It’s become a Panerai tradition to focus on one main watch model each year. This year, the star of the show is the Luminor Marina watch and Panerai has unveiled a flurry of new references to join the collection. Here’s a roundup of all the new Panerai Luminor Marina watches for 2020.
New Panerai Luminor Marina “70 Years Of Luminor” Collection
In 1950, Panerai received a patent for a tritium-based luminescent paint called Luminor to use on its watches. While the Luminor watch model name didn’t become official until decades later, this year marks the 70th anniversary of that actual Luminor substance.
To celebrate, Panerai released three new Luminor Marinas (PAM 1117, 1118, & 1119) all of which benefit from a healthy dose of new-generation SuperLuminova “X1” luminescence. In addition to coating the usual components like hands, hour markers, and dial text, Panerai also applied the green-glowing lume on unexpected details such as the rehaut, crown guard, winding crown, and even the strap stitches.
The trio of Luminor Marina watches that make up the limited-edition “70 Years Of Luminor” lineup all sport 44mm cushion-shaped cases complete with the signature crown protecting bridge; however each reference is fashioned from a different material. The PAM 1117 is made from titanium, the PAM 1118 is made from Carbotech, and the PAM 1119 is made from Fibratech.
Carbotech, which was introduced by Panerai several years ago, is comprised of thin layers of carbon fibers resulting in a lightweight material that’s resistant to stress and corrosion. On the other hand, Fibratech is fresh to the Panerai catalog for this year, and incorporates unidirectional basalt mineral fibers bonded in polymer, which lends an uneven organic-like grain texture to the material. Each reference is limited to 270 pieces.
Powering the new Panerai Luminor Marina “70 Years Of Luminor” models is the familiar in-house Caliber P.9010 automatic movement, which supplies the watches with a three-day power reserve. To emphasize the seven-decade anniversary, Panerai is offering a truly unparalleled 70-year warranty (!) – which is proudly engraved on the casebacks of the new “70 Years Of Luminor” watches.
New Panerai Luminor Marina Watches for 2020
Along with the limited edition models above, Panerai also expanded the Luminor Marina collection with three new regular-production models: the PAM 1662, the PAM 1663, and the PAM 1112. Yet again, each model runs on the Caliber P.9010 automatic movement and features the same 44mm case shape but made from differing materials.
The Luminor Marina DMLS PAM 1662 has a sandblasted titanium case, made using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology – a rapid 3D printing technique whereby titanium powder forms into solid matter 30 microns at a time. The case is then fitted with a Carbotech bezel, crown, and crown guard lever. Housed inside the case is an anthracite Panerai sandwich dial, furnished with gray Super-LumiNova filled markers.
The Luminor Marina PAM 1663 features a Fibratech case, which is not only 60% lighter than steel but also highly resistant to corrosion – rendered in a matte gray color and featuring an intriguing wood-like finish. Panerai also fits this model with a bezel, crown, and crown guard lever crafted from Carbotech, but the sandwich dial is executed in a vibrant blue color to match the blue strap.
Finally, there’s the luxurious Luminor Marina PAM 1112 with a Goldtech case, which is Panerai’s red gold alloy that includes copper and platinum to achieve its unique shade and resistance to oxidation. The warm gold tone contrasts beautifully with the rich blue sandwich dial and blue alligator strap.
Regardless of the type of material selected for the case or how much lume is used to illuminate the watches, what is common to all of these new Luminor Marina models is the unmistakable silhouette of Panerai’s iconic watch.
*All images courtesy of Panerai
