ReviewOut Of The Stadium, Onto The Wrist: Presenting The MS Dhoni Limited Edition Panerai Luminor Timepieces

As an official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy, watch manufacturer Officine Panerai has a fascinating history. Since the early 1900s, the brand has been synonymous with tough-as-nails watches built to survive the most gruelling of conditions. And the ambassadors of the brand exhibit similar traits. From adventurer Mike Horn, who has literally travelled Pole to Pole, to Guillaume Néry, a free diving champion, the people associated with Panerai are exceptional examples of peak human capabilities.

The Man, The Legend

It should come as no surprise then that cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni was added to this roster of amazing individuals, when the brand was looking for an ambassador in India. Dhoni has, time and again, proven to be an unmatched leader in the wildly popular and exciting sport of cricket. Since 2004, he has established himself as one of the sport’s most skilled team captains and an indomitable spirit to boot. And to celebrate this alliance, Panerai has launched two new special Dhoni editions of their Luminor GMT and Luminor Chrono Flyback watches.

MS Dhoni has been a long-time admirer of Panerai and was signed on as an ambassador of the brand in 2018

A World Timer, Armoured In Steel

Starting with the Luminor GMT, the timepiece comes enclosed in Panerai’s familiar cushion-shaped 44mm case. The case is constructed from a solid block of AISI 316L stainless steel, and comes with a polished bezel and the signature crown protector. This Luminor is powered by the P.9010/GMT calibre, which, apart from its time-telling functions, also features a GMT hand. The automatic mechanical movement features twin spring barrels, and provides the timepiece a power reserve of three days. A small seconds sub-dial rests at nine o’clock alongside a date window at the three o’clock position. The Luminor GMT also features SuperLumi-Nova on the hour markers and hands for optimum readability in the dark, which is another Panerai signature. Turning the watch over reveals a special engraving of the outline of the Indian peninsula, an inscription that says ‘Mahendra Singh Dhoni 183’, and the silhouette of the player, along with his signature. The ‘183’ signifies his career-best one-day international score of 183 runs against Sri Lanka. 

The case of the Luminor GMT is formed from a solid block of AISI 316L stainless steel, and comes with a polished bezel as well as the brand's signature crown protector

₹8,51,300

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The Luminor GMT is powered by the P.9010/GMT calibre, which features twin spring barrels, and provides the timepiece a power reserve of three days

₹8,51,300

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The caseback features an engraving of the outline of the Indian peninsula, an inscription that says ‘Mahendra Singh Dhoni 183’, and a silhouette of the player, along with his signature

₹8,51,300

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The Gold Standard For Chronographs

A feature shared by both the GMT and the flyback chronograph models is the military green dial—an important addition, as this is Dhoni’s favourite colour. The colour also complements Panerai’s military history. While this matte military green looks dapper on the Luminor GMT, it looks even more special on the Luminor Chrono Flyback. The green wonderfully harmonises with the reddish-gold hue of the 44mm case made from Panerai’s Goldtech material. Unlike standard gold, Goldtech is made with a percentage of copper that imbues the material with a rich red tint. There’s also a small percentage of platinum, which prevents the material from oxidising. The Luminor Chrono Flyback features the P.9100 calibre, which also features twin spring barrels and a power reserve of three days. But what really impresses here is the chronograph movement with the flyback function. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. The crystal features the same markings as the steel caseback, but instead of an engraving, the same image is laser-etched here. This watch is water resistant up to 50m. Both the MS Dhoni edition watches come with a black alligator leather strap, along with an additional military green rubber strap. 

The matte military green dial wonderfully harmonises with the reddish-gold hue of the 44mm case made from Panerai’s Goldtech material in the Luminor Chrono Flyback

₹25,71,100

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A feature shared by both the GMT and the flyback chronograph models is the military green dial—an important addition, as this is Dhoni’s favourite colour

₹25,71,100

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The sapphire crystal caseback features the same markings as the steel caseback, but instead of an engraving, the same image is laser-etched onto transparent caseback here

₹25,71,100

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Dhoni is best known for his composure under extreme pressure. The Luminor GMT exemplifies this trait with its mighty 300m water resistance. Panerai has successfully implemented aspects of Dhoni’s life into this watch. For example, the Chrono Flyback edition is limited to 77 models, which is a reference to Dhoni’s birthday on July 7, while the steel edition is limited to 251 pieces—a reference to him being the 251st player to play test cricket for India.

The Chrono Flyback edition is limited to 77 models, while the steel edition is limited to 251 pieces. Both timepieces are exclusively for sale in India

₹25,71,100

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If you are a watch enthusiast who lives and breathes cricket, take a nice, long look at your new grail watch

₹25,71,100

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The watches will only be available in India, marking an important milestone for the watchmaker in the country. Each watch a wholesome package, both editions are truly special and you don’t have to be a fan of cricket to see that. But for watch enthusiasts who live and breathe cricket, take a good, long look at your new grail watch.