Panerai celebrates 50 years of UAE
The Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union, available exclusively at the Panerai boutiques in the United Arab Emirates, is a limited edition of only 200 pieces. Panerai created the timepiece to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UAE. The n000/200 of the edition, auctioned by Christie’s, realised US$27,500 – all of which goes to the Noor Dubai Foundation, which works at alleviating the life of people with visual impairments worldwide
The watch’s P.9010/GMT calibre alludes to the history of the UAE: a green GMT hand and rubberised crown recall the colours of the national flag, as does the shimmering black sun-brushed dial, while an engraving on the caseback reads “Year of the Fiftieth” in English and Arabic. Even the reference number – PAM01971, refers to the date of the UAE’s founding half a century ago.
The watch is accompanied by 4 rubber straps, red, green, white and black, as a recall to the nation’s flag and a black alligator strap as an elegant finishing touch for the watch.
To emphasise its commitment to the United Arab Emirates, Panerai, in collaboration with Christie’s, auctioned the n000/200 Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union, with all proceeds going to the Noor Dubai Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in the UAE, which is active in the prevention of blindness and visual impairment globally. The Foundation envisions a world where all individuals living in low-income regions, suffering from visual impairment, are given equal and fair opportunities of treatment that will improve their quality of life. The timepiece, which had an estimated price between US$ 8,000 – 16,000, sold for an amazing US$27,500.
Remy Julia, Watch Specialist – Director at Christies Dubai DIFC Head of Middle East – India – Africa, said that Christie’s was honoured to offer as part of their ‘Watches Online: The Dubai Edit’ auction this exclusive Panerai Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union n000/200 that celebrates the UAE’s Golden Jubilee in aid of Noor Dubai Foundation.
Gaby Bitarian, Brand Director, PANERAI MEI, explained that while creating a piece to celebrate the UAE’s Golden Jubilee was important to Panerai, being able to create awareness and support Noor Dubai Foundation with the support of Christie’s was something that made the Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union even more special.
Dr Manal Taryam, CEO & Board Member Noor Dubai Foundation, said that it was an honour to collaborate with international watch brand Panerai and international auctioneer Christie’s to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UAE with a limited-edition timepiece and to also support Noor Dubai’s mission of improving the well-being of individuals through prevention of blindness worldwide. She added that the foundation hoped to see more cross-sector collaborations with international brands through their CSR programs to help those in need.
In addition to the auction, Panerai is also celebrating the visual beauty of the UAE with a campaign to reveal the watch. Dubbed “Around the Seven Emirates” this campaign shot in collaboration with Panerai’s brand ambassador, Jeremy Jauncey, will feature shots from each emirate. The campaign will showcase the country’s beauty along with the PAM01971 in action in different adventurous settings.
