As an avid diver, I love my dive watches, and it took me time to get into Panerai, although I always found the brand interesting and unique in it's design. But I am glad I made the jump! I love it, it's so different. Your message made realise one more similarity between tea and Panerai, both are best in there pur and basic form, "just add water" and they are perfect..
And yes, a watch is a good tool to have to time tea infusion. (My favorite time piece for that task is a Breguet classic 5177 for it's very long and elegant second hand)