Finally, after several years of seeing Panerai watches labeled as GMTS but fitted with what in reality is a 12H second timezone independent hand, Officine Panerai presents this new watch truly designed for world travelers featuring a real 24H GMT function. This new watch, Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT 24H PAM 531 allows the wearer to simultaneously read the time in a second time zone by means of an independent central hand which makes one revolution of the dial in 24 hours. The PAM 531 is the first watch from Panerai to adopt a new fully developed in-house movement with a complication, the automatic calibre P.9003.
The new Panerai automatic calibre P.9003 is based off of the calibre P.9001. Executed entirely by Panerai, the calibre measures 13¾ lignes, 7.9 mm thick, is fitted with 28 jewels, Glucydur balance, 28,800 vph, Incabloc anti-shock device, two barrels and 233 components. The main innovation relates to the GMT function, which is indicated over 24 hours instead of 12 hours; it also has a newly designed circular power reserve indicator on the back of the watch, which is very visible and easy to read through the sapphire crystal in the case back.
With a power reserve of three days that is achieved by two spring barrels connected in series, and with the rotor spinning in both directions, this new movement is very efficient. In terms of regulation, the hour hand —connected to the date— can be moved independently and in jumps of one hour, without interfering with the minute and seconds hands; equally, when setting the time the device which stops the balance and zeroes the seconds hand comes into operation, so that the time can be exactly set with accuracy.
The GMT 24H function is also evident in the design of the black dial. As well as the classic markers for reading the local time, the outermost part of the dial carries the figures for reading the second time zone, indicated by the hand with an arrow. The clarity and legibility of the dial, which also contains the date window and the small seconds register at 9 o'clock, are ensured in the poorest lighting conditions by its sandwich dial structure with ecru —vintage inspired— superluminova that is contained between the two discs and shines through the holes in the upper one corresponding to the markers. This type of construction has been used by Panerai watches since the 1930s and confirmed over the years as a distinctive mark of the Florentine brand.
Another iconic element of the brand is the device protecting the winding crown with the locking leaver, revived in the Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT 24H in its most classic version, made of brushed steel contrasting with the highly polished stainless steel case.
The new Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT 24H PAM 531 is fitted with the classic robust case measuring 44 mm in diameter and with a black leather strap with ecru contrast stitching. This new watch is supplied with a spare rubber strap, a steel screwdriver and the tool for replacing the strap, an operation that is simply carried out thanks to the push-pieces in the lugs. This new watch is waterproof to 300 meters.
Sticker Price $10,100 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.
