The History of the Panerai Watch, the Italian Diver’s Watch

Over the last several years, Panerai watches have earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in design and performance. Although the Panerai name has been synonymous with quality and design for well over one hundred years among collectors and other cognoscenti, new models of these precision watches were unavailable for purchase abroad until around 1998.

Since then, demand has soared to the point that Panerai watches are now among the most sought-after watches in the world. Some models are very difficult to find. Panerai watches continue to build on a rich history that goes back to the nineteenth century. This article contains a concise history of the Panerai watch, the watch preferred by Italian divers for almost a century.

Early History: The Founding of the Panerai Watch Company

In 1860, Giovanni Panerai opened his watch-making shop in Florence, Italy. Florence’s first watchmaker, G. Panerai & Co., quickly established a reputation for making exquisitely crafted watches. Knowing that Swiss watch craftsmanship was unparalleled, Panerai contacted the most prestigious Swiss watch manufacturers and began modeling his Panerai watches around the precisely crafted and dependable Swiss model. Over time, the business flourished. When Giovanni died, his son Leon Francesco Panerai took over his father’s workshop and continued to build upon the Panerai reputation for excellence.

In time, Leon’s son Guido also joined the business and started a new venture named Guido Panerai and Figliothe. This business focused on designing and manufacturing high-precision mechanical instruments for many different clients. Word of this new company’s expertise spread, and eventually, Guido was contacted by the Royal Italian Navy. Shortly thereafter, Panerai and Figliothe became the navy’s official supplier of optical and navigational mechanical devices, and the company was renamed Officine Panerai.

Middle History: Descendants Building on the Panerai Legacy for Excellence

Around the turn of the century, when the Italians were developing a new kind of navy with metal ships and divers, naval officers asked Guido to develop a watch with a luminous face and hands. Early successes with luminous materials for the watch led to larger contracts with the navy for luminous instrument dials, nighttime sighting devices for naval gunnery, and a wide range of other mechanical instruments that could calculate depth, timing, and range to targets. As the demand for these instruments grew, the Officine Panerai company continued to grow, too.

In the early 1930s, Guido’s children, Giuseppe and Maria, continued their father’s work with Maria focusing on the watch-making part of the business and Giuseppe working mainly on expanding the company’s long relationship with the Italian Navy. He continued to develop and manufacture luminous devices for divers, including wrist compasses, depth gauges, and a wide range of other fine mechanical equipment designed for underwater performance. In 1936, the navy asked Giuseppe to design and build an underwater watch that could withstand extreme conditions. The first Panerai Radiomir watch prototype passed all testing protocols.

As World War II loomed, the navy needed all the equipment that the Panerais could make, especially diver’s watches. In 1943, the first Panerai Mare Nostrum chronograph was introduced for naval officers, although the watch never went into production. In 1949, a patent was issued for the Panerai Luminor. This model effectively replaced the Radiomir. Work continued, with craftsmen focused on creating Panerai watch models able to perform at greater and greater depths. Until the end of the 1980s, new Panerai watches were made exclusively for military clients; however, the company made their watches available to the public in the early 1990s.

Recent History: A New Beginning

In 1997, the Panerai Company was acquired by the Richemont Group. This company already owned the rights to other prestigious watchmakers such as Cartier, IWC, and others. The Richemont Group made Panerai watches available internationally, and suddenly, this coveted watch that was once available to a select few could be purchased in fine watch and jewelry shops around the world.

Knowing they stood to make a fortune with this new acquisition, Richemont reintroduced the Panerai Radiomir and Panerai Luminor, as well as a line of contemporary models inspired by the unique aesthetics of Panerai design. The future of Panerai watches and the people who love them appears to be quite promising. New models are expected to be rolled out for the foreseeable future. Of course, all new models will adhere to Giovanni Panerai and his descendants? strict standards for craftsmanship and performance.

Different Motorcycle Helmet Colors

There are many different motorcycle helmet colors to choose from. There are so many, in fact, that sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right color or pattern for you.

