The first professional divers' watches in history supplied to the commandos of the Italian Navy in the first half of the last century were made by Panerai, as were the depth gauges which the pioneers wore on their wrists. Today these two indispensable measuring and checking devices are combined in a single instrument: the Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge.

The new model from the Officine Panerai manufacture is a divers' watch with automatic winding and a chronometer certificate (C.O.S.C.), fitted with a depth gauge, the calibration of which is individually tested and certified by an officially qualified establishment, the Swiss Federal Office for Metrology (METAS).

The Depth Gauge is water resistant to 120 metres, 47 mm in diameter like the historic models and executed in titanium, the hypoallergenic metal which is very tough and at the same time very light; contrasting brushed steel is used for the push-piece of the depth gauge and the bridge protecting the winding crown.

The wide unidirectional rotating bezel, also of brushed steel, carries the references for calculating the times of immersion with oval markers in relief every 5 minutes and studs every 15.

The large markers and two large Arabic numerals are covered in luminous material and the ends of the skeleton hands are also luminous. At 9 o'clock is the dial with the small seconds hand which is stopped when the crown is pulled out, thus enabling it to be accurately synchronised.

Unlike the historic depth gauges made for the Italian Navy, which were usable to a maximim depth of 30 metres, the innovative device of the Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge not only measures up to 120 metres, but it also memorises the maximum depth reached in the course of the dive.

A lithium battery operated the depth gauge, guaranteed to provide energy to the electronic module for 500 hours; however, for greater safety, the Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge is fitted with a device which warns if the battery is approaching exhaustion.

When this comes into effect, at the moment the hand is activated it moves very slowly from the Off position to zero, then returns even more slowly to the Off position and all the functions of the depth gauge are locked.

In the interests of safety at sea it is essential to have the watch checked at an Officine Panerai after-sales service centre at least every two years, or more frequently in the event of intensive use of the depth gauge.

Completing the Luminor 1950 Submersible Depth Gauge, which this year will be produced in a millesimed edition of 600 examples (the price being 11,000 euros), are two personalised straps, one in rubber with the classic buckle of large dimensions executed in brushed steel, with the logo of the Officine Panerai Manufacture, and, the other a spare one for use over a diving suit (a screwdriver for changing the strap is also supplied).

This diving beauty is available in Mumbai and Delhi. The addresses are as follows:

Mumbai - Time Avenue
               Turner Road,
               Bandra

Call them on - (022) 26515757

Delhi - Johnson and Company
           #C 16, L 21,
           Connaught Place,
           New Delhi
           Delhi - 110001

Call them on - (011) 23320130

Price on request.