Watches & Wonders 2021: Panerai Releases Ten Novelties
New watch releases are buses. You wait around for ages with no luck, and then you get ten all at once. OK, the saying is slightly different from that, but in Panerai’s world, it’s not. The brand has indeed just dropped ten new watches. Those ten watches are broken down into six different model families. Let’s take a quick look at them all!
Panerai Submersible eLAB-ID PAM01225
First up, we have some tasty newness from Panerai‘s LAB-ID range, now with an eco twist. May I introduce you to the new Submersible eLAB-ID PAM01225. The PAM 01225 contains the highest percentage of recycled materials ever in a watch. This positions Panerai at the forefront of the movement towards more environmentally responsible and sustainable watch manufacturing. A total of 98.6% of Submersible eLAB-ID’s weight comes from materials integrating a high amount of recycled elements. The case, sandwich dial, and bridges are all composed of EcoTitanium. This lightweight aerospace-grade titanium alloy is made of more than 80% pure recycled content.
What’s more, the Submersible eLAB-ID is the first watch to use 100% recycled SuperLuminova on its dial and hands and 100% recycled silicon for its movement escapement. Both materials are collected through dedicated, small-scale recycling processes that reuse raw material waste. Personally, I love the blue color of the lume here, and it complements the dark grey hue of the Eco-Titanium case marvelously.
- PAM01225 features: 44mm Brushed EcoTitanium case, grey sandwich EcoTitanium dial, recycled Grigio Roccia fabric strap with light blue stitching, and trapezoidal EcoTitanium buckle.
Panerai Luminor Marina eSteel PAM1358, PAM1356 & PAM1157
In keeping with the eco-friendly materials, the Luminor Marina eSteel watches also use recycled metal alloys. 89g of the eSteel components are made of recycled-based materials, corresponding to 58% of the watch’s total weight. Both the case and dial of Luminor Marina eSteel feature the new recycled-based steel alloy, while the straps and storage box are all made of recycled materials too.
Rather than a one-off gimmick, Panerai seems to actually be genuine with its research and development of recycled material. It’s good to see brands becoming environmentally aware and working to become ecologically sustainable. As a part of the luxury industry, environmental awareness is often left by the wayside. However, I believe that we must set the trend and champion the cause because of our privileged position.
Quick shout out here to the confusing naming structure Panerai watches. We have the PAM1356, PAM1358, and the PAM1157. Why not the PAM1357? Surely that would have been logical?
- PAM1358 features: 44mm brushed case in eSteel, polished Grigio Roccia gradient eSteel (grey) dial, recycled PET Grey Strap.
- PAM1356 features: 44mm brushed case in eSteel, polished Verde Smeraldo gradient eSteel (green) dial, recycled PET Green Strap.
- PAM1157 features: 44mm brushed case in eSteel, polished Blu Profondo gradient eSteel dial (blue), recycled PET Blue Strap.
Panerai Luminor Chrono 44mm PAM1110, PAM1218 & PAM1109
Next up, we have three new chronographs from the Italian brand. Featuring Panerai’s signature sandwich dial and crown-protector on the right side of the watch, the new Luminor Chronographs are distinguished by relocating the chronograph’s controls to the left-hand side of the watch. This is a nod to the placement on Panerai’s first chronograph watches. For increased legibility, the chronograph counter hands (central second hand and right-hand sub-dial) are blue, whereas the time-only hands are steel.
The new Caliber P.9200 automatic chronograph movement powers the watches. It is an efficient, high-performance automatic single barrel movement with a reasonable 42-hour power reserve. The watches are also waterproof up to 100m making this a go-anywhere, do-anything chronograph you can take to the beach and in the water.
The unusual bracelet design takes its inspiration from the signature crown protectors found on all Luminor watches. It’s incredibly handsome, and the bracelet coupled with the white-0dialled PAM1218 would be my combination of choice.
- PAM1110 features: 44mm stainless steel case, blue dial with satiné soleil finishing, brushed and polished steel bracelet.
- PAM01218 features: 44mm stainless steel case, white matte finish dial, black alligator leather strap plus additional blue rubber strap.
- PAM01109 features: 44mm stainless steel case, black matte finish dial, black alligator leather strap plus additional black rubber strap.
Panerai Luminor Chrono Monopulsante GMT Blue Notte PAM01135
The first of our three limited-edition models is a pretty impressive beast indeed. A mono-pusher chronograph, with GMT function, an 8-day power reserve, and 100m of water resistance. This watch pretty much does it all. Making all this possible is the P.2004, a hand-wound movement that pays tribute to the first chronograph movement Panerai entirely created and developed in-house. Flip the watch over, and you can see the movement in all its glory through the sapphire display case back.
A 44mm sandblasted black ceramic case houses this impressive movement. The case takes on a very even, matte finish which only complements the gorgeous blue sunburst dial. As you may be aware, ceramic cases offer excellent scratch resistance. The bezel and crown protector are also made of the same black ceramic.
PAM01135 features: Matte black ceramic case, Blu Notte dial with satiné soleil finishing, calfskin strap with an additional blue rubber strap, limited edition of 200-pieces.
Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono PAM01303
If recycled materials are one theme of Panerai’s novelties so far today, then chronographs are the other. Another chronograph and another limited edition. Panerai’s PAM1303 advanced chronograph celebrates the achievements of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailboat racing syndicate.
As one would hope from a watch dedicated to sailboat racing professionals, the PAM01303 is waterproof up to 100 meters. The watch is somewhat similar to the previously discussed PAM1110, PAM1218, and PAM1109, just with aesthetic differences and Luna Rossa branding. The straps are different, too, with the PAM01303 coming with two bi-material rubber/fabric options in slightly different colors.
PAM01303 features: 44mm steel brushed case with a deep blue dial with satiné soleil finishing, sandwich structure, numerals, and indexes in white Super-LumiNova with green luminescence. Luna Rossa personalization. The watch comes with 2 straps in bi-material in technical fabric and rubber, one blue with Luna Rossa personalization, the other white with Luna Rossa personalization — a limited edition of 1,000-pieces.
Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso PAM01074
Last but not least, we have another entry into the Submersible lineup. This time a new Bronzo model. The bronzos have built a bit of cult-like reputation and following amongst the Paneristi faithful. A new limited-production edition will only serve to further whet their appetites. Intended for exclusive sale at Panerai boutiques, the model is available in a limited production of only 1,000 pieces a year.
Blue and gold tones complement one another perfectly. Panerai has expertly matched the warm tone of the bronze case with a deep shade of blue on the dial. Powering things on the inside is the P.900 caliber. The P.900 is based on the OPXXXIV caliber, a shared caliber used within the Richemont group. It does have a decent 72-day power reserve, though, according to the brand.
Water-resistant up to 30 bar (about 300 meters deep), the Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso features a blue rubber strap and a trapezoidal pin buckle in bronze, appropriate for underwater activities. Also included is a second vintage suede leather strap for activities above water.
PAM01074 features: 42mm bronze case with a matte blue dial on a Vintage Blue suede strap – limited production of 1,000-pieces.
You can find out more about Panerai on the brand’s wesbite.
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