To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Luminor being patented, Panerai has unveiled three new Luminor Marina watches, each with a 70-year warranty!
So what's special enough about Luminor for Panerai to make three limited-edition watches for Luminor’s 70th anniversary? This luminescent substance made from tritium, which is derived from hydrogen, was patented in Rome in 1949. Its advantages were clear: Luminor is more effective than radium, which it replaced. While radium’s radioactivity was not dangerous for the watch-wearer, it tended to interfere with the movement. And that’s where Luminor came in. In 1950, Panerai made the most of it, unveiling a new model with the same name as the substance. This novel timepiece in dive watches was striking, characterised by crown-protections and strap-holders made in the same block of steel as the case, itself shaped like a cushion. These characteristics still feature in today’s collection, at least symbolically.
Happy birthday, Luminor. In 2020, Panerai is launching the Luminor Marina – 44m, with a 70-year warranty. Its luminescence is uncommon, with a scope that goes well beyond the hands and markers: it lights up the dial, bezel and – for the first time – other features like the strap topstitching, crown and crown-protection bridge! In the dark, its effect is remarkable. These delightful details are highlighted using Super-LumiNova, a direct descendent of Luminor.
Limited edition: 270 watches. Price: €19,000 (in France).
Another bright novelty for this anniversary is the Luminor Marina Carbotech – 44mm, which also comes with a 70-year warranty. Carbotech – rarely used in watchmaking – is made up of thin layers of carbon fibre placed on top of each other and aligned alternately (one millimetre contains seven layers). This material, known for its mechanical properties, lightness and resistance to impact and corrosion, gives the watch an attractively uneven texture.
Limited edition: 270 watches. Price: €15,000 (in France).
The third of the 2020 trio is the Luminor Marina Fibratech – 44mm. Once again, its originality lies in the unusual texture of its material: Fibratech, the mineral fibres of which are obtained by melting basalt and adding different minerals. Dark and uneven, the matt grey case therefore offers an especially interesting texture.
Limited edition: 270 watches. Price: €16,000 (in France).
And the detail that changes everything (just as #SoBarnes likes it): these three self-winding mechanical watches (calibre P.0910, three-day power reserve) come with their 70-day warranties engraved on the bottom of their cases.
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