iW Magazine iW Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 82

NAUTICAL LUMINOR MARINA ORACLE TEAM USA 8 DAYS ACCIAIO – 44MM (PAM00724) editions are eye-catching. They include the offi cial watch of the America’s Cup, the Luminor Marina 1950 America’s Cup 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm, (PAM00727). Japan is the Luminor Marina 1950 SoftBank Team Japan 3 Days Automatic Acciaio 44 mm (PAM00732). THREE WATCHES ARE DEDICATED TO ORACLE TEAM USA: Panerai’s arrival coincides with a major announcement made in January by fi ve of the current teams. Going forward, the competition for the old- est trophy in international sport will take place biannually, giving current/prospective competi- tors and sponsors a reliable format with the America’s Cup a regular fi xture on the global sporting calendar. In addition, costs will be slashed (now near- $100 million) to between $30-$40 million per Luminor 1950 Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica 44 mm (PAM00725) Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio 47 mm (PAM00726) Luminor Marina Oracle Team USA 8 Days Acciaio 44 mm (PAM00724) The model dedicated to Team Softbank 82 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SUMMER 2017 LOOKING AHEAD campaign via an agreement to race catama- rans similar to the current ACC examples for at least the next two editions of the Cup. The changes are expected to produce a less variable, contentious and costly America’s Cup. “This is a defi ning moment and we have to ask ourselves why we didn’t do this earlier,” remarked Jimmy Spithill. Will Panerai’s partnership with the Cup continue beyond 2017? “We’ll see,” says Bonati. What is certain is that the battle for the 35th America’s Cup should be the fastest, most wide open com- petition in the event’s history. Panerai will be there “to explore a new clientele and to conquer new horizons.” iWMAGAZINE .COM