meaning you really can have everything you ever wanted in a watch. 

Written by: Poppy Skinner

Poppy covers a wide range of topics at Billionaire, having spent the past 13 years at companies including Singapore Tatler, Her World Plus and Harpers Bazaar UK. She has a passion for fashion, jewellery and travel as well as an avaricious fascination with crime novels. Follow her at poppypskinner on Instagram.