It can be hard for a motorcyclist to decide on a color for their helmet. Your helmet is most important for the safety it provides you, but it is also a good way to show off your style while riding.

A helmet is also a great way to get yourself noticed by other drivers, an important effect for safety. Wearing a brightly colored helmet will help other motorists to notice you and take the proper precautions.

A solid motorcycle helmet color is the best if you want to be noticed by other drivers. You can also purchase a reflective strip so that their headlights will illuminate it, making you more noticeable, and therefore safer.

For many riders, however, a motorcycle helmet color is a manifestation of their personality, and they want one that will show that to the world. For these riders, there are many specialty graphics and patterns available.

Say you’re a rider who can’t get enough of their bike. You might be able to find a helmet customized to your bikes colors. Check on the manufacturer’s website, or get it custom painted at your local bike shop.

When you’ve got the money to spend, you can work with your local bike shop to get your helmet exactly the way you like it. Design some custom graphics, and then get them painted in your team’s colors.

If you want a customized motorcycle helmet color, there are many different options, but they can get pricey. For a rider with a smaller budget, go with something plain and simple to cut costs.

The Omega Watch: From the First Man on the Moon to the Present

When people talk about the first wristwatch worn on the moon, they are referring to the Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph. Ever since that milestone in human history, this Omega model has been referred to as the ‘Moon Watch’, but this self-winding chronograph was introduced many years earlier, in 1957. At the time, Omega could never have imagined that this particular model would be forever associated with such an extraordinary achievement. But the Omega Speedmaster earned the opportunity through an extremely rigorous vetting process. This process eliminated wristwatches from all of the other competing watch manufacturers who coveted the once-in-a-lifetime marketing opportunity.

The history of this watch and American space travel precedes that historic July day in 1969 by a few years. The first Omega Speedmaster to leave Earth’s atmosphere was worn on the wrist of Walter Schirra aboard the Sigma 7 in 1962. NASA requested that astronauts wear wristwatches for space travel as a matter of practicality in the event that onboard systems failed. Initially, the make and model of watch was up to the astronauts, but as the space program advanced, NASA decided that something as important as reliable timekeeping in space could not be left to chance. So NASA started a testing program that involved buying watches from several manufacturers and subjecting them to a regimen of different tests that simulated the changing conditions of space travel.

These watches were subjected to: extremes in temperature, exposure to a vacuum environment, up to 12 Gs of gravitational force, violent shaking, and other tests to ensure that the watches were anti-magnetic, shockproof, and waterproof. After extensive testing, the watch NASA chose was an Omega Speedmaster that had been bought over the counter at a Houston jewelry store. The Speedmaster became standard-issue for Apollo astronauts. During missions, most astronauts wore one Speedmaster set to Mission Elapsed Time and another set to Houston local time.

While there is no disputing that the Swiss-made Omega Speedmaster was the first watch worn on the surface of the moon, there has been a minor dispute over which astronaut was the first to walk on the moon while wearing one. During that historic Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were given a window of two hours and forty minutes to explore the moon’s surface with the Omega Speedmaster strapped to the outsides of their spacesuits. Adding to this watch’s already remarkable history, the Speedmaster worn by Aldrin ended up tracking this period of time, as the onboard timer on the Lunar Module failed shortly after landing and could not be restarted.

According to Aldrin, during the moon walk, Armstrong left his Speedmaster chronograph on the module as a backup. In fact, it was Aldrin’s Speedmaster that was the first wristwatch worn on the moon’s surface. This Omega was to be donated to the Smithsonian Institute to be included in a collection of Aldrin’s other equipment. However, it was stolen sometime in the years after the moonwalk and has never been recovered.

A year later, during the Apollo 13 mission, the NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster had a far more crucial role. After an explosion on the service module rendered several critically important systems inoperable, scrapped plans to land on the moon again, and endangered the astronauts, lives, Commander James Lovell’s Speedmaster became an essential life- and mission-saving tool.

