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- Panerai has launched a trio of new Luminor references in a highly wearable 42-mm sizing.
- The watches feature matte black, green, or blue dials and are paired with newly developed canvas straps.
- The watches are powered by a P.980 movement with a traversing balance wheel bridge and small seconds function.
Panerai’s ‘90s Luminor watches are a legendary chapter in the Italian maison’s history. Their case design became something of an icon for the brand. However, despite downsizing the 47-mm measurements of the military-tool watches that inspired them to a more civilian-friendly 44 mm, well, the fact is they remained rather large.
Thankfully, Panerai has made the long-overdue decision to address this, launching three new references that still possess original details like the angular case lines, robust lugs, and that signature curved crown protective bridge, while bringing things down to a far more approachable 42 mm.
With the PAM01710, PAM01711, and PAM01714, Panerai has finally given fans something they’ve been clamouring for for years. Plus, with prices starting from AUD$10,500, they’re among the watchmaker’s more accessible releases in terms of cost as well as sizing.
Panerai PAM01710 Key Specs:
- Reference: PAM01710
- Case: Polished and brushed stainless steel
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 13.8 mm
- Water resistance: 500 metres
- Dial: Matte black
- Strap: Beige canvas
- Movement: P.980
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Price: AUD$10,500
Panerai PAM01711 Key Specs:
- Reference: PAM01711
- Case: Polished and brushed stainless steel
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 13.8 mm
- Water resistance: 500 metres
- Dial: Green
- Strap: Green canvas
- Movement: P.980
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Price: AUD$10,500
Panerai PAM01714 Key Specs:
- Reference: PAM01714
- Case: Microsandblasted steel with a DLC coating.
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 13.8 mm
- Water resistance: 500 metres
- Dial: Blue
- Strap: Blue canvas
- Movement: P.980
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Price: AUD$12,100
A Classic Case Updated
Panerai knows the case is the star of the show here and appears to have done a bang-up job of shrinking its dimensions without diluting its iconography across all three references.
Each watch pairs its 42-mm diameter measurement with a thickness of 13.8 mm and a weight of 126 grams. These numbers translate to a substantially more wearable offering than many of Panerai’s heftier offerings without compromising the architecture that makes the Luminor desirable to wear in the first place.
The cases of the PAM01710 and PAM01711 are constructed with polished and brushed steel, while the PAM01714 sees Panerai opt for a darker finish via microsandblasted steel with a DLC coating. Plus, all three of these cases are now water-resistant up to 500 metres of water, which is a truly terrifying depth when you think about it. And the fact that each one is tested 25 per cent beyond its stated rating at Panerai’s Neuchâtel manufacture further proves that, despite the size reduction, this very much remains a serious tool watch.
A Diver’s Dial
Across these references, you have your choice of matte black, green, and blue dial colours, the first two of which are paired with ivory Super-LumiNova, while the third offers beige. This maintains one of Panerai’s defining functional codes, which is the assurance of visibility and luminosity in low-light conditions.
Each dial is crafted using a single plate, on which all graphic indices are printed over successive stages. The Super-LumiNova is then applied over the graphics, creating a slightly raised effect that enhances legibility in the dark, with a subtly convex finish that gives the numerals a three-dimensional appearance. This pays subtle homage to the monolayer construction found in the original Panerai models made for the general public.
Of course, we also can’t forget that each of these models features a small seconds counter at the 9 o’clock position. This is a functional detail with genuine history behind it, as it was originally included so that Italian Navy frogmen could confirm at a glance that their watch was running.
Movement
Inside all three references is the P.980 calibre, an automatic movement with a three-day power reserve, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It’s constructed using 177 components and features a traversing balance wheel bridge, which is designed to boost stability and improve overall performance accuracy.
The P.980 also features a stop-seconds function, which halts the seconds hand the moment the crown is pulled out for precise time-setting. This is a small mechanical detail with real military pedigree, harking back to the exacting synchronisation requirements of professional diving environments. Further, Panerai claims that the calibre undergoes six-position testing to maintain consistent timekeeping.
When it comes to finishing, the movement’s top plates get a horizontal brushed treatment while the open-worked oscillating weight carries a blue “Officine Panerai” engraving alongside brushed and diamond-cut chamfers.
Canvas Straps
Each reference comes on a newly developed canvas strap, designed specifically for these releases with a sporty, utilitarian feel that suits the watches’ tool-watch DNA.
The PAM01710 wears beige canvas, the PAM01711 goes green, and the PAM01714 pairs its dark case with the same blue as its dial. Each is finished with leather reinforcement around the strap holes for added durability and boasts a trapezoidal buckle in brushed steel or DLC-coated steel, depending on the reference.
Price and Availability
These three references are all available now from Panerai’s online boutique, with the PAM01710 and PAM01711 retailing for AUD$10,500, while the PAM01714 is a little steeper at AUD$12,100.
To pick up your very own downsized version of a Panerai icon, simply click on the link below.
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