OFFICINE PANERAI
In 1950, following the discovery of a new selfluminous substance called Luminor, a harmless tritium-based compound in contrast to its highly radioactive radium-based counterpart, Panerai reinterpreted its iconic cushion-shaped Radiomir design from the 1940s with the new luminous compound, a new crown-protecting bridge, a flat, wider bezel and reinforced wire lugs created from the same block of steel as the case, and launched what would be famously known as Luminor.
This year, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Luminor, Panerai presents a series of three brilliant, innovative limitededition models with even greater luminosity in the form of the Luminor Marina, Luminor Marina Carbotech and Luminor Marina Fibratech. Available in 44mm, the special anniversary series marks an important evolutionary step in a development process concerning the mastery of the emission of light which has been carried out by Panerai since the 1940s. Today, it has been further perfected, amplified and enhanced with the use of the latest generation of SuperLumiNova called X1, which provides a longerlasting and higher degree of luminosity.
Taking full advantage of Super-LumiNova X1’s cutting-edge luminosity by emphasising their own personality, the new special editions of Luminor Marina have applied the treatment not only to the dial, but also to the iconic elements of the Luminor case such as the bridge protecting the winding-crown and its locking lever, the flange and the stitching on the strap.
Ensuring the fundamental mechanical accuracy and performance of all three models is the P.9010 calibre, entirely conceived and
developed by the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel. A self-winding movement only 6mm thick, it allows for quick setting of the time and automatic adjustment of the date, and has a power reserve of three days, provided by its twin spring barrels.
Water-resistant to 300m, all three Luminor Marina watches are limited to 270 pieces each, available exclusively at Panerai boutiques. Each unit is presented in a special box decorated with a luminous image of the Luminor Marina dial. Particularly attentive to the technical and mechanical reliability of its timepieces, Panerai has taken this to the extreme by extending the watches’ international warranty to 70 years.
“TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF SUPER-LUMINOVA X1’S CUTTING-EDGE LUMINOSITY BY EMPHASISING THEIR OWN PERSONALITY, THE NEW SPECIAL EDITIONS OF LUMINOR MARINA HAVE APPLIED THE TREATMENT NOT ONLY TO THE DIAL, BUT ALSO TO THE ICONIC ELEMENTS OF THE LUMINOR CASE”
Sintering (DMLS), a process of futuristic 3D printing involving the sedimentation of titanium powder, sintered layer-by-layer with a high-powered optical fibre laser, 30 microns (0.03mm) at a time. This model is fitted with a blue strap made of Panerai Sportech, woven to give a waterproof rubberised effect, with luminous stitching and a Velcro fastener. A second rubber strap in blue with a titanium tongue buckle is also supplied.
The Luminor Marina Carbotech features a non-homogenous texture due to the Carbotech material of which it is made. This unusual compound was introduced into high-quality watchmaking by Panerai. It consists of thin layers of carbon fibres superimposed on each other, orientated alternately (a good seven layers per millimeter), fused together under high-pressure temperature-controlled conditions, and finally further consolidated with an advanced polymer. It is a material remarkable for its mechanical properties, its lightness and its resistance to stress and corrosion. Fitted with a Panerai Sportech strap in black with luminescent stitching and Velcro fastening, the model also comes with an additional strap in black rubber with a titanium tongue buckle.
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