The crew of Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Jim Haies had to power down all systems except for the radio receiver to conserve energy. All the timed engine burns programmed into the vessel’s computer to enable the astronauts to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere were now out of service. Using only his Speedmaster chronograph, Lovell and his crew were able to time the duration and intervals of engine thrusts, and the men and their vessel safely returned home.

In the years since, Omega Speedmaster chronographs have continued their remarkable service on the first space shuttle mission and subsequent missions. These watches have been selected by the former Soviet Union for their space program. The Omega Speedmaster watch remains the only NASA flight-qualified watch for space walks, and has been consistently retested by NASA to ensure performance. To this day, this model is still the only watch “Flight-Qualified by NASA for all Manned Space Missions,” and has served the American and Russian space programs with distinction since the early 1960s.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph is still in production today. The very same model preferred by NASA and the men and women who crew missions for space exploration can be purchased at fine jewelry stores around the world. Buying a Speedmaster allows the owner to wear an extraordinary piece of history with a record of performance that is, literally, out of this world.

Opportunities With Poker Affiliate Programs

Numerous online industries are willing to pay handsomely for new customers simply because there is so much to be made in return. There is seemingly no end to the potential opportunities for regular people to earn money on the Internet. In exchange for advertising on your site leading to sales or new customers, companies are willing to pay you for the privilege.

Website owners investigating affiliate programs will no doubt discover the huge and baffling variety of sites on offer. Just a small advertisement on a site can lead to a substantial amount of money in your bank account. Incorporating a huge online industry is one of the most likely to produce financial results for an affiliate. Anybody can earn a few dollars from Internet trading or work. One of the biggest new online industries is the poker business. Players using casinos or sports betting accounts have the potential to win money from the house.

The knock on benefits of gaining new customers are so huge that losing a small percentage means very little to a huge poker site. The odds are against this eventuality but there is always the chance of players using sites, making some quick money and then leaving shortly afterward. But for an affiliate this ’small’ percentage can soon turn out to be a hugely lucrative earner. Ordinarily websites will simply write the name of the associated poker room in the bulk of the text and highlight it in a different color to mark it out as a link rather than a standard piece of text. Poker sites also post hundreds of tournaments each week, in which hundreds of players compete for pots of various sizes.

To attract clientele to poker sites affiliates are given a range of tools and advertising paraphernalia to choose from. Players barely notice this small cut taken from the pot so nobody is directly affected. These advertising pieces may vary in style, content, color and in the tone in which they are presented. Some industries prefer a one off payment, whilst others pay a percentage of a purchase made by somebody who has joined through the site.

The choice is often an important step because some colors and motifs may be unsuitable for certain sites. One of the most exciting earning opportunities can be found within the gaming industry. The decision is always down to the Website owner, but if there are problems companies is usually more than happy to re-offer some of the other designs as a form of replacement.

Xperiences Guide to Track Days and Driving Experiences, Part #2

If you want to give your favourite car fanatic the ultimate driving experience or track day then this second part of our guide to high octane motorsport gifts is essential reading. It aims to give you the lowdown on the wide range of adrenaline-fuelled driving experiences available, featuring everything from Skid Pan & Controlled Driving, karting, tank driving, moto cross or rally driving experiences.

Rally Driving Rally driving occupies a unique place in the motorsport world. It’s fast, furious and often seems barely in control. Well, find out for yourself behind the wheel of a specially-prepared rally car. Discover the secrets of power slides, handbrake turns and skid cause and control on loose surface or tarmac rally stages – handy for the next time you’re trying to find the ski lodge in a hire car. Your experience normally includes tuition and rally driving around a specially-prepared rally stages. At some venues you’ll also be chauffeured around a stage by your instructor at competition speeds, just to show you how it’s done.

