The Panerai brand has continued to grow in popularity and reputation over recent years, and the manufacturer has introduced a number of new watches in 2016, enhancing its collection further. In many ways, the new releases reflect what you would expect from Panerai, with clear inspiration having been taken from vintage models. However, there are also one or two more eye-opening releases as well, for those looking for something a bit different.
1. Panerai Luminor Daylight 8 Days Acciaio PAM 785
The first of two new releases to be based on the ‘Slytech’ watches commissioned by Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone back in 1996, the Luminor Daylight 8 Days Acciaio is perhaps the more aesthetically interesting of the pair. It takes its inspiration from a watch designed for Stallone to wear in his film Daylight – hence the name.
In terms of its appearance, the most obvious feature is its clear white dial, with blue dial markers and hands, which is a unique color scheme for the brand. The timepiece benefits from modern technology, however, with its impressive eight day power reserve and use of the new, much-heralded in-house P.3000 movement.
2. Panerai Luminor Black Seal Left-Handed 8 Days Acciaio DLC
At first glance, the second of the two new ‘Slytech’ watches has a more traditional appearance, with a black dial face and white dial markers. Like the Luminor Daylight, it has a 44mm case diameter, is equipped with the P.3000 movement and has an eight day power reserve, while its steel case is coated with black diamond-like carbon (DLC).
What sets this timepiece apart is that it has been designed for left-handers and is meant to be worn on the right wrist – something which the brand refers to as ‘Destro’. As a result, the crown has been moved from the usual 3 o’clock position over to the 9 o’clock position, while the small seconds dial has moved in the opposite direction.
3. Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio PAM 662
Intentionally designed to provoke comparisons with vintage tropical dial Panerai watches of the past, the Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio ref. PAM662 is a limited edition release. Its discolored looking brown-grey dial accurately mimics the faded appearance of vintage models, giving it an authentic classic appeal.
The watch has a large 47mm case size, is said to be based on the ‘Egiziano Piccolo’ model and is notable for not featuring the brand’s signature ‘Device Protecting the Crown’. Dial markers and numerals are printed, while the Panerai logo is engraved and as with the other 2016 releases, it is equipped with the new P.3000 movement.
4. Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM 663
Arguably the Panerai watch that has attracted the most press attention this year, the new Luminor 1950 3 Days ref. PAM00663 is a beautiful timepiece, which draws from the designer’s heritage. It features the same brown-grey dial color, but has a more typical Panerai appearance, complete with the trademark ‘Device Protecting the Crown’.
Fitted with the P.3000 movement, the timepiece also has a Plexiglas crystal and a 47mm case size. It has a retail price of $11,250 and thanks to the positive reviews the model has attracted, we can likely expect to see the brown-grey dial color become available for some of Panerai’s entry
-level models in the not-too-distant future.
5. Panerai Lo Scienzato Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Titanio PAM 578
Finally, the Lo Scienzato Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Titanio PAM578 represents the most technologically interesting of the brand’s new releases, with its skeletonized appearance, 47mm case size and extremely light weight.
This particular model has been limited to just 150 pieces and has a retail price of around $160,000. Its titanium case was constructed through the use of cutting edge 3D printing technology, which the company calls direct metal laser sintering, or DMLS.
The watch has a black leather strap, features modern numerals in the 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions, and has two sub-dials, which blend in with the busy-looking nature of the watch face.
