Panerai Mike Horn Pole 2 Pole - Hands on Review (2024)

I must admit I have never met Mike Horn, the 50-year-old record-breaking explorer fromSouth Africa, who is currently trying to become the first person to circumnavigate the planet via both of its poles. Hope our good friends at Panerai, Mike’s long-time partners on his epic journeys, will make this wish of mine come true once he completes his incredible Pole2Pole expedition in a couple of years.

This is Mike’s culminating expedition, which more than any previous ones, highlights the values of living in harmony with our planet even more. His decades of experience of living amidst the most difficult terrains, as a part of his various expeditions are a testimony to that spirit. Enabled by record-breaking explorations, Mike brings maturity to a philosophy based on three fundamental pillars: adventure, environment and sharing.

Through his journeys, Mike inspires people to enjoy their own personal adventures without fear of leaving their own comfort zone, to understand the laws which rule the planet in which we live, and most importantly highlight the need to protect this extraordinary environment at a time when nature is threatened almost every day, everywhere proposing alarming consequences.

Mike’s expeditions are not new for Panerai, having associated with him in the past on many of his most remarkable enterprises: Arktos (2002-2004), the North Pole Winter Expedition (2006) and Pangaea (2008-2012).

What is the Pole 2 Pole expedition all about?

Mike Horn began his Pole2Pole expedition in May 2016 from the Yacht Club of Monaco, from which he sailed his boat southwards to Namibia. Moving to land, he explored the world’s oldest desert, the Namib. His route then took him through the world’s largest inland delta- the Okavango delta in Botswana. Then was the turn of Mike’s homeland South Africa, where Pole2Pole’s first project was implemented and executed: The Shark Project. He has now successfully sailed from Cape Town to the Antarctic, which he has crossed on skis via the South Pole after a lot of hardships.

Crossing complete, he is navigating the Pacific through the islands of Oceania to Asia, where he is traveling parts of New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Once he arrivesin Asia onboard Pangaea, his sailing partner, a further overland journey will lead Mike to the summit of the virgin peaks in India (we eagerly look forward to that), followed by a journey through the tundra in Kamchatka, before setting sails for the great north. The ace explorer will then attempt another crossing, this time of the Arctic via the North Pole. Following this, Mike will cross over the world’s largest island, Greenland, after which he will conclude his adventure by navigating back to his point of departure, Monaco.

All through the journey, on the explorer’s wrist is the new special edition produced by Panerai: the new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Titanio – 47mm, a perfect traveling companion for Mike, an instrument which enables Mike to take on the most difficult challenges while always ensuring maximum reliability.

A watch built for the Adventurer

So what if you can’t lead the life of Mike Horn? The Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Titanio is still a great partner for anyone who seeks a bit of adventure in his travels. The watch is strong and reliable, and it is equipped with functions, relevant for people on the move.

First, it’s tough and extremely macho in a 47mm diameter case; yet not so heavy due to its material of brushed titanium. Titanium is a lot lighter and tougher than steel and is hypoallergenic in nature, adding comfort to the wearer. Even the water-resistance of 300 meters is hugely impressive but not unexpected due to Panerai’s roots with the Italian Navy. Most watches from Panerai come with high water resistance. Like all good special editions, this watch comes in a limited edition of 500 pieces only.

Equipped with Panerai’s in-house movement:

The in-house movement is both powerful and functional. The P.9001 is an automatic movement which boasts of functions which are invaluable for travellers of any type- the date, a long 72 hours power reserve and the GMT function, with a central hand indicating the time at home when one is traveling.

Adventure watchDNA:

The front and the back of the watch bearing the dedication to Mike Horn are evident. Applied hour marker dots coated with Super-LumiNova® on the midnight blue dial enhances legibility while the sports character of the watch is highlighted by the inscription POLE2POLE, printed in yellow, matching the second time zone hand and the small second’s dial at 9 o’clock.

The case back has engravings of the logo of the expedition – that of a polar bear and the penguin, the two lovable animals symbolizing the two poles, and Mike Horn’s signature.

Absolutely a collector’s delight, the PAM00719 comes with a black rubber strap and a large trapezoid-shaped buckle in brushed titanium.

Price and Availability:

The 500 piece Luminor ‘Pole 2 Pole’ from Panerai is priced at INR 697,000 and is available for as long as stocks last at Ethos Watch Boutiques.