Moto Cross Motocross racing is widely considered the world’s most popular form of motorcycle racing. Held on enclosed off-road circuits it has evolved from scrambling which was invented in the UK in 1924. With large tracks they usually incorporate many natural Motocross terrain features with added man made jumps and other extras. Whether you are a complete off-road novice or a seasoned dirt junkie, there are guided off-road adventure tours that will suit you down to the ground!

Tank Driving This is your chance to play with the big boys toys! A fantastic experience during which you will probably drive a Cheiftain Tank, Abbot Self Propelled Gun or FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier….in short, awesome. You will normally receive full driving tuition from friendly and experienced ex-forces instructors and with so much to try you will be kept busy! You’ve got to hand it the army – they’ve definitely got the best wheels. You can’t beat a day driving around in military vehicles and shooting at stuff. All the fun of being a soldier with none of the risks. You’ll be kitted out in a camouflage suit and helmet and given a full safety briefing.

Skid Pan & Controlled Driving These skid car control experiences test your reflexes and co-ordination to the full as you learn the advanced techniques to counteract under steer and over steer in a simulated loss-of-control situation. Controlling a skid is a useful skill, and this experience teaches you all about it both as a fun day out, and as something you might need to use on the road one day. You’ll start with a safety briefing and a discussion on the cause and cures of different kinds of skids. Then you’ll use techniques that simulate loss of car control, with the vehicle seeming to get away from you.

Junior Driving This is your chance to let your child turn their dreams into reality in these fantastic junior experiences. From a young age children fantasize about driving supercars and this is their chance. Not only can these brilliant experiences give them precious time controlling a vehicle, developing skills for when they eventually become drivers, but it is a fantasy that will make them the king of the playground.

Karting. Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motor sports. Karts vary in speed and some (known as Superkarts) can reach speeds exceeding 160 mph. A KF1 kart, with a 125 cc 2-stroke engine and an overall weight including the driver of 150 kilograms has a top speed of 85 mph. It takes a little more than 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph with a 125 cc shifter kart (6 gears), with a top speed of 115 mph on long circuits. Kart racing is usually used as a low-cost and relatively safe way to introduce drivers to motor racing. Many people associate it with young drivers but adults are also very active in Karting – it is considered the first step in any serious racer’s career. It can prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills.

Where Can I Find The Best Price On Wii?

What is one of the top sellers this Christmas season? You guessed it – once again, the Nintendo Wii Gaming System is going to be one of them. As in the past few years, you must shop early if you want to get the best price on Wii. Because the Wii has been out for a couple of years now, and because of the new and innovative games like the brand new “Wii Music” and “Guitar Hero 3″ Nintendo keeps coming out with, it remains more popular than ever.

So where can I find the Nintendo Wii at the best price?

In locating the best price on Wii systems, a good start is at the auction sites. Not only can you can get the best prices and bid for the price you want to pay, you can get fast delivery for before Christmas. Of course, the most well known auction site to find the best price on Wii is Ebay. Ebay is the place where you can find almost anything – new systems, bundles, stripped down systems, and even used Wii consoles. The number of sellers on Ebay is mind boggling, and there you’re most likely to find the Nintendo Wii best price on an auction site like Ebay.

If finding a used Wii system is an option, using Ebay is good choice for the best price for sure! They even have used systems that are like new and with the strict policy guidelines establised by Ebay, you can be assured that what you see is what you will get.

Another great reason to shop Ebay for your Wii – not being able to find it anywhere else! Previously, the Wii has sold out pretty much everywhere and your only chance to find it is on Ebay. Even if you end up paying a little more than retail, you are going to have a Wii. And really, you’re still going to pay the best price, since you’ve got so many options.

Of course, you don’t want to rule out your local retail stores. But finding the best price for Wii may not happen as often there, even minus the price of shipping. You will, however, have your Wii right then.

Try Amazon Marketplace too. You get their easy to use, easy to deliver and easy return policies. Amazon has new and gently used gaming systems too. Another benefit is you can buy a bunch of cool stuff to go with your system, including games. And you have a good chance of finding a great price for all of your Wii goodies.

