Panerai has announced a pair of new timepieces set for release this fall, each a limited edition. One is available exclusively via Panerai’s e-commerce platform; the other introduces a new composite material in its dial. Read on for details about the Submersible Azzurro – 42 MM and Luminor Luna Rossa GMT – 42 MM.
The “Azzurro” in the Panerai Submersible Azzuro – 42 MM refers to its most riveting element, the matte blue ceramic ring, with graduated dive scale, which is fitted into the unidirectional ratcheting bezel (“Azzurro” is Italian for “light blue”). The cushion-shaped case is made of AISI 316L steel with a satin-brushed finish and measures 42 mm in diameter. Its 300-meter water resistance is ensured by the familiar (and trademarked) locking crown protector device on the right side of the case as well as by the screw-down steel caseback. Continuing the “Azzurro” theme — evoking both the ocean depths this watch calls home, as well as the unofficial color of unified Italy, according to Florence-founded Panerai — the lume on the hands and indices of the the matte black dial glows in a bright green-blue. Powering the watch is the automatic manufacture Caliber P.900, with 23 jewels, a 28,800-vph frequency, and a power reserve of three days in a single barrel. The watch comes on a black rubber strap with a brushed steel trapezoidal buckle, with an additional strap in Sportech black velcro. Limited to 500 pieces, the watch retails for $9,800 and is available exclusively on Panerai’s e-commerce site.
The other new model, limited to 250 pieces, is the latest to emerge from Panerai’s partnership with Italy’s Team Luna Rossa, a challenger in the upcoming Prada Cup Challenge Selection Series leading up to the 36th America’s Cup competition in 2021. The eye-catching dial of the luminor Luna Rossa GMT – 42 MM is made of Scafotech, a new high-tech polymer made from carbon fiber residue collected and recycled from the hull and hydrofoils of the Italian team’s AC75 yacht. The bezel is made of another such composite material, Carbotech, which Panerai has been using since introducing it into the watch industry several years ago. Both substances lend a singular, textured appearance to their components. The signature red colors of both Prada and Team Luna Rossa is used to highlight the small seconds hand and the triangular tip of the central GMT hand. $10,800.
The 42-mm case is made from sandblasted titanium, and includes the patented bridge-type crown-locking device. The numerals and indices in the sandwich-structured dial are soaked in white Super-LumiNova, which glows a bright green in low light. Inside the case, behind the screwed, solid, dodecagonal caseback, is Panerai’s automatic Caliber P.9010/GMT, with a double-barreled three-day power reserve, powering the hours, minutes, small seconds (at 9 o’clock), date display (at 3 o’clock) and GMT display of a second time zone. The caseback is engraved with a Luna Rossa logo and an image of the America’s Cup. The watch comes on a black alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and titanium buckle, with an additional black rubber strap, along with tools for changing the strap and buckle. It’s available in January 2021, retailing for $10,800.
For more of Panerai’s 2020 releases, click here.
