Panerai has just unveiled a watch that looks like it’s stepped straight out of the 1960s, but it’s actually built from one of the most interesting materials in modern watchmaking. Say hello to the Luminor Marina PAM01707.
It’s got the classic Luminor silhouette, complete with chunky case, unmistakable crown-protecting bridge, and a black sandwich dial with beige lume.
But the case itself is where things get interesting – it’s made from Carbotech, a carbon-fibre composite reinforced with PEEK polymer.
That means it’s 64-percent lighter than titanium and a whopping 80-percent lighter than steel. On the wrist, that translates to a 44mm, 14.5mm thick watch that weights around 100 grams. That’s really impressive.
I really like the inclusion of Carbotech here, especially the duality of a classic design with an ultra-modern material.
No two Carbotech cases look exactly alike, thanks to the way the carbon sheets are cut, so every PAM01707 will have its own slightly unique matte-black finish.
Inside sits the P.9010 automatic movement, a workhorse calibre with a three-day power reserve thanks to two series-connected barrels.
There’s no date window, which keeps the dial clean and lets that vintage small-seconds subdial at 9 o’clock do all the talking (or ticking).
Alessandro Ficarelli, Panerai’s Chief Marketing and Heritage Officer, says the watch is built to move effortlessly from daily wear to underwater exploration.
Speaking of underwater, the PAM01707 is rated to 300 metres. Panerai puts every single unit through a rigorous testing process, including a vacuum test and a hot-then-cold water check on the sapphire crystal to catch any hidden leaks.
It’s a proper nod to the brand’s roots. Panerai started out supplying dive instruments to the Italian Navy, and that heritage runs through everything they do.
It comes on a warm brown vintage-style calf leather strap with beige stitching, which suits the retro design just perfectly. Panerai also includes a second black rubber strap in the box, along with a screwdriver to swap the buckle over.
The Luminor Marina PAM01707 is available now, priced at $15,600 in the US and £13,100 in the UK.
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