So here are a couple of ways for you to find best prices on Wii. A warning – start your shopping now! If you wait, both finding a Wii and getting a good price may be long gone.

Holidays Resources – Plan Fun Activities for Family

It’s so easy to get caught up in the preparations for the holidays. Shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, cleaning, and chauffeuring the kids everywhere they need to go. As you make your list of things to do, be sure to include some fun activities that include your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors. After all, fellowship and companionship is a big part of the holiday season, so make sure you spend some quality fun time with those who mean the most to you.

Christmas Caroling is a fun way to include not only those that you already know, but a great way to break the ice and meet new neighbors and people. Print up a few words, enter a portable stereo with the music of Christmas, and tour your neighborhood singing Christmas carols. No matter if you are not the best singer. People of all ages can enjoy this tradition carried into the modern holiday season. If you do not feel comfortable caroling in neighborhoods or houses you do not know, consider having a mobile caroling bus that goes to the homes of people you know to carol. Take a bucket of candy canes or Christmas to go to the home you are leaving. You might also consider caroling on behalf of a charitable organization favorite. Building a secure donation bucket or a box that clearly shows the name and address of the organization that can help you. Some people may not be comfortable financially to you personally, and it is normal.

Hand them some preprinted slips of paper with the organization’s name, address and phone number along with a short statement on what they do, and encourage them to donate directly.

Curling is another great activity to do with friends and family. Not only promote get a little exercise, but it’s a great way to spend time outside enjoying the winter crispness of the air if you live in a suitable climate. Otherwise, most cities have local skating rinks. Check your calendar in advance and send invitations to several members of the family or friends and make an afternoon of it.

Consider encouraging your friends and family join you on a volunteer excursion to help out at a local nursing home or homeless shelter this holiday season. You can sing Christmas carols with the nursing home residents, or help dish out hot bowls of soup and pass out blankets for those in need. If you know of a family in need this holiday season, perhaps your friends and family could put together a holiday gift basket and fill a laundry basket full of food, baked goods, and small Christmas treats and gifts for the children of the family. It’s a great way to teach children the importance of giving back to their community and helping those that are less fortunate then themselves.

Remember the reason for the season, and spend some time with your friends and family, and maybe even help out others in the process. Have a great holiday!

Buying Karaoke CDGs & DVDs For Your System

When building your own karaoke program library, there are a number of particular factors you must look out for when selecting the right karaoke CDs and DVDs. The largest thing to remember is always make sure your karaoke machine can manage the right data formatting of the Cd Discs or DVDs that you are buying.

While virtually all karaoke systems are able to handle most data formatting, and most karaoke CDs and DVDs work on most systems, it is advisable to double determine to insure that your purchases will not be done in waste. If using a more modern karaoke system, nearly all are able to address almost all formats karaoke CDs and Dvd Discs, but by going through the formats it will handle it will make sure you are not frustrated when it does not function. By simply double-checking, you can set your mind at ease and be assured that your purchase will work without a headache.

If you are buying karaoke cd discs and dvds for the first time, make sure you choose the ones that you know will be utilized. While most people would like to have a complete library that extends all music styles and musical genres, it can become senseless to buy a number of tracks that you have no interest in ever singing.

A easier choice is to look for titles that contain tracks that you are engaged in. That way you can assure that your purchase will be put to great use instead of merely collecting dust. Nonetheless if you are someone who is always throwing karaoke events or inviting friends over to enjoy your karaoke machine, check that the songs have a deep appeal that will fit everyone.

There is nothing bad in having your individualised collection that is suited specifically to your tastes, but if you are a big fan of country and your acquaintances cannot stand it at all, it can make your karaoke parties a little bit monotonous.

Lastly, there is something you must constantly remember when deciding what karaoke CDs and Dvd Discs you are purchasing is what you will get the most pleasure out of. If your aim is to practice singing in karaoke night, then look for unique titles that contain tracks that you will sing, but if you wish to use your karaoke player for a bit of social fun, look at collections or karaoke Dvds that encompass a deep range of songs. That way everyone can get into the fun.

