Panerai is a brand I’ve long had a fascination with. Even before I knew about the Navy or even Hollywood connections (Stallone!), I just liked the look of the sandwich dial set into a cushion case. Well, Panerai knows how to not mess with a good thing, but still refresh things a bit. So, let’s have a look at what all is part of the new Panerai Luminor Due lineup.
First up, you’ve got the Panerai Luminor Due PAM00926 and PAM00927 – essentially the same watch, just in 38mm and 42mm case sizes. The 38mm is key, as it should make for a very wearable piece, particularly with the case made of titanium. Tucked into both you’ve got the P.900 calibre in-house movement with a 3-day power reserve. In these executions, you’ve got a rather lovely blue dial, over which (and I suppose, under, with the sandwich construction) beige accents.
Now, should “just” a simple three-hander with date prove to be too simplistic for your tastes – but you like the looks of what they did with those models – then the Panerai Luminor Due GMT Power Reserve (PAM00964) is what you want. Here, the titanium cases stretches out to 45mm, all the better to make room for the P.4002 movement with it’s extra complications. It would be a touch call if I’d go for this one or the PAM00926 (love me a GMT, and I rather liked the last time I encountered a GMT-equipped Panerai – but I also like compact watches), but one thing might give me pause – the water resistance. For a brand tied to the Italian Navy, and with that patented crown lock, the 30m WR rating in the specs is rather a surprise. Sure, you might not want to swim with the Alligator strap, but still….
Now, should titanium cases and blue dials not be your thing (which, I don’t know why they wouldn’t be, but then that leaves more for me, I suppose), they’ve got three other new models in the lineup. The Panerai Luminor Due PAM01043 and PAM01045 have 38mm cases and white dials, with the 1045 getting a heathy dose of gold to it’s finish. If you need a bit more on your wrist, then the Panerai Luminor Due PAM01046 with it’s 42mm steel case is what the doctor ordered. All three of these are also powered by the P.900 movement, and feature the same 30m WR rating.
All in all, while it’s not precisely a groundbreaking set of releases, it’s a cohesive, iterative addition to the Panerai Luminor Due lineup. I, for one, am a fan of the more compact case sizes, and really do enjoy the looks of those blue dials. If you’re looking to pick one up yourself, pricing starts at $6,900 and tops out at $20,500. panerai.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Panerai Luminor Due
- Price: $6,900 – $20,500
- Who we think it might be for: Paneristi would want (or need) something smaller and lighter on their wrist
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? If price were no object, sure, the PAM00926 would be a fun one
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be:Get that WR upped to a more comfortable 100m
PAM00926 PAM00927 PAM00964 PAM01043 PAM01045 PAM01046
