OFFICINE Panerai’s latest models, rolled out in September and October, are a showcase of the watchmaker’s bent for non-stop technological innovation and application of new materials, this time with an eye on “the modern watch enthusiast”. All kept within the bounds of Panerai’s Italian heritage and style, of course.

The new PAM01423 and Luna TuttoOro PAM01504 in Panerai’s Luminor Due collection and the Luminor Chrono Carbotech PAM01219 are explicitly designed for the watch geek of today. 

Launched in 2016, the Luminor Due line “expresses Italian urban sophistication, distinguished by a crown-protecting bridge and distinct cushion-shaped case”, said Panerai. It is a collection of dress watches with slimmer and lighter profiles, and made of innovative materials. Just what the present-day watch fan is looking for.

PAM01423 (S$31,300) introduces yellow gold to the Luminor Due family. A basic watch, it has the time displayed on a green-shaded dial – lighter in the centre and darker at the edges – with Arab numerals and white hour markers graced with Super-LumiNova that glows in the dark. The small-seconds display is at 9 o’clock; the date is indicated in the aperture at 3 o’clock. The watch’s open case-back reveals an automatic movement with power reserve to keep the timepiece ticking for three days. PAM01423 is water-resistant to 50 m and is paired with a green alligator strap.

The Luna TuttoOro PAM01504 (S$58,500) has a moonphase – one of the most poetic expressions in horology – as its centrepiece and it is the first such model to be matched with a Goldtech bracelet. (Goldtech is a distinct alloy enriched with platinum and copper, lending the metal a deep, rich red tone.) The bracelet is strung together by links that bear the semi-oval profile of the patented safety-lock system that comes with the watch. Alternating between polished and brushed finishes, the curved links bring a refined finesse to the watch.

The new watch’s 38-mm case and open back are also crafted from Goldtech. The case frames a mother-of-pearl dial, where the various phases of the moon are presented by a rotating disc at 3 o’clock that is set against a midnight blue sky studded with stars. Super-LumiNova is coated on the applied numerals and indexes to make them light up at night. The model is also equipped with an automatic movement with three days’ power reserve.

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The Luminor Chrono Carbotech PAM01219 (S$24,200), also created for the modern watch enthusiast, is the first Chrono Carbotech to join the Luminor line, which is distinguished by its sophisticated chronograph movements. The watch is faithful to the Luminor aesthetic, housed in a big 44-mm case matched with large luminous markers and a distinct sub-dial on a matte black dial. 

The case is made of Carbotech. It is a composite material 14 per cent lighter than titanium and weighs 36 per cent less than steel, which provides better comfort and endurance. Carbotech is formed by compressing thin sheets of carbon fibres at a controlled temperature and under high pressure, together with a high-end polymer, which binds the composite material to make it stronger.

Ringing the case’s inner rim is a speed tachymeter scale that can measure the average speed over a defined distance. The case-back is sealed and the watch is water-resistant to 100 m.

PAM01219, which runs on an automatic movement with 42 hours’ power reserve, is worn with a sweat- and water-resistant bracelet made from a high-tech material. The watch also comes with a black rubber-and-fabric strap.

Inspired by the Navy Seals and the Italian military, Panerai has also produced a series of watches that feature specialised diving and sporty attributes. A limited edition of Navy Seals timepieces had first appeared in the US market; they are now offered worldwide. 

Included in the Navy Seals collection are the Luminor Marina Navy Seals PAM01412 (S$14,300) and PAM01419 (S$26,000). PAM01412 is a re-edition of an iconic Panerai model which is identified by a 44-mm Brunito steel case. Brunito, the Italian word for “burnished”, is a type of polished metal. Each Brunito steel case is hand-finished to create a seasoned look that gives every timepiece a unique character. PAM01412 is a limited edition of 862 pieces. The new watch’s 44-mm case holds an anthracite-shaded dial with the words “Navy Seals” inscribed. The elite force’s logo is found on the case-back.

PAM01412 is powered by an automatic movement with three days’ power reserve. It is available with a rubber strap and a second bi-material band.

PAM01419 boasts a 44-mm Carbotech case. Displayed on its shaded black dial is the Navy Seals inscription, target-inspired small seconds sub-dials and a speed tachymeter scale. The Navy Seals’ logo is engraved on the case-back. The limited edition watch (462 pieces) is equipped with an automatic movement with three days’ power reserve. It is paired with a rubber strap and a second bi-material band.

Yet another highlight of the latest releases is the Luminor Quaranta BiTempo (S$13,300). A Luminor in a smaller dimension, this travel watch with a GMT two-time zone function sits in a 40-mm steel case and is driven by an automatic movement with power reserve to last three days. 

The Quaranta BiTempo (“BiTempo” is Italian for dual time) has two versions: a matte black dial with white Super-LumiNova as well as a matte white dial with grey Super-LuminNova. Both are fitted with the PAM Quick Release System for easy strap changes. They are worn with an alligator strap. An additional rubber strap is also provided – black for the black-dial model and white for the white-dial version.