Panerai releases a Regatta watch each year since 2000 to coincide with European yacht racing regattas that it either sponsors or races in.
Panerai used to sponsor the Laureus Regatta in Monaco from 2000 to 2004, an event in which it's own boat would participate. It now participates in another event from 2005.
They released limited edition watches in each of these years to mark the event.
The models in each year were:
2000 - 081 Monte Carlo Regatta - 200 units
2001 - 107 Marina Regatta - 500 units
2002 - 156 GMT Regatta - 300 units
2003 - 168 Chrono Regatta - 300 units
2004 - 199 Submersible Regatta - 500 units
2005 - 222 Power Reserve Regatta - 500 units
2006 - 253 1950 Flyback Regatta - 500 units
To answer your question, the 253 is a '1950 Regatta' series if that is waht you refer to, but Panerai was not associated with the Laureus Regatta in that year.
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