A LEGACY IN TIME

This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.

- ALISON LOH

IT'S RARE for a watch brand to inspire a community as loyal and passionate as the Paneristi, a global network united since 2000 by a deep admiration for Panerai timepieces. Amazingly, this unofficial fan club has become so powerful that the brand has acknowledged its growing significance.

To honour Panerai and its unique community of superfans, the Paneristi board initiated P-Day-an annual gathering organised entirely by and for Paneristi, celebrating the ItalianSwiss watchmaker's enduring legacy. While Panerai itself has no formal role in organising P-Day, the brand's management has embraced the tradition, using the occasion to unveil new releases and share updates for the year ahead.

Held in a different city each year, P-Day has been celebrated around the world, inlcuding Asian capitals like Hong Kong and Singapore. This year, P-Day was held in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, and over Oct 4 and 5 saw over 200 Paneristi from more than 20 countries exchange notes, enjoy each other's company and gawk over the brand's new releases, which this year included the Luminor Venticinque PAM02025, launched to celebrate 25 years of Paneristi.

The event was attended by Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway-he is the last remaining of the original four-and Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué. What makes this event so special, and what is the connection between Panerai and Paneristi like? The two gentlemen weigh in.

INTERVIEW: JEAN-MARC PONTROUÉ

Welcome to Malaysia, its lovely that P-Day is being held here this year. But we understand it wasn't Panerai that decides where it is held. Really?