When you think of elite racing machines, your mind naturally swerves to Formula One. However, another discipline with equally impressive performance demands attention— the America's Cup. Racing multi-million dollar yachts that weigh nothing and are capable of travelling at 50 knots, this is F1 on water.
To be associated with one of these teams is quite a coup, and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli yacht is crewed by elite athletes wearing the latest 2024 Panerai Submersible watches, which have just been commercially released today at W&W for everyone to buy. We have four variants of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli watch available.
Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa PAM01405
Limited to just 20 pieces, the Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience Edition will be issued in July 2024 in the lead-up to the America's Cup finals.
The Experience Edition is the first 45-mm Submersible to feature the tourbillon complication and the first of its kind to marry the complexity of a tourbillon with the futuristic appeal of Carbotech™, a composite material based on carbon fibre which echoes the construction of the Luna Rossa's boat hull which is carbon fibre.
Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa. Credit: Panerai.
PAM01405 is powered by a hand-wound P.2015/T mechanical calibre that has been in development for three years. The patented tourbillon completes a horizontal rotation every 30 seconds and is a standout feature of this remarkable timepiece. It rotates on the perpendicular to the balance wheel and thus compensates for the effects of gravity on the accuracy of the timepiece. With a 4-day power reserve, whose indicator is strategically placed on the reverse side for subtle visibility, a 24-hour GMT function and a night and day indication, this new Submersible caters to the needs of the modern traveller. The watch boasts a water resistance of 300m, which is necessary given the environments for which it is designed.
PAM01405's bezel is made of titanium, finished with a black DLC coating, and adorned with white lacquer indexes. The hour, minute, and bezel come with blue and green Super LumiNova® to facilitate reading diving time or simply legibility in poor lighting conditions.
Accompanying the watch are two straps: a Luna Rossa bi-material strap in a striking red accent as a nod to the partnership and a rubber strap in monochrome black, which mirrors the Carbotech™ case.
Submersible Luna Rossa PAM01565 and Titanio GMT PAM01507
Luna Rossa Special Edition. Credit: Panerai.
In 42mm brushed steel, this Luna Rossa special edition has a unidirectional rotating steel bezel with a black matt ceramic disk. Water resistant up to 300 meters, this watch has been subjected to pressure up to 25% greater than the guaranteed water resistance value to ensure it meets stringent standards.
Powered by the automatic P.900 movement, renowned for its reliability, with a 3-day power reserve. The calibre is equipped with a stop-second function that enables precise time setting, which is essential in elite yacht racing.
The blue sun-brushed dial with a black gradient finish evokes the depths of the ocean, a fitting homage to the Luna Rossa's crew navigation skills. The dial is adorned with the decal of Luna Rossa, while luminous dot and baton hour markers, along with a date window at 3 o'clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock, enhance legibility against the backdrop. The hands are treated with Super LumiNova, ensuring visibility in all conditions, and the small red second hands echo the watch's connection to the competitive spirit of sailing.
Submersible Titanio GMT PAM01507 and Luna Rossa PAM01565. Credit: Panerai.
The screwed case back is engraved with the image of a Slow Speed Torpedo, the notorious "pig" on which the commandos of the Italian Navy sailed through the depths of the sea on their missions while wearing instruments made by Panerai in the 1940s. This watch also comes with two straps; the first is a bi-material strap as a nod to the Luna Rossa, while the second dark blue rubber strap offers a more subdued option.
Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio PAM01507 is essentially a GMT variant of this watch, although it comes in much higher specs, such as X2 Super LiniNova, a Grade 5 titanium case, and 500m water resistance. The colour palette is the same as the PAM01565.
At the heart of PAM01507 is the automatic P.900/GMT24H movement, a calibre renowned for its reliability and 3-day power reserve. The calibre integrates expansive function within the confines of remarkably streamlined proportions, measuring just 28mm in diameter and 5.46 mm thick.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech PAM01466 and PAM01543
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech. Credit: Panerai.
Available with a blue or white dial, this evolution of the Luna Rossa range peaks in technical excellence. These 44mm models represent the merger of high performance and cutting-edge technology in the shape of a new innovative material, Ti-Ceramitech™.
This new material is 44% lighter than steel yet has fracture toughness ten times higher than traditional ceramic. A material that can withstand high pressure and very high thermal stress. As with the standard Submersible, these watches are powered by the P900 movement.
Like the case, the bezel reflects the advanced pursuits of the Maison's manufacture. Machined titanium is ceramised and then meticulously reworked to reveal the metal beneath at strategic points, creating an eye-catching contrast of materials. Water resistant up to 500m, these watches have also been tested to be 25% greater than the stated water resistance value.
Our Choice of Straps:
For those interested in finding a high-quality replacement strap suitable for following you into the depths with these Panerai models, why not check out the WatchGecko store? We have a huge range of sailing suitable straps made from premium rubber that are versatile enough to suit a wide range of watches.
Take our ZULUDIVER Modern Tropical Rubber strap for instance, available in a smart navy colourway that pairs seamlessly with the Panerai Submersible models, this strap is made from high-quality HNBR rubber for a contemporary, sporty look. We also stock 300 and 400 (MKII) Italian Rubber Divers straps, the perfect complementary piece for any dive watch with their unique carbon fibre pattern and secure flip-lock clasp.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech. Credit: Panerai.
WatchGecko 400 (MKII) Italian Rubber Divers Watch Strap - Navy Blue - Brushed Buckle
Conclusion
Whether you are a Panerai fan or not, it’s hard to counter the argument that these are possibly the best-looking Panerai watches to date. Like the Pelagos Red Bull Racing America's Cup, we recently reviewed, there's something about the colour scheme of these incredible racing machines, which lend themselves beautifully to watch dials.
Also, the astonishing construction ethos of the yachts inspires manufacturers to use space-age materials to deliver hugely robust watches that weigh virtually nothing. When you first handle a carbon fibre 300m watch, it almost feels too light to be real, but it is thoroughly impressive technology. Why are all watches not made this way? This latest 2024 Panerai collection is truly stunning and sees the brand leaving the old 1940s-style dive watches behind and embracing 21st-century technology.
