Mike Horn and the Pole2Pole Expedition

Image
Mike Horn and the Pole2Pole Expedition - Panerai
3 minutes read
Panerai and the famous explorer Mike Horn are renewing their partnership with the Pole2Pole project. On the explorer’s wrist will be the new special edition: the new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Titanio – 47mm.

A new chapter in the story of the collaboration between the Swiss - South African explorer Mike Horn and Panerai is about to begin: the watch brand will be a partner of the Pole2Pole expedition, the two-year project of circumnavigating the globe through land and sea, passing through the two poles. This announcement confirms the long-term partnership between Mike Horn and Panerai, which has already sponsored many of the most remarkable enterprises of the famous explorer: Arktos (2002-2004), the North Pole Winter Expedition (2006) and Pangaea (2008-2012).

Pole2Pole is Mike Horn’s culminating expedition, which more than any previous one is the incarnation of his values and philosophy, of everything he has learned in the course of decades of experience of living in harmony with our planet. A record of exploration that is unequalled has enabled Mike to bring to maturity a philosophy based on three fundamental pillars: adventure, environment and sharing. Mike’s mission is to inspire 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 to publicise the need to protect this extraordinary environment at a time when the dangers threatening nature are extremely serious and alarmingly current.

Panerai has created a travelling companion for Mike, an instrument which will be able to accompany him on the most difficult challenges while always ensuring maximum reliability: the new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Titanio – 47mm (PAM00719).

The new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Titanio is strong and reliable, and it is equipped with functions which are vital not only for an exceptional explorer like Mike Horn but also for any traveller or lover of nature. Water-resistant to a depth of 300 metres and with a rotating bezel for measuring the time of immersion, this limited edition of 500 examples is also extremely tough thanks to its solid case (47 mm in diameter) made of brushed titanium, a tough, hypoallergenic material much lighter than steel. The P.9001 automatic movement has functions which are invaluable for any traveller: the date, a long power reserve – a good 72 hours – and the GMT function, with a central hand indicating the time at home when one is abroad.

Panerai PAM719 Pole2Pole

The dedication to Mike Horn is clearly evident on both the front and the back of the watch. On the midnight blue dial, with applied hour marker dots coated with Super-LumiNova®, the sports character of the watch is enhanced by the inscription POLE2POLE, printed in yellow and matching the second time zone hand and the small seconds dial at 9 o’clock. Engraved on the back are the logo of the expedition – which consists of two animals symbolising the two poles, the polar bear and the penguin – and Mike Horn’s signature.

The new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Titanio (PAM00719) is supplied with a black rubber strap, fastened by a large trapezoid-shaped buckle in brushed titanium.

Panerai PAM719 Pole2Pole

Pole2Pole, the route
Mike Horn began his expedition from the Yacht Club of Monaco, from which he sailed his boat southwards to Namibia. There he explored the world’s oldest desert, the Namib. His route then took him through the Okavango delta in Botswana, the world’s largest inland delta. On to Horn’s homeland South Africa, where Pole2Pole’s first project was implemented and executed: The Shark Project. The aim of this project was to banish the negative stereotypes associated with sharks, raise awareness on the global issues our oceans are currently going though, and to engage and connect with existing local South African programs. Next step, Horn will leave Cape Town and sail to the Antarctic, which he will cross on skis via the South Pole.

Crossing complete, he will navigate the Pacific through the islands of Oceania to Asia, where he will travel parts of New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Once arrived in Asia onboard Pangaea, a further overland journey will lead Horn to the summit of the virgin peaks in India, followed by a journey through the tundra in Kamchatka, before setting sails for the great north. The extreme athlete 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.

 

Featured brand