Panerai at the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance and Motor Car Classic

cazalea

I was fortunate yesterday to be able to represent PuristSPro at the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance, and to enjoy gracious hospitality as a guest of Panerai. It was a special day for me; I have lived in this area of Southern California most of my life, and knew many of the cars (and their owners) on exhibit, but had not been to an event with watches in the mix. It was a unique experience for Panerai as well, because they primarily sponsor events in yachting regattas, and had not been to an automotive concours.

It was a beautiful Spring day in La Jolla. That means a morning with no sun, low cloud cover, and moderate temperatures. Perfect for taking pictures of cars but not so good for the lady seeking to refine her tan.

The Panerai stand was over next to the water's edge. It's marked by the blue banners. Behind the Panerai stand, across the cove, up on the cliff, you will find the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.

We had to "fight" our way through the obstacle course of beautiful automobiles, motorcycles, and airplanes.

Airplanes, you ask? Yes, the San Diego Aerospace Museum had arranged a number of fly-bys for us. Which happened to be right on the water's edge, above the Panerai stand. I think they had the best location on the field. The stand was beautiful - it was built for a presentation in New England not long ago, and shipped out here in a container. Some Italian craftsmen reassembled hundreds of fantastic "Toothpicks" of wood into this yacht-like retreat on the edge of the concours.

I took these photos at the beginning of the day. For most of the morning and all afternoon, the stand was swamped with guests, many experiencing Panerai for the first time.

In addition to the nautical display in side, the crashing of the waves behind us, the historic La Valencia Hotel in front of us, there were the cars too.

The folks from the La Jolla Boutique and Panerai's head office were gracious and very helpful. Notice that the floor slopes upward and becomes the left wall. Could be tricky to navigate that in a high wind with snacks and drinks in hand ...

I looked at a few of the gold watches ... BEAUTIFUL! But not exactly MY style.

I case-shopped for a few minutes.

Finally, I decided I'd like to wear the 47mm Regatta [aka Panerai PAM526 Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic].

The name is a bit long to quote to your pals, but the watch is very nice. This is my style. Titanium, functional, interesting count-down complication, light weight, intriguing look, etc.

Notice the nice furniture providing a backdrop for the watch (and matching my suit too). This is a demo watch, so please excuse a few bumps and scratches from previous exhibits.

I asked to see the gold pocket watch in the case, but as it was coming out, a lovely lady slipped in front of me to take a close look. I forgot the watch and never saw it again. Sorry.

However, that gave me a new theme for my study of Panerai watches, and I walked around taking photos of women wearing Panerai. Interesting!

As always with Panerai, straps were a key part of the presentation.

An enigmatic look. Is she related to the Mona Lisa?

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the report...

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-04-14 10:24:31 This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2014-04-14 19:34:13

Comments:

cazalea April 14th, 2014-07:00

Continuing on the Panerai / La Jolla Concours and Motor Car Classic Perhaps I could devote some space to the vehicles parked around on the lawns. How can I manage to convey the enormity of this show? Some Purists I know are interested in the beauty of the automobile. Raise your hand if that's your preference ... I took so...

cazalea April 14th, 2014-07:11

Conclusion of Panerai / La Jolla Concours and Motor Car Classic I should finish this off with a general view of a few cars that I liked. A gutsy Isotta Fraschini owned and driven by Bill Evans. A fantastic 1958 Cadillac Limousine; I think there were only 3-4 of these built A Brace of Bentleys Not just cars; there were...

Ares501 - Mr Green April 14th, 2014-11:50

Remarkable report Mike We should send you to cover all concourses ;) Really enjoyed your engine photo series Amazing is how much plastic appeared on car engines in last few decades Thank you for lovely report Sincerely Damjan

cazalea April 14th, 2014-12:13

Thanks If you want to send me back in the past, I have Auto Shows from London, Geneva, Los Angeles, SEMA in Las Vegas, etc going back about 20 years in my archives. I used to publish automotive books for a living. That meant Auto Shows. Mike

VMM April 14th, 2014-16:11

Thanks for sharing.

Spellbound April 14th, 2014-16:45

Excellent coverage And excellent pictures too. Was Ralph Lauren and Jay Leno or any of their cars present this year? I have never been to a US car show but used to go to the Goodwood Festival of Speed every year back in the UK. Great coverage. Love the Pam girl ! Dean

cazalea April 15th, 2014-09:04

Most of the cars were from Southern California; not like Goodwood None of the national heavy hitters came in for this. A few cars came down from Los Angeles. We have more than enough around this area to fill a field, as you can see. Now Goodwood - that IS a treat. Home of jaw-dropping displays and dodgy weather. I think...

bimbeano April 16th, 2014-09:02

Excellent report Mike ... .. makes me realize i haven't been to such an event since last summer ! Bim

nitediver April 16th, 2014-04:22

wonderful report, thanks for sharing! what a pleasure to see all these beauties...the cars, I mean of course, and the watches. thanks Stefan

Ancienne Le Brassus April 16th, 2014-11:39

Thanks for the great report!! Wonderful pictures, cars and comments!!!

0-10-10

Load More Comments

AnthonyTsai

Here are the new Panerai SIHH 2014 watches!

AnthonyTsai

Panerai PAM579 Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titaninio: Panerai 45mm Radiomir 1940 Chronograph - PAM518, PAM519, PAM520: Panerai 50mm Pocket Watches - PAM447 & PAM529: Panerai's new movement - the P.5000: 44mm PAM560, PAM561, PAM562, PAM563, PAM564 w/ P.5000 movement: Panerai PAM557 Luminor 1950 Left-Handed 3 Days: Panerai PAM500 GALILEO GALILEI’S PENDULUM CLOCK: Cheers, Anthony This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-01-20 10:26:04 .

Go to top.

About US | Contact