Panerai Luminor Marina Fibratech 44mm (PAM01119)
While the Panerai Luminor Marina Fibratech 44mm (PAM01119) upholds the design codes of its forebears, it also embraces modernity with its high-tech case material and playful use of Super-LumiNova.
In 1860, Giovanni Panerai opened a watch shop in Florence and soon established ties with an array of Swiss watch companies. Some years later, the firm began to supply the Royal Italian Navy with luminous devices for firing naval guns at night, depth gauges and other precision instruments (1913). It was around this time that Guido Panerai patented a luminescent substance called Radiomir for military instruments.
Panerai’s inaugural diver’s watch, the Panerai Radiomir, was launched in 1938. Its name referenced the firm’s luminescent treatment. In 1950, Radiomir was supplanted by Luminor, a superior luminescent material applied to a circular disc. The sandwich dial construction comprised of an upper dial, featuring a series of apertures, sat atop the circular disc coated with Luminor. This luminescent material’s glow appeared through the apertures in the upper dial membrane, delivering superb nocturnal legibility.
Today, the Luminor and Radiomir names are still in use, referencing two collections in Panerai’s modern-day portfolio of models. The brand’s watches are now made in Switzerland to exacting standards but still showcase Italy’s design prowess.
Although Panerai respects its patrimony, it has not shunned advancement. Its latest model, the Panerai Luminor Marina Fibratech 44mm (PAM01119), is formed of an innovative material comprised of mineral fibres. This new model also upholds the brand’s love for nocturnal luminescence, creatively employing Super-LumiNova to playful effect.
The brand’s press release
On the 70th anniversary of the first use of Luminor, a self-luminous substance based on tritium dating from 1950 which became an aesthetic and functional expression of the brand, Panerai turns the spotlight on that most significant year by renewing a true tradition with an exciting new product: the Luminor Marina FibratechTM – 44 (PAM01119). Guaranteed for 70 years*.
A special edition, available exclusively in Panerai boutiques throughout the world and produced in a limited edition of 270 units, it experiments a new expressive language through an extensive use of Super-LuminovaTM, result of the fusion of tradition and advanced research, benchmarks which form the basis of Panerai’s cultural and historical heritage
The distinctive sign of the new luminor Marina FibratechTM – 44 mm is the luminous highlighting of iconic elements such as the bridge protecting the crown, the crown itself and the locking lever, made possible by the use of an evolved Super-LuminovaTM “X1” able to ensure a higher intensity and a longer lasting persistence. Identity confirmed on rehaut, decal dial and strap stitching.
The opaque, uneven texture that is a feature of FibratechTM enhances the watch’s appearance. Mineral fibres used in FibratechTM are coming from fusion of basalt rock and minerals additive. These fibres are bound with high-end polymers to become thin layers which are superimposed in a precise orientation and then consolidated through a pressure and temperature controlled process. The latest discovery of the Laboratorio di Idee, the creative hotbed of the brand, is now being used in Panerai’s new FibratechTM watches.
As is traditional, the Luminor Marina FibratechTM relies on the mechanical excellence of the calibre P.9010 automatic movement, entirely conceived and developed by the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel. This is particularly sophisticated because it is fitted with the function for rapidly adjusting the hour hand, an operation which also changes the date, and it has twin spring barrels providing a power reserve of three days.
Always at the forefront in the search for new technical solutions, thus constantly improving the technical content and performance of its time-keeping instruments, Panerai has upped the rules of the game by giving the Luminor Marina FibratechTM – 44 mm a guarantee of 70 years. Throughout this period Panerai will maintain the good working order of the client’s watch as necessary under the terms and conditions of the International warranty.
Water-resistant to a depth of 30 bar (a depth of about 300 metres), the new Luminor Marina FibratechTM – 44 mm is fitted with a Panerai SportechTM strap, black with luminescent sewing and a Velcro fastener. A second strap in black rubber with a titanium tongue buckle completes the equipment, with a special tool for changing it and a personalised box decorated with a luminous image of the iconic Luminor Marina dial on the lid.
* For more information on the extension of the guarantee, see the watch’s Guarantee booklet.
Further reading