Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition (PAM01241)
The Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition (PAM01241) is the second timepiece created as a result of the partnership between the maker of maritime-themed watches, Panerai, and BRABUS, a specialist company with a penchant for performance. What makes this latest model particularly interesting is the case and the method used to create it. Once again, Panerai demonstrates its willingness to question watchmaking norms and to be highly creative.
In September 2021, Panerai, the Neuchâtel-based watch company, announced a partnership with the ‘high-end tech-luxury brand BRABUS’. Based in Bottrop, Germany, BRABUS was founded in 1977 by Bodo Buschmann. Initially, the company made its name tuning off-the-peg Mercedes-Benz cars. However, the brand’s talents now extend to upgrading engines, suspension, bodywork and interiors. Moreover, BRABUS offers a personalisation service capable of sating the desires of the most demanding client.
The German marque has gone on to apply its talents to the world of high-performance boats, forming BRABUS Marine. Clearly, a different form of transport, the products of BRABUS Marine uphold the firm’s reputation for high performance, eye-catching aesthetics and exclusivity.
Last year, Panerai released the Submersible S BRABUS Black OPS Edition (PAM01240), an avant-garde timepiece inspired by the BRABUS “Shadow Black Ops” series of boats. Consistent with the stealthy character of the boat, the associated watch was endowed with a Carbotech™️ case with a matching bezel. Other highlights included a lattice-like structure partially covering the movement, a ‘polarised date’ display, day/night indicator and GMT function.
Now, the hook-up has led to the creation of another marine-inspired timepiece, the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition (PAM01241). Recently unveiled at the 2022 Palma International Boat Show, this new model shares the same specification and appearance as the aforementioned PAM01240, save for two notable differences. Firstly, the red accents found on the PAM 01240 have been supplanted by blue-toned details. Secondly, while the bezel is, once again, made of Carbotech™️, the case is made from DMLS titanium. This form of titanium shares the same qualities as other forms of the lightweight metal, namely, it is light, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic but, as its name suggests, it is made using a state of the art method, DMLS.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology is a form of 3D printing that was initially used for prototyping but is now being increasingly used for making production-quality parts in a variety of industries.
In this instance, the case is designed in 3D using a CAD system. Thereafter, this 3D image is effectively cut into 2D slices. Parts can be made in a variety of metals, however, as the technique is being used to make a titanium case, titanium powder is used. This powder is held in a container and is dosed onto the bed of a special 3D printer, forming a uniform base layer. A laser then draws a 2D cross-section of the case (effectively a slice) on to the powder. The floor of the bed/base drops slightly, allowing another layer of powder to be applied on top and the process is repeated again and again, ultimately creating the desired case.
In recent years, Panerai has demonstrated it has a penchant for using an array of groundbreaking materials. Carbotech™️, eSTEEL™️, Fibratech™️Goldtech™️, Platinumtech™️, etc are just some examples of the trailblazing case materials trademarked by the Neuchâtel-based Manufacture. Panerai has repeatedly shown a passion for progress, embracing new materials and continuously improving its timepieces. Indeed, Panerai ceaselessly push the performance envelope, demonstrating an outlook, I suspect, it shares with BRABUS.
The brand’s press release
United by deeply rooted legacies as well as a shared passion for marine high-performance, expert Italian watchmaker Panerai continues the partnership with world renowned luxury mobility brand BRABUS in the creation of their¬ second exclusive timepiece – The Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition. This limited-edition dive watch combines the best of both respective brands in its design and functionality, underlined by authentic Swiss watchmaking tradition, a signature bold design and confident dependability. It is a movement for adventurers and enthusiasts; an evolution of its predecessor with a distinctive identity of its own, designed to be worn on the waves.
The all-new Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition’s unique design is a culmination of the best that the worlds of premium horology and elite day boating have to offer, drawing inspiration from the signature design cues of the BRABUS Shadow series of boats.
Matching the BRABUS Shadow 900 Deep Blue luxury day-boat, which will likewise celebrate its debut at the 2022 Palma International Boat Show, the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition impresses with an array of blue and grey tones. The watch will be strictly limited to only 200 pieces worldwide.
Composed of titanium and shaped using the process of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), a method of 3D printing technology that produces volumes that are both strong and lightweight, the case measures 47mm. The construction of the case, which features the signature Panerai cushion shape and crown protector, offers both performance and a striking matte finish with an assertive presence. Both the unidirectional rotating bezel and lever heighten the standout aspect of the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition. They are made from Carbotech, a material based on carbon fibre with a variegated pattern that gives each watch a unique character and boasts durability, lightness, and high resistance to corrosion. Blue Super-LumiNovaTM on the indices and hands make for highly legible and striking accents.
Breakthrough technology is present both inside and out. The Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition contains the new P.4001/S caliber, a skeletonized movement based on the P.4000 caliber. It features a one-piece off-centred oscillating weight that allows for bi-directional winding, whereby the two spring barrels efficiently wind up while the watch is worn. The oscillating rotor – made of tungsten, a shiny, high-density metal – enables the movement and therefore the watch itself to be much thinner and lighter while the stop balance wheel and seconds reset devices enable the time to be synchronized with a reference time signal.
The P.4001/S caliber is the product of three years of development and includes a GMT function, an AM/PM indicator and three-day power reserve. In addition, the patented polarized date display, offers a view of the date indication only through the opening at 3 o’clock, without revealing the rest of the date wheel or concealing the workings of the movement.
Water-resistant to 30 bar the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition features two straps, a bi-material option combining black rubber and leather, and a second in deep blue rubber.
Further reading