Panerai Mare Nostrum

About this reference

The Panerai Mare Nostrum reference 5218-301 was produced between 1993 and 1996 during the brand’s Pre-Vendôme era. Collectors prioritize this reference as the first civilian chronograph released by Panerai, based on a 1943 prototype. The watch features a 42mm brushed stainless steel case with a fixed tachymeter bezel and a modular ETA 2801-2 movement with a Dubois-Dépraz 3127 chronograph caliber. The dial is navy blue with two sub-dials and tritium-based luminous markers. Production was limited, with approximately 492 units completed out of an initial intended run of 1,000. On the secondary market, these timepieces typically trade between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on the presence of the original mahogany box and paperwork. A notable variant is the "Slytech" edition, reference 5218-302/304, which was customized for actor Sylvester Stallone and features distinct dial branding and a higher market premium.