Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military diving wristwatch

Officine Panerai Luminor Ref. 5218-201/A

Partially verified

This Officine Panerai Luminor is a military diving prototype wristwatch produced in October 1994. The watch features a cushion-shaped, brushed stainless steel case measuring 44 x 44 mm, equipped with a security lever for the crown protection system and a screwed-down case back. It is powered by a rhodium-plated Caliber 3126 manual winding movement featuring 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to four positions with a shock-absorber and self-compensating flat balance-spring. The black dial contains Arabic numerals and index markers treated with tritium, matched with tritium-coated baton hands. The watch includes its original strap and buckle, accompanied by a fitted box and certificate.

Front view of the Officine Panerai Luminor prototype showing the cushion-shaped case and crown guard.
Front view of the Officine Panerai Luminor prototype showing the cushion-shaped case and crown guard. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Military diving wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Officine Panerai
Reference
5218-201/A
Catalogue / lot identifier
89
Source-reported date
October 1994
Source-reported place
Italy
Source-reported serial
P 000

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The timepiece is constructed with a cushion-shaped, three-body stainless steel case featuring a brushed finish. The design incorporates straight lugs and a screwed-down case back to ensure water resistance to 30 atmospheres. A defining feature is the manual winding system integrated with a security lever on the crown protection bridge. The documentation specifies that it was produced as a prototype, noting that it was never intended for retail sale.

The black dial utilizes tritium for luminescence, applied to the Arabic numerals and index markers. Complementing the hour markers are baton-style hands, which are also treated with tritium. The dial is signed and features a specific logo situated above the six o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, brushed, screwed-down case back, straight lugs, manual winding system with security lever on the crown protection.”
  • “Black with tritium Arabic numerals and indexes. Tritium-coated "bâton" hands.”

Movement Specifications

The watch utilizes the Caliber 3126, a manual winding movement. The caliber is rhodium-plated and finished with fausses côtes decoration. It contains 17 jewels and employs a straight-line lever escapement.

Technical performance is supported by a monometallic balance, which has been adjusted to four positions. The movement further incorporates a shock-absorber system and a self-compensating flat balance-spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 3126, rhodium-plated,"fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 4 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring.”

Provenance and Production

According to the auction records, this specific timepiece was manufactured by Officine Panerai in October 1994.

The lot is presented complete with its original strap, Panerai buckle, a fitted box, and an accompanying certificate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Produced in October 1994.”
  • “This timepiece, manufactured by Panerai as a prototype, was never intended to be sold; it is probably unique.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the 'P 000' serial number within the Panerai prototype series?
  • Are there recorded technical differences between this Caliber 3126 prototype and subsequent production versions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Officine Panerai Luminor Ref. 5218-201/A
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerOfficine Panerai“Officine Panerai, Firenze”
ModelLuminor“Luminor”
Reference5218-201/A“Ref. 5218-201/A”
SerialP 000“No. P 000”
DateOctober 1994“Produced in October 1994”
Case Dimensions44 x 44 mm“Dim. 44 x 44 mm”
MovementCal. 3126“M. Cal. 3126”
StatusPrototype“manufactured by Panerai as a prototype”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with brushed finish.
  • Characteristic crown-protecting bridge with security lever.
  • Black dial with prominent Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9.
  • Distinctive logo positioned at the six o'clock mark on the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The unique nature of the piece is reported by the auction house as 'probably' unique.
  • The intention for the piece was 'never' to be sold, according to auction notes.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Officine Panerai, Firenze,"Luminor", No. P 000, Ref. 5218-201/A. Produced in October 1994. Fine and extremely rare, large, cushion-shaped, water-resistant to 30 atm., stainless steel military diving prototype wristwatch with original strap and Panerai buckle. Accompanied by a fitted box and certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 117f222432

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.