Panerai is presenting groundbreaking innovation with the Submersible Elux LAB-ID: LED panels that provide extraordinary luminosity, with the required energy being fully mechanically stored. The inspiration dates back to 1966 – the year when Panerai patented the LEDs called “Elux”. They were primarily used by the Italian Navy, where they were valued for their reliability. The electroluminescence in the Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is the result of many years of research. The watch is available in a limited edition of 150 pieces in a 49 mm case made of Ti-Ceramitech.
Mechanical Luminescence
The extraordinary luminosity of the LED panels used to illuminate the displays is, of course, based on electronics. The special feature of this watch, however, is that the necessary electrical energy is stored in mechanical spring barrels. These drive a rotor, which, together with coils, magnets, and a stator, generates an electric current that is then distributed to the panels. Particularly impressive is the illumination of the moving parts such as the main hands and the bezel marker, which demonstrates the interdisciplinary expertise of Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee. Moreover, because of the mechanical energy storage, new energy for the Power-Light function can be generated by simply winding the crown. There is a button on the left side of the case that activates the Power-Light function. A patented protection system prevents the button from being pressed unintentionally.
Case: Robust Ti-Ceramitech
The case of the Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is made of Ti-Ceramitech, a material created through plasma electrolytic oxidation of titanium. This process, which Panerai patented after seven years of research and development, gives the watch its characteristic blue hue, reminiscent of the open sea. The case is 44 percent lighter than steel and ten times more fracture-resistant than conventional ceramics, making it particularly resistant to high pressure and thermal stresses. With a diameter of 49 mm and a water resistance of up to 50 bar (approximately 500 meters), the watch is designed for extreme conditions.
Dial with Luminous Panels
The dial of the Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID is based on the typical design of the diver’s watch line. However, LEDs are integrated into the hour markers. Additionally, the small seconds hand is illuminated. There is also a linear Power-Light reserve indicator, which is also illuminated. In addition to the Power-Light function, the watch also features green Super-LumiNova X2 on the hour markers and hour hand, as well as blue Super-LumiNova X1 around the minute hand and bezel dot.
Movement: Mechanical Precision and Electromechanical Innovation
Inside the Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 operates the mechanical automatic movement Caliber P.9010/EL. This movement consists of 363 components, including 55 jewels, a Glucydur balance wheel, and an Incabloc shock protection system. It offers a power reserve of three days and a runtime of the Power-Light function of 30 minutes. The watch has six barrels, four of which are responsible for the lighting and two for the time display. An innovative micro-generator, consisting of specially made coils, magnets, and a stator, converts mechanical energy into electricity. This mechanism enables the on-demand lighting of the watch by simply pressing the patented push-button protection system.
Strap: Functionality and Comfort
The watch comes with a blue rubber strap and a second strap made of a material mix. The rubber strap is 26/22 mm wide and features a trapezoidal pin buckle made of titanium, ensuring secure hold and comfort.
Price and Availability
The Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is limited to 150 pieces, with 50 pieces being offered annually over three years. This exclusive watch is available through the dealer network as well as in Panerai’s own boutiques. The price is 108.000 euros.
Most of the thinnest watches out there are time and date only right? I mean if you’re trying to prove how thin your brand can make watches, why would you go and add a complication which makes it more difficult to reach that achievement? Well, whilst that mindset makes sense, these are the greatest and…
Ressence was born in 2010 with the purpose in mind to improve the function of the mechanical watch in the 21st century context. Ressence wants us to make better use of our time by focusing on our relation to it. Marking the 10th anniversary of Ressence, the Belgian-Swiss brand introduces the limited Type 1 Slim…
Vacheron Constantin is treating its collectors to a new platinum limited edition, of which only 50 pieces are available: the Traditionnelle tourbillon chronograph - Collection Excellence Platine. The emblematic masterpiece goes all out in its use of the precious material. It features a platinum case, crown, dial, buckle and – yes you read that right…
The first Royal Oak Offshore launched a sporty and expressive collection in the Audemars Piguet range. Now the Manufacture is presenting a further development of this first model from 1993. This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Automatic comes with either a steel, titanium or pink gold case. The dials are based on the original.…
Overseen by Julien Boillat, the Richard Mille watch design teams have reinterpreted the brands first ultra-thin round watch, RM 033 from 2011: The exterior decoration, case and dial have been reworked. The taut lines of the case combine the curves of a tonneau shape and the elegance of a round form with a subtle allusion…
Cartier is introducing a platinum version of its Tank Cintrée, in a special edition that makes up part of the brand's Les Rééditions. Les Rééditions are sought-after watches that Cartier creates with its collectors in mind. Following re-editions such as the Pasha Calendrier Perpétuel and last year's Pebble watch, this 2023 piece makes a return…
On the watch fair SIHH 2019 the brand Vacheron Constantin launched the new innovative model Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 3200T/000P-B578), which especially focuses on the needs of its owner. It is particularly special due to its active and standby modi: When the model is worn it beats at a high frequency, when the owner takes the…
Parmigiani Fleurier has introduced the Toric Tourbillon Slate. The watch was created in recognition of the Watches & Wonders' digital platform launch. It features a flying tourbillon automatic movement, which is visible through the sapphire caseback. It is housed in a 42.8 mm, 18-carat red gold case and is limited to only 25 pieces. The…
The Geneva-based manufacturer is presenting the TUDOR Pelagos 39, a new addition to its collection of diver's watches. With the new model, the house offers its professional range in a new, more compact form factor. The new Pelagos, however, has a cosmopolitan look with a shiny black sunburst dial. The titanium-cased watch is also equipped…
Japan’s rich cultural heritage evokes countless associations – yet fine watchmaking is rarely among them. This is hardly surprising: many still perceive the Far East as a challenge to the traditional world of mechanical timepieces. After all, it was Japan – more precisely, Seiko – that launched the first commercially produced quartz wristwatch, the 35SQ,…
Platinum, steel, ceramic or gold – Bulgari's award-winning Octo Finissimo collection encompasses models made of all kinds of materials. Now, two carbon models with ultra-thin calibres have become its newest additions, enriching the collection. The design of the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic with small seconds and the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Perpertual Calendar combines anthracite-coloured carbon with touches of gold.…
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the watchmaker presents a new generation of the Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin and two new Openworked models. Externally, the watches hardly differ from the historical model, the Royal Oak. Instead, the greatest innovation is to be found inside, where the company has…