Panerai always draws strong but mixed reactions from watch fanatics. Some are of the opinion that these sport watches are too big and brawny, but fans counter that the clean, clear and consistent design is exactly what attracts them to Panerai. The same could be said about the appeal of wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson. The artist formerly known as The Rock has surprised all who have followed his post-ring career with his range. He’s had great success in action films, family flicks and even comedic turns hosting Saturday Night Live.
We spotted Johnson with what looks to be a Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Power Reserve Automatic Acciaio while attending The Fast Company Innovation Festival earlier this month. Introduced in 2013, the Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT impressed even the most skeptical of snobs with its in-house P.9002 automatic movement with a power reserve of three days and a GMT complication in the classic brushed steel 44mm Luminor case.
The Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Power Reserve Automatic Acciaio watch
And for all its complications, Panerai purists were pleased that it still retains the brand’s iconic minimalist design details, such as the black dial with Paris hobnails and luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. The addition of a second time zone and a power reserve indicator, date window and extra hour hand for the GMT function is subtly integrated into the classic styling. The strap is fashioned from simple but tough black alligator.
The watch has muscle but it’s also very flexible: You can wear it scuba diving (it is 300m water-resistant) or dress it up with a suit. And, like Johnson, the watch has a strong presence that can’t help but win you over.
