Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa PAM01342
The Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa PAM01342 is a limited edition model that has a pure, gentle face with tasteful Luna Rossa branding. Angus Davies looks at how Panerai’s brand DNA has evolved in recent years and shares his belief that such changes are for the betterment of the watch-collecting community.
A few years ago, Panerai’s brand DNA was clearly inspired by its association with the Royal Italian Navy as well as its links to diving and Florence, the birthplace of the brand. There was a slight hint of sepia and clear respect for the firm’s history. In 2006, the luxury marque purchased Eilean, a 22m ketch. Originally commissioned in 1936 by Scottish steel merchants, Fulton Brothers, the elegant, relaxed and nostalgic character of Eilean seemed consistent with Panerai’s intended image.
Deviating slightly from the classical theme, in 2017 Panerai became an official partner of Team Luna Rossa, ‘winner of the Prada Cup in the last America’s Cup’. This Italian team is at the forefront of sailing technology, employing high-tech materials and optimal design to scythe through the water with great efficiency. Indeed, its black-hued boats, with prominent Prada and Pirelli branding, do not merely float on water, but seemingly fly above the ocean’s surface on razor-like foils, reaching speeds of up to 50 knots.
Immediately, but without abandoning its loyal Paneristi, the Swiss-Florentine firm began to engage with a new, additional audience. Speed, technology, and competition became the order of the day. Soon, the watch firm released a new breed of interesting models, some of which featured cutting-edge materials. The brand’s association with Team Luna Rossa makes perfect sense.
In 2018, Jean-Marc Pontroue was appointed CEO of Panerai and the firm has continued to be daring, recently working with the luxury firm, Brabus. Earlier this year, at Watches & Wonders 2022, Panerai announced it would ‘resume its role as the Official Sponsor of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team in occasion of the 37th America’s Cup’. To coincide with this announcement, Panerai unveiled a limited-edition model, the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa PAM01391.
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa PAM01391
Now, the firm has just released the Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa PAM01342. Again, the watch measures 44mm in diameter and is limited to 1500 pieces, but this time it looks very different. The Luminor is less utilitarian than the Submersible, hence the bezel shuns any markings or crenellations and it is suffused with a highly polished finish.
Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa PAM01342
The Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa PAM01342 is equipped with the company’s beloved ‘sandwich dial’, in this instance dressed in white. This choice of colour imbues the watch with a pure, fresh-faced character that proves very appealing. Consistent with many Panerai models, a small seconds dial is positioned at 9 o’clock, albeit on this occasion it is presented in a cheery shade of red. The Luna Rossa branding appears on the dial and the bi-material strap.
While the family likeness is clear to see, the PAM01342 delivers something new and, once again, unexpected. Quite simply, Panerai’s brand DNA has evolved over the last few years and, in my opinion, this is for the betterment of the watch-collecting community.
The brand’s press release
Forged by decades of devising instruments for adventurers, especially those who test their mettle against the sea, the Panerai manufacture has a well-earned reputation for delivering watches that exhibit technical reliability under extreme conditions on Earth and beyond. Team Luna Rossa, winner of the Prada Cup during the most recent contest for America’s Cup, is among the top sailing clubs the world over. With a shared affinity for the marine world and proud Italian heritage, Panerai and Team Luna Rossa have been partners since 2017, with Panerai lending support to the team and taking inspiration from Luna Rossa sailing technology to create watches that exemplify the sporty spirit of the yachting universe. To coincide with the beginning of the race for the next America’s Cup, taking place in Barcelona in 2024, and the renewal of their partnership, the Luminor Luna Rossa debuts a new look.
Produced in a special edition of 1,500 pieces, the Luminor Luna Rossa exhibits a bracingly fresh character, offering a modern interpretation of nautical style; an unexpected palette of white, gray and red is the foundation for the versatile and understated watch. Its 44mm steel case features a polished finish that matches with the polished lever, contrasting with the brushed crown protection device, while grey Super- LumiNovaTM that glows green and a red small seconds hand punctuates the matte white dial personalized with Luna Rossa logo.
The P.6000 calibre powers the Luminor Luna Rossa and the hand-wound watch features a three-day power reserve. The calibre also has a device that stops the balance when the winding crown is pulled out for greater accuracy when adjusting the time.
Water-resistant to 10 bar (~100 meters), the Luminor Luna Rossa includes two straps: a grey bi-material option with a red stripe that features the team’s logo, and a second in black rubber, along with a pin buckle in steel.
Further reading