Wristwatch Journal
For long, the formula of Panerai watches was simple: rugged watches inspired by the sea, with Italian design, simple mechanics and large cushion-shaped cases. And, at the beginning a relatively accessible price that helped to create a huge community of fans. And then, things changed and Panerai became more complicated, more luxurious, more focused on limited editions. But as the brand’s CEO told us, it was time to clean up the collections and to refocus on what Panerai truly represents. And the latest model, the Panerai Luminor Blue Mare 44mm PAM01085 is just that.
A simple but efficient design, a hand-wound, no-date movement, a no-nonsense package that goes back to the roots, a modern but cool look… The Panerai Luminor Blue Mare 44mm PAM01085 is a reassuring but also an important addition to the collection. Indeed, most of the watches launched as part of the digital Watches & Wonders 2020 were complex and relatively expensive models, playing with luminescence and/or innovative materials. What we have here today is a simple but cool watch, a new core model with a more reasonable price and multiple features that make it essential, in a good way.
The brand’s message is clear, this watch “has a look that recalls in the clean, angular lines of the case the visual codes of the Luminor of the 1990s“. This is not something we’re going to complain about. Even though the recent introductions are cool and desirable, Panerai also needs core collection models, with more accessible prices to attract new clients and to focus on the local markets, especially in these times of crisis.
The new Panerai Luminor Blue Mare has a simple cushion-shaped stainless steel case with sharp angles, a simple smooth bezel and polished surfaces. The dimensions are respectable, at 44mm in diameter and 13.05mm in height, but this is part of the brand’s DNA. The side of the case displays the signature, trademark safety lock crown protection device in brushed steel and the caseback is pressure-fit, dodecagonal-shaped and made from plain steel. Altogether, a solid and clean package with 100m water-resistance.
The new PAM01085 is equipped with a handsome blue satiné dial, which plays on the brand’s traditional codes without falling into vintage-inspired gimmicks. The numerals and indexes are painted in green Super-LumiNova and the display consists of three hands, including the classical small seconds at 9 o’clock. A plus for many is that there is no date window. Another nice touch is the double arrow “OP” logo printed at 6 o’clock – a stylized representation of the Officine Panerai’s initials that dates back to the 1980s.
To power this Panerai Luminor Blue Mare 44mm, the brand relies on its entry-level hand-wound movement, the calibre P.6000. Still, this is an in-house engine, produced by the brand in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, which features a single-barrel architecture but delivers 72 hours (or 3 days) of power reserve.
The PAM01085 is worn on a blue calfskin strap matching the dial, with beige stitching. It is secured by a trapezoidal pin buckle in brushed steel. An additional blue rubber strap is also included as part of the package, along with a special screwdriver for changing the straps and removing the buckle.
Price and availability
The new Panerai Luminor Blue Mare 44mm PAM01085 is now available from retailers and boutiques, in a non-limited edition. It will be priced at EUR 5,400, making it one of the most accessible Panerai models now in collection. It can also be ordered online, on the brand’s website, with a wide selection of straps and buckles.
More details at www.panerai.com.
