Today, Panerai unveils a new LAB-ID watch, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800, a fully mechanical timepiece with 6 barrels and 4 patent systems, transforming the mechanical energy stored in the barrels into luminosity that lights up the dial, the hands, and the bezel. A leap forward in advanced luminescence that rewrites the rules of underwater exploration, illuminating dives up to 500 meters. This new watch is limited to 150 limited-edition pieces, with an availability of 50 pieces per year over three years.
The new Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is the result of 8 years of research and development at Panerai’s Manufacture in Neuchâtel. The new timepiece is a concept watch and a showcase of innovations thanks to 4 dedicated patent applications. The core of the new Elux LAB-ID is the luminescence and visibility in every light condition, thanks to the Power Light function that can be activated on demand for a total length of 30 minutes. At 6 o’clock on the dial, the linear power reserve indicator shows the residual energy available for lighting up the watch.
Building on Panerai innovations in the field of luminescence, such as the renowned Radiomir and Luminor compounds, the new Submersible Elux LAB-ID is the culmination of a journey that took the name from the historic patented Elux Panerai invention and the expression of the Laboratorio di Idee. Elux, an abbreviation of ‘elettroluminescenza’ to mean electroluminescence, is a technology historically patented on June 15, 1966, by Panerai: Elux were originally retro-illuminated panels with electroluminescence technology, designed to enhance the luminescence of naval instruments of the Italian Navy.
Completing the watch’s innovations, the indexes and the hour hand are accented with green Super-LumiNova X2, now in a new grade that ensures a luminosity 10% higher than Super-LumiNova X1. The blue-accented minute hand and dot on the bezel are illuminated by Super-LumiNova X1.
The Power Light Function is activated thanks to a dedicated pusher located on the case at 8 o’clock, with a simple gesture of opening the patented pusher-protector system. The protection ensures that the pusher is actioned only when needed, a fundamental security for a reliable and innovative instrument. The on-demand lighting mechanism illuminates the 12 indexes, the hands, and the dot on the unidirectional rotating bezel for up to 30 minutes.
Additionally, after 7 years of Research and Development, Panerai unveils a new material: Ti-Ceramitech, a high-tech material resulting from a titanium ceramization process through Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation that transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer: 44% lighter than steel and fracture toughness 10x higher than ceramic. Lighter than steel, and tougher than ceramic, the new Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID is equipped with a 49 mm Ti-Ceramitech case, a high-tech material resulting from a titanium ceramization process that transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer. The anti-clockwise rotating bezel with a graduated scale, as well as the case back, are also in Ti-Ceramitech.
The new Elux LAB-ID can transform the mechanical energy stored in the barrels into luminosity to light up the dial indexes, the hands, and the bezel. This tool watch is fully mechanical features 6 barrels and 4 patents system and has a 500-meter water resistance.
The Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 Limited Edition is powered by the automatic calibre P.9010/EL. This automatic movement is composed of 363 components with six barrels, of which four barrels are dedicated to produce the energy required to ensure 30 minutes of on-demand Power Light function, and two barrels are dedicated to 3 days of time power reserve. The compact 8 x 2.3 mm microgenerator features custom-made coils, magnets, and a stator to optimize energy efficiency, it incorporates a high-speed rotor operating at 80 revolutions per second, generating 240 Hz high-frequency electrical signal. The movement is protected by a solid case back in Ti-Ceramitech.
Sticker Price USD 96,300. For more info on Panerai click here.