| WATCH YOUR TIME
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© LUC BRAQUET
PANERAI Evolution Submersible Chrono
Marina Militare Experience Edition.
A watch and experience: Panerai’s unique pro-
gramme continues with PAM01699, a 47 mm tita-
nium model inspired by Italy’s Aviazione Nav-
ale. Waterproof to 500 metres, with a ceramic
bezel and fitted with the Calibre P.9100/R
flyback chronograph. Limited to 35 pieces, each
including a three-day experience at Grottaglie
naval airbase in Puglia, southern Italy.
By Paolo De Vecchi, watch editor, La Stampa
S P O R T
The latest spotlight on the close
relationship between watchmaking
and the automobile world came in
the form of a handover between two
leading watch brands deeply embedded
in motorsport. A baton change at the
very top, not only due to the stature of
the players involved, but perhaps more
so because it took place in Formula 1,
the fastest, most lucrative, and fiercely
competitive motorsport in existence.
he news broke at the start of the year, on January 6th: TAG Heuer is
once again the official timekeeper of Formula 1. It joins Moët & Chandon
and Louis Vuitton, fellow LVMH stablemates, in a ten-year deal that,
according to reliable, if unofficial, sources, is worth around €100 million annu-
ally. It’s one of the most significant sponsorship agreements of all time and adds
extra momentum to a season already packed with headline moments, including
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and the celebration of Formula 1’s 75th anni-
versary. The story is all the more significant in that TAG Heuer is reclaiming a
role that had been held by Rolex since 2013 and that TAG Heuer had itself occu-
pied prior to that. And so, the brand is returning to the grid while continuing its
longstanding partnership with the reigning world champion Max Verstappen’s
team, Red Bull Racing. In January, TAG Heuer seized the moment to launch a
new Formula 1 collection: titanium case, rubber strap, automatic chronograph
movement with 42-hour power reserve, and tachymeter bezel. The models revive
the spirit of the era when Ayrton Senna was the brand’s ambassador (who could
forget the “Don’t crack under pressure” campaign and the S/EL model regularly
worn by the legendary Brazilian?).
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SPORT
“A lot of people criticize Formula 1 as an unnecessary risk. But what
would life be like if we only did what is necessary?”
Niki Lauda (1949-2019)
The mechanics
of sport