Buffy Acacia
There is nothing wrong with evolution against the revolution, but there are only years of new dial colours that we can take before we crave meaningful changes. Yes, Panerai has released several incredible watches like the Submersible Elux Lab-ID and the Radiomir Annual Calendar, but they’re as few as the limited edition. Currently, the Panerai Luminor Marina Collection is given a thorough overhaul of its specifications to mark the beginning of a new era of the brand. It could be a step in the baby, but it’s a refreshing change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgr9u38r2ae
case
For a bit of background context, Panerai has just seen a major leadership shift with new CEO Emmanuel Perrin. It happened too recently because it affected this particular release, but the timing clearly declares that the brand is ready for a major change. However, just looking at this watch is not clear. The cushion case, as we have come to love and expect from the lighting equipment collection, hits in a more contemporary style than the Radiomir-like style that follows the original Panera of the 30s and 40s. It’s bold and assertive, but also done with refined ones.
When purchasing Panerai, you should expect to grow. Certainly, the brand has released several small options since the 90s on hypermasculine list machines (Quanta comes to mind soon), but the typical Panerai character is still big and beautiful. The new Laminole Marina collection in stainless steel sticks to a 44mm case diameter, typically Panerai, with the lug extending to about 53.5mm. If your wrist is on the small side, you may experience an overhang, but the watch has gained a wrist presence that requires attention. Of course, the patented lever-operated crown guard is also featured in this case. 500 meters may sound excessive, mainly worn by civilians. And while the 300m rating of the previous iteration is already more than enough, it’s exciting to see Panerai embrace the professional reputation of ultimate toughness.
Dial
Like the case, there was no dramatic overhaul of the Panerai Lighter’s marina dial. It comes with a new dial colour that is not yet used in Panerai, with a refreshing blue eye and a sophisticated sunburst finish. There are also more traditional Navy blue sunbursts and matte black or white for a simpler taste. It’s also a nice change of pace to see a 500-meter diving watch that isn’t completely overwhelmed by intense colour contrast, a huge bezel, or Lume’s invasive level.
Instead, the sandwich dial construction allows the bright power of the illuminator marina to remain strong all night without the need for a large amount of space to build the layers. The time marker is cut off from the dial, revealing the bright surface below. You can also find a quarter cutout of a small second subdial with a small leaf hand. This will otherwise result in much greater depth of the dial. The hand on the fence post keeps things simple and there are no fine markers for accurate timetelling, but the tiny hand can be fully reached and educated guesses.
Movement
The 500m water resistance is impressive, but the main update to the Panerai Luminor Marina Collection is the new caliber P.980. A closer look at its architecture shows Richmont’s manufacturing roots, for example using a new double-sided balanced bridge, but shares similarities between B&M’s vomatic and various IWC calibresses. From a performance standpoint, we can expect a smooth 4Hz beat rate previously offered by the same 72-hour power reserve and the P.9010 movement, but the overall thickness has decreased from 6mm to just 4.2mm. The knock-on effect of this is its ability to improve its water resistance without a significant increase in the thickness of the case and without a 15% weight loss. The P.9010 was usually covered with a closed caseback, but now the Luminole Marina comes with an exhibit sapphire caseback that allows you to see the movement. Its decoration is very sparse and industrial, with horizontal brushing, sandblasting and semi-skeletal self-winding rotors.
strap
Of these four new references of stainless steel, three feature crocodile leather straps and contrast stitching, giving it an elegant and luxurious look. I think the 500m diving watch should come with a strap that won’t break into the sea, so that’s a peek at my pet. However, the reference PAM03323 with a light blue dial comes with a solid stainless steel bracelet, whose semicircular motif looks almost like scale. It may be the only one with the right strap choice, but at least they all come with Panerai’s quick change system so if you want to swim, you should be able to easily replace it.
verdict
It may not look like a shift from the surface level, but new movements, casebacks, and water resistance are generally a major progression for the luminor Marina collection and Panerai. Between this release and the imminent leadership change, my faith and enthusiasm for the brand has been greatly restored. There are high expectations for future releases and I think the leather strap model should at least include elastic straps, but otherwise it’s a great product that offers everything you can hope for from a modern Panerai.
Pricing and availability of the Panerai Luminor Marina Collection
The new Panerai Luminor Marina Collection is now available. Price: 8,800 US dollars (strap), 9,700 US dollars (bracelet)
Brand Panerai Model Lighting Fixtures Marina Case Dimensions 44mm (d) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 500m Crystal Sapphire Crystal Front and Back Dial Dark or Light Blue Sunburst
Black or white matte bracelet with contrast stitching and strap leather strap, steel pin buckle
Steel bracelet, folding clasp (PAM03323) athletic caliber p.980, Richmont manufacturing, manual power reserve 72 hours function opening hours, minutes, small seconds, available date availability price 8,800 USD (strap), 9,700 USD (bracelet)
