Panerai had two main focal points at Watches and Wonders 2021: The first was introducing their new series of Luminor Chrono models. The second was the brand’s focus on producing the world’s most sustainable watches made of recycled materials. Let’s take a closer look.
Panerai Submersible eLAB-ID
The biggest release from Panerai is definitely the Submersible eLAB-ID. This unique version of the brand’s iconic 44-mm Submersible is the industry’s most sustainable watch to date. A total of 98.6% of its weight comes from predominately recycled materials.
Its case, sandwich dial, and bridges are made of EcoTitanium, a recycled titanium alloy composed of more than 80% pure recycled material. It is also the first watch to use 100% recycled Super-LumiNova on its dial and hands. This luminous material provides improved readability in low-light conditions. These are just two examples of the numerous recycled components – even the crystal and gold hands are recycled! Panerai will release the watch as a 30-piece limited edition, which will go on sale in 2022 for a staggering price of $60,000. While these 30 watches won’t change the world, it does set a great precedent for what is possible in the future. Hopefully, prices will also come down over time so we can really take steps to change the world for the better.
Panerai Luminor Marina eSteel
Another Panerai release, the all-new Luminor Marina eSteel, offers a more affordable option. This watch looks like a regular 44-mm Luminor Marina but is made from 58.4% recycled materials. The case and dial feature eSteel, an alloy containing recycled materials. The watch has a rubberized crown and a recycled PET strap that add to its sustainable credentials.
The Luminor Marina eSteel is powered by the familiar automatic Panerai P.9010 caliber with a 3-day power reserve. The watch is water-resistant to 300 m (984 ft) and comes in three different colors with corresponding dials and straps: dark gray, green, or blue. All three versions are available for $8,700.
Panerai Luminor Chrono Collection
Next to the focus on sustainability, Panerai’s biggest news for 2021 is, without a doubt, the release of their new Luminor Chronograph line. With it, the brand adds a chronograph option to their line-up, which has the potential to become very popular. Panerai also introduced their new in-house automatic P.9200 caliber with a 42-hour power reserve.
The new Luminor Chrono comes in three different versions, each of which is housed in a 44-mm stainless steel case. Seeing as the Luminor is known for its unique crown locking system, the chronograph pushers are located on the left side of the watch instead of the right. Though unconventional for chronographs, this has allowed the brand to create a nice visual counterpart to the large crown locking system.
The Luminor Chrono comes with the choice of a black, white, or blue dial. Versions with a black or white dial on a leather strap have a list price of $9,700. The blue dial version comes on a stainless steel bracelet and retails for $10,000. As mentioned, these watches have the potential to become highly coveted additions to the already impressive Panerai line-up.
Read more
Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin Releases for Watches and Wonders 2021
IWC at Watches and Wonders 2021: Pilot’s Watch in the Spotlight
Cartier’s Releases at Watches and Wonders 2021: Revivals and a More Sustainable Future