PERHAPS IT SHOULD have cottoned on early in the journey that I am about to experience something I've never experienced before. Seated in the Mercedes-Benz minivan beside me is Robin Nooy, a fellow journalist who reaches over with a handshake and lets on, "I was given a training schedule to follow for six weeks to get in shape." I process that information with quiet trepidation. I mean I keep in shape, but am I actually special forces fit? With the rapidity of an Italian Beretta ARX160 on automatic fire, I manage creeping anxiety with the certainty of "they wouldn't make VIP customers do life threatening crazy shit, would they?" Then my mind takes me back to weeks before, when I was made to do an electro-cardiograph on a treadmill in order to be medically cleared for the activities.
You see, Panerai dropped two new rugged Submersible editions inspired by the Italian special forces early this year and the Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience Edition comes with an invitation to take part in a special forces exercise in Italy. As an honoured commentator on luxury timepieces, I was invited by Panerai HQ to journal my time with the warriors at San Marco Regiment.
The airport transfer drops us off at Borgo Egnazia, easily the Mediterranean's most beautiful hotel. With the deep blue of the Adriatic for a backdrop, a replica Italian village of whitewashed stones and candlelit interiors is the off-the-grid haven for the world's rich and famous. I'm lulled into a false sense of complacency in these surrounds until I see the military garb in the olive green duffle bag I recognise from my days in National Service. Panerai means business.
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Augustman Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Augustman Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme
The Story Of Luxury
KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
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.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.