Panerai's SIHH 2017 Novelties

1/17/2017

PAM00692: LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 BMG-TECH™

This hulking 47mm monster of a watch has a case made of a new material, which Panerai has termed "Bulk Metallic Glass" (hence the name, BMG-Tech). The alloy, which consists of zirconium, copper, aluminium, titanium and nickel, is subjected to a high-temperature and pressure injection process, which leads to a cooling process lasting for only a few seconds. The result is an atomic structure that is chaotic and unarranged, similar to that found in crystals. The structure of the material gives it its extreme corrosion resistance, resistance to external shocks, and its resistance to magnetic fields. I would like to see how the material scratches and wears to see if there are any advantages over titanium. Besides being less magnetic (which is not necessarily an advantage), it seems like BMG would behave much in the same way as titanium (which is stronger by weight compared to steel). Link to watch on Panerai's website.

PAM00700: PANERAI LAB-ID™
LUMINOR 1950 CARBOTECH 3 DAYS

Carbon watches have made a number of appearances in the recent years, although this may be one of the most elegant adaptations. Although it retains the design characteristics vital to Panerai watches, its design is characterized by simple, futuristic colors and designs. The blue blue/black color scheme pairs beautifully with the 49mm carbon case. Guess they got tired of making normally-sized watches and decided to make a timepiece that can double as both a wristwatch (for large wrists) and wall clock. It's limited to just 50 pieces, but more importantly, the movement (Caliber Ref. P.3001/C) can perform flawlessly for 50 years without service. This is due to the parts made of a tantalum-based ceramic alloy, which include the bridges, barrels, escapement, and main plate. All of the wheels in the movement, which are developed on the principle of minimizing the need for lubrication, come with a DLC coating, which keeps the friction as low as possible. In short: 50 year warranty, 50 pieces, €50,000 euros (~$53,500 USD). Link to watch on Paneria's website.

FIVE NEW WATCHES IN THE SUBMERSIBLE COLLECTION

Rather than making a post about each, I'll list them here.

PAM00671: LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC BRONZO

A beautiful new bronze watch that just needs some patina, the new 1,000 piece limited edition is a fantastic addition to the collection. Although the watch certainly isn't for me (seeing as it is 47mm), it still looks incredible. The blue dial coupled with the bronze case and bezel look incredible. Inside is the P.9010 movement. panerai.com

PAM00682: LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC ACCIAIO

Here's a watch that's more my size. However, despite the modest size, the large crown guard and long lugs means the watch will wear much larger. It is a simple, steel Luminor 1950, which will never go out of style. Inside is the P.9010 movement. panerai.com

PAM00684: LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC ORO ROSSO

Although I am not usually a fan of gold watches, I think the 684 is wonderfully executed. The gold is not overwhelming thanks to the black ceramic bezel, caoutchouc (a type of rubber) strap, and the smaller (42mm) size. There is a fine line between classy and ostentatious and I think Panerai has struck a perfect balance between the two. Just wonderfully done. Inside is the P.9010 movement. panerai.com

PAM01305: LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC TITANIO

Very similar to the PAM00682 (above) in design, but the size and case materials are quite different. The 1305 comes in at a hefty 47mm, though it will remain quite light due to the titanium case. Inside is the P.9010 movement (sensing a theme with the new Submersibles?). panerai.com

PAM01389: LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 AMAGNETIC 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC TITANIO

At first glance, it looks like just another Panerai, but the movement, which is once again the P.9010, is protected by a special inner case made of soft iron, which insulates the movement by forming a Faraday cage. Although not an innovation by any means, it is always interesting to see another company implement this design into their watches. panerai.com

PAM00727: LUMINOR MARINA 1950 AMERICA'S CUP 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC ACCIAIO

Finally, we have the America's Cup limited edition. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the event, the watch is accentuated by vibrant blue and red stitching on the strap and a sandwich dial, a staple of many Panerai watches. It is 44mm in diameter and is limited to just 300 pieces. Not much else to say, it's just a limited edition of an otherwise normal watch. panerai.com