Panerai at La Jolla Concours d'Elegance
Automotive

Panerai at La Jolla Concours d'Elegance

By cazalea · Apr 14, 2014 · 20 replies
cazalea
WPS member · Officine Panerai forum
20 replies10379 views16 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Cazalea's report from the 2014 La Jolla Concours d'Elegance and Motor Car Classic offers a unique look at Panerai's presence at an automotive event, a departure from their usual yachting sponsorships. This article highlights the brand's distinctive approach to engaging with luxury enthusiasts and showcases a specific Panerai model that resonated with the author.

20 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
I was fortunate yesterday to be able to represent PuristSPro at the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance, and to enjoy gracious hospitality as a guest of Panerai. It was a special day for me; I have lived in this area of Southern California most of my life, and knew many of the cars (and their owners) on exhibit, but had not been to an event with watches in the mix. It was a unique experience for Panerai as well, because they primarily sponsor events in yachting regattas, and had not been to an automotive concours.

It was a beautiful Spring day in La Jolla. That means a morning with no sun, low cloud cover, and moderate temperatures. Perfect for taking pictures of cars but not so good for the lady seeking to refine her tan.



The Panerai stand was over next to the water's edge. It's marked by the blue banners.  Behind the Panerai stand, across the cove, up on the cliff, you will find the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.

We had to "fight" our way through the obstacle course of beautiful automobiles, motorcycles, and airplanes.




Airplanes, you ask? Yes, the San Diego Aerospace Museum had arranged a number of fly-bys for us. Which happened to be right on the water's edge, above the Panerai stand. I think they had the best location on the field. The stand was beautiful - it was built for a presentation in New England not long ago, and shipped out here in a container. Some Italian craftsmen reassembled hundreds of fantastic "Toothpicks" of wood into this yacht-like retreat on the edge of the concours.

 

I took these photos at the beginning of the day. For most of the morning and all afternoon, the stand was swamped with guests, many experiencing Panerai for the first time. 




In addition to the nautical display in side, the crashing of the waves behind us, the historic La Valencia Hotel in front of us, there were the cars too.



The folks from the La Jolla Boutique and Panerai's head office were gracious and very helpful. Notice that the floor slopes upward and becomes the left wall. Could be tricky to navigate that in a high wind with snacks and drinks in hand ...




I looked at a few of the gold watches ... BEAUTIFUL! But not exactly MY style. 




I case-shopped for a few minutes.


Finally, I decided I'd like to wear the 47mm Regatta [aka Panerai PAM526 Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic]. 
The name is a bit long to quote to your pals, but the watch is very nice. This is my style. Titanium, functional, interesting count-down complication, light weight, intriguing look, etc.

 

Notice the nice furniture providing a backdrop for the watch (and matching my suit too). This is a demo watch, so please excuse a few bumps and scratches from previous exhibits. 

 

I asked to see the gold pocket watch in the case, but as it was coming out, a lovely lady slipped in front of me to take a close look. I forgot the watch and never saw it again. Sorry.

 

However, that gave me a new theme for my study of Panerai watches, and I walked around taking photos of women wearing Panerai. Interesting!




As always with Panerai, straps were a key part of the presentation.




An enigmatic look. Is she related to the Mona Lisa?




Stay tuned for Part 2 of the report...


This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-04-14 10:24:31 This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2014-04-14 19:34:13

About the Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio Ref. PAM526

The PAM526 represents Panerai's regatta-focused chronograph within the Luminor 1950 series, featuring flyback functionality and three-day power reserve. This reference combines the brand's signature case architecture with specialized timing capabilities suited for competitive sailing applications.

The 47mm brushed titanium case houses the Calibre P.9100/R automatic movement and features a polished titanium bezel. The watch incorporates a 1.6mm sapphire crystal and maintains 100-meter water resistance. The titanium construction provides reduced weight compared to steel variants while maintaining durability for marine environments.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking Panerai's modern complications in lightweight titanium construction. The flyback chronograph function and regatta-specific features position the PAM526 as a specialized tool watch within the contemporary Luminor 1950 lineup. The 47mm case size aligns with Panerai's traditional proportions while the titanium material represents the brand's modern technical approach.

Specifications

Case
Brushed Titanium
Diameter
47mm
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
1.6mm Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
CA
cazalea
Apr 14, 2014
Continuing on the Panerai / La Jolla Concours and Motor Car Classic

Perhaps I could devote some space to the vehicles parked around on the lawns. How can I manage to convey the enormity of this show? Some Purists I know are interested in the beauty of the automobile. Raise your hand if that's your preference ... I took some face shots for you: Others might say that outside beauty is fine, but true beauty is found on the inside . That's fine with me; I got some photos of the inner beauties too. I loved this art deco dash. It appeared to be pewter - the patina was

CA
cazalea
Apr 14, 2014
Conclusion of Panerai / La Jolla Concours and Motor Car Classic

I should finish this off with a general view of a few cars that I liked. A gutsy Isotta Fraschini owned and driven by Bill Evans. A fantastic 1958 Cadillac Limousine; I think there were only 3-4 of these built A Brace of Bentleys Not just cars; there were plenty of olde world bikes too. A Duesenberg in patriotic livery caught the eye of Mrs C. While the Wandering Purist wouldn't forgive me if I didn't include an action shot of his favorite brand Keith Martin, publisher of Sports Car Market was t

AR
Ares501 - Mr Green
Apr 14, 2014
Remarkable report Mike

We should send you to cover all concourses ;) Really enjoyed your engine photo series Amazing is how much plastic appeared on car engines in last few decades Thank you for lovely report Sincerely Damjan

CA
cazalea
Apr 14, 2014
Thanks

If you want to send me back in the past, I have Auto Shows from London, Geneva, Los Angeles, SEMA in Las Vegas, etc going back about 20 years in my archives. I used to publish automotive books for a living. That meant Auto Shows. Mike

VM
VMM
Apr 14, 2014
Thanks for sharing. [nt]

SP
Spellbound
Apr 14, 2014
Excellent coverage

And excellent pictures too. Was Ralph Lauren and Jay Leno or any of their cars present this year? I have never been to a US car show but used to go to the Goodwood Festival of Speed every year back in the UK. Great coverage. Love the Pam girl ! Dean

Available on the marketplace

1,835 Panerai listings are live on the eBay market and 1415 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Officine Panerai forum with 20 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →