A couple of weeks ago I published an article with five of my favourite watches from SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) 2015. Like most of these features the list wasn’t definitive and entirely subjective. Essentially what I was trying to illustrate was the diverse range of timepieces available. Unlike other shows (Baselworld in particular) this fair is predominantly funded and attended by members of the Richemont Group. In my opinion it also seems a lot more exclusive and the timepieces exhibited are all really high end. Nevertheless from what I have seen so far it lays the gauntlet for other watchmakers to exceed expectations this year.
Within the Richemont fold there are many luxury watchmakers including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin SA, Roger Dubuis, Paiget SA, Montblanc, IWC (International Watch Company) and Panerai. Over the last few years I have written about several of these brands on Total Watch Reviews and for many other reputable magazines. However I have only ever published one article about Panerai and that was a customised version by German Company Blacken. Fortunately the release of wonderful new Luminor Submersible 1950 CARBOTECH 3 Days Automatic has given me a good excuse to showcase their talents again.
When I speak to discerning collectors they all seem to go crazy for Panerai watches. In a lot of ways men of a certain age now prefer this brand to market leader Rolex SA. Personally I have always admired Panerai watches especially the formidable Radiomir Egiziano PAM 341, which has a 60mm diameter. The Luminor Submersible 1950 CARBOTECH 3 Days Automatic isn’t anything like this size but still has a generous 47mm case. These proportions are probably more in line with what fans of the brand actually want. Previously I have worn many of their titanium models so I would envisage this new carbon watch would feel even lighter on the wrist.
Visually the Luminor Submersible 1950 CARBOTECH 3 Days Automatic has a really cool appearance. What makes this timepiece really special is the choice of material. For the first time in the company’s history they have used a composite carbon in manufacture. As I have stated many times I absolutely love the eclectic nature of this substance. In this instance the façade has a sensational matt black textured appearance that resembles the qualities of Damascus steel. It is also pertinent to mention that brands like Richard Mille, Clerc and Schofield have also achieved a similar aesthetic.
Beneath the sleek exterior lies a sophisticated self-winding twin barrel movement. The Calibre P.9000 comprises 28-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). Each of the mechanisms 197 components have been designed, manufactured and assembled in house by Panerai. Functionally the Luminor Submersible 1950 CARBOTECH 3 Days Automatic features hours, minutes, small seconds (located at 9 o’clock) and date facility. The timepiece also has an impressive 3-day power reserve and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Luminor Submersible 1950 CARBOTECH 3 Days Automatic has a black Caoutchouc strap with black DLC (diamond like carbon) treated titanium buckle. Priced for the discerning at: €17,500 (approximately $19,883).
