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In Context

At 44 mm it is a large watch — well above this catalogue’s 40 mm median, and enough to dominate a narrow wrist. The case back is closed, so the movement stays out of sight, and the sapphire crystal will resist everything short of deliberate abuse. 300 m is a professional diving rating, far past any demand a wrist is likely to make of it.

The movement is hand-wound, so winding it becomes part of the day rather than something the watch does for you.

5218-201/A is one of 9 executions of the 5218 base reference. Underneath they are the same watch; what separates this one is a black dial and a stainless steel case.

Not a Panerai calibre at all, but the ETA/Unitas 6497-1 fitted essentially as delivered, before the company began reworking the ébauche under its own OP designations. The 6497 began life as a Lépine pocket-watch movement, and its 16½-ligne diameter is precisely what made Panerai's oversized cases workable. It winds by hand; there is no rotor.

5 other watches in the library run the Panerai 6497-1.

Panerai

Luminor Marina PVD

5218-203/A · 44 mm

Panerai

Marina Militare

5218-202/A · 44 mm

Panerai

Slytech Daylight

5218-207/A · 44 mm

Panerai

Slytech Submersible

5218-205/A · 44 mm