Panerai Celebrates 70 Years Of The Luminor With Exciting New Models

What started 70 years ago as an extraordinary watch for elite forces of the Italian navy during WWII has become one of the most recognizable and popular sports watches. The Panerai Luminor paved the way for oversized watches and has earned its position as an icon. However, Panerai never allowed the Luminor rest on its laurels, but instead used it as their preferred platform to push the envelope, either with complicated movements or with innovative materials. The latter is also what they used for the three special models of the Luminor that Panerai created to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

While all three watches share the iconic 44mm large case with its prominent crown guard, as well as the same movement, they differ in the materials they are made of. The first is crafted from titanium, which it combines with a blue sunray dial, a stunning combination. For the other two, Panerai opted for a sunray dial in grey to better match their case materials. For one, the brand uses Carbotech, which consists of layered carbon fibers that are reinforced and bonded together with a polymer. Panerai introduced this material in their LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech and later also for the Luminor Luna Rossa and the Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech. The third new Luminor is also made from a new material, Fibratech. Panerai created this material by combining basalt rock with an additive of minerals. Polymers bind them together, and the thin layers that result in this are precisely stacked and then made into the final material with a temperature and pressure-controlled process. 

All three watches come with a Sportech strap with luminor thread, which lights up in the dark. This is not the only detail where Panerai applied more luminous material, as also the ring around the dial, as well as the outline of the crown guard also got a luminous treatment. It is a fitting tribute to an aspect that has set this Panerai apart from the rest ever since its conception. To mark its anniversary, as well as underscore the exceptional quality of these watches, does Panerai extend a 70-year warranty with each of these Luminors. 

Those who want to get their hands on one of these special Luminors still need to be a bit patient as they will be sold exclusively through Panerai boutiques starting December. As each of the three watches is limited to 270 pieces, it might be wise to register your interest already, to increase the chances of getting one on your wrist at the end of the year.