Panerai Luminor Chrono Blue

For many people, the most iconic Panerai watch series are the Luminor and Luminor 1950. Of the brand's four main collections – Radiomir, Radiomir 1940, Luminor, and Luminor 1950, the latter two bear the brand's famous prominent look with the crown protected by the brand's signature guard. Despite the fact that Panerai offers some variety in the models that are part of the Luminor series, they are all characterized by the minimalist and clear look that has earned the brand much respect and fame from its creation until now. What distinguishes the model I will present to you today is the combination of all the interesting elements present on the dial. Undoubtedly for all Panerai enthusiasts, it is the Luminor case that has come to mind first in recent years when the brand is mentioned. In 2021, following the line of updating all its watch models, Panerai released two chronograph watches – in steel and rose gold, with several different dials, and today I have the pleasure of drawing your attention to the steel version on a bracelet with the incredible blue sandwich dial, codenamed PAM01110. Another distinctive feature is that the model is one of the few offered complete with a bracelet, and this one is the newest model! Personally for us, it was a surprise to learn that Panerai is changing the design of its bracelets – as the previous ones were also very recognizable and comfortable. With the new one, however, the thickness of the links has been reduced, thus reducing its weight; furthermore, it is suggested that the thin profile of the links increases wearing comfort. The double-button folding clasp now includes a highly polished square section engraved with the brand's “OP” logo. And finally, the new bracelet and case are equipped with the brand's quick-change system, which allows the user to easily swap the bracelet for another strap. Robust and light, the new steel bracelet is a product of the engineering know-how of the Laboratorio di Idee, a state-of-the-art think tank founded on Panerai's heritage. Composed of links that echo the silhouette of the protective guard protecting the crown, a unique element of the Luminor case, the bracelet has a fundamentally rethought shape, derived from a construction that reduces the number of screws located on the sides of the links. Developed to combine function, design, and durability, it includes a large number of carefully considered components whose purpose is to raise the standard of ergonomics and comfort. The combination they have managed to achieve is magnificent – the watch manages not to impose its distinctiveness, yet at the same time, it cannot go unnoticed on its owner's wrist. The steel case, the deep blue color of the dial with blue accents on the two hands, combines very well with the brand's high-quality bracelet. The interesting points of the model are many: the two-layer dial, the brand's standard 44 mm size, the placement of the chronograph pushers on the left side, the chronograph hands, the quick-change button for the straps which is located on the inner side of the lugs – there are surely more… Among collectors and enthusiasts, Panerai is known for the fact that most of their watches look good with a large number of different straps and bracelets. Not all watches can boast this, as they only match a limited number of color options. The luminescence of the watch is remarkable – the indices and hands are coated with SuperLuminova, which contrasts quite well on the dial. In the dark, the illumination provided by the luminescent coating complements the color and shape of the watch case, making reading the time very easy and effortless. Above the dial sits a thick 3.5 mm slightly curved crystal with an anti-reflective coating; the case is water-resistant to 300 m – typical for a serious diver's watch. Of course, as befits a true Panerai, this model also has the brand's signature protected crown, which is also quite easy to use. It can be wound even when it is not released, and when it is released, you can set the time by pulling it out. Inside the watch works the automatic in-house movement Calibre P.9200, which is in fact a specially modified for the brand and improved version of the ETA 2892-2 with a chronograph module by Dubois Depras: 41 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 28,800 vibrations, one barrel, 42-hour power reserve, Geneva waves, blued screws, and brand engravings on the rotor.