10 Reasons to Play Poker Online

Poker is a favorite pastime of many of us. This game is a lot of fun and some even earn money by playing poker – sometimes as their profession! Poker is a game which has been with us for a long time; however, there are some new development sin the game, such as being able to play poker online! Read on for ten good reasons to play poker online.

1. It’s fun. Ok, so that wasn’t anything that you didn’t know, but it’s the truth. Online poker really is just as much fun as playing face to face except that it’s easier to bluff when you play online.

2. It’s simple to get in on a game. Many poker sites offer visitors one click access, so you never have to wait a long time to be dealt into a game.

3. For technology geeks, the interface makes for an interesting experience. The software which a lot of poker sites use is technologically impressive. You can see the table, the other players; it’s the next best thing to holding cards in your hands – one thing is for sure; it’s not boring to play poker online.

4. Variety of games. Playing poker online means that you can play a wide variety of games, from Texas Hold ‘Em to 5 Card Stud, and everything in between. You don’t have to be locked into one type of game; you can switch and play as you please.

5. You can play poker online for free. Most poker sites have free versions which you can play – while you won’t win any money, it’s still just as much fun and a great way to learn the game.

6. You can win real money. When you’ve played all the free poker you can handle and you think you’re ready to play for money, you can do so with the right poker site.

7. You can play in tournaments. If you play poker online, you can join in tournaments with big prizes, much like the tournaments which you see on TV.

8. Learning the game. If you already play poker, you are aware of the fun which can be had. For newbies wanting to get involved, one of the best ways to learn is to play poker online.

9. Convenience – you can play from home any time it fits your schedule.

10. You can make new friends. With built in chat when you play poker online, you can socialize as well as simply play a hand of poker.

This free online poker article is brought to you by sportsbook-watch.com

Taking a Scuba Diving Holiday

A great way to spend family time, doing something fun and adventurous is going on a scuba diving holiday. With good planning, this can be an adventure of a lifetime. Keep in mind that putting a scuba diving holiday does require a little more attention to detail, particularly if you plan to travel out of the United States. However, this type of holiday is fun and exciting.

When planning a scuba diving holiday, the most important thing is to determine where you want to go. The goal is finding a destination that will fit within your set budget, but also one that offers diving for the type and experience level you need. Taking all this into consideration will ensure a perfect balance so your vacation time is excellent. This coupled with the assistance of a travel agent that specializes in dive trips is recommended.

You can also ask a diving center for the recommendations of good diving destinations for your trip.a scuba diving holiday image

The goal is to make sure you get everything you want from your scuba diving experience but in addition, you want to look at the various land activities available as well. After all, most dive destinations are in beautiful places where the surrounding scenery is breathtaking, giving you something extra to enjoy.

During the planning phase, we suggest you make a list of everything that you will need to take specific to diving equipment and in accordance with your certification. Now, if you plan to go out of state, then of course you would also need to have your Visa intact, make sure you have any needed vaccinations, understand local currency, and so forth.

Doing research on each of these aspects of the trip will make things go much smoother. The good news is that finding information about diving is a breeze using the internet. In fact, everything you could possibly need to know so you have an incredible trip is available online.

Here are some other things you should remember for a scuba diving holiday

* Look at the various options for diving packages so you save money and have a wonderful holiday * Establish the date for travel and if possible, be a little flexible, which could also save you money * Travel insurance that includes scuba diving is a great option to think about * Label all of your personal diving gear so it can be easily identified * Contact the airlines you plan to fly to learn about any limitations or restrictions regarding your diving equipment * Copy all your documents, leaving one copy at home with someone trusted and keeping a second copy with you on the trip * Take any medication needed with you, along with a note from the doctor

Your family scuba diving holiday should be a time of excitement and fun. While there, the entire family can see and experience new things, especially the many wonders of marine life.

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