Despite the intent of the watchmaker, not every dive watch is destined for underwater exploration (thus, the phrase “desk diver” was born). However, not every dive watch comes from Panerai, an Italian brand with a history dating back to the mid-19th century and having even more prominence during the Second World War, making ultra-specialized timepieces for the Italian Navy.
Available to the public since 1993, the Luminor and Luminor Marina (with a small seconds subdial) have been some of the most purpose-built divers around. And now, for this year’s Watches & Wonders show in Geneva, Panerai has bumped up the Marina from 300m of water resistance to a whopping 500m for the first time!
Panerai’s Military History
Used by Italian Frogmen in order to ensure precise timing between placement of limpet mines on British warships, Panerai developed the top-secret Luminor diver. In the decades prior, the watchmaker had developed compasses, sights, detonators, and gauges for the military but this dive watch seemed to be the ultimate underwater aid, with its namesake luminosity making it a purpose-built tool for the War effort.
Again, the partnership was a secret for decades, until the early ‘90s when Panerai opened the curtain on the Luminor and made it available for civilian purchase. It’s not only been in the brand’s catalog ever since but has been one of the most respected diving tools in the watch industry.
While the de facto minimum for water resistance for any serious dive watch is about 200m, the Luminor and Luminor Marina have been set at 300m since 1993. But now, there’s a new ceiling for the brand.
Keeping the Same Dimensions
Shockingly enough, the new 500m Luminor Marina retains the same case dimensions as the 300m version. This means 44m across with a 53.5mm lug-to-lug and 15.5mm thickness.
This impressive feat is largely achieved thanks to a new slimmer movement: the Caliber P.980 automatic manufactured by the Richemont Group. Not only is the movement uber-thin at just 4.2mm but it sports a lengthy three-day power reserve and a stop-seconds function — all visible through the exhibition caseback.
Also helping achieve the same dimensions is the introduction of a new steel. Panerai employs the same basic case shape they’ve been using for decades, but it’s now crafted from a premium steel. Said to be 12% thinner and 15% lighter, the AISI 316LVM steel has been remelted for better corrosion resistance and improved durability.
Brighter Than Before
Available in four colors (black, blue, light blue, and white), the dial looks basically the same here, except for the larger date window and the smaller text. Also, Panerai declares the Super-LumiNova X2 lume is now 10% brighter than the previous Super-LumiNova X1 used before. Also returning is the iconic sandwich dial construction that allows for better lume exposure and legibility in low light.
The straps are pretty cool too, with either black alligator leather for the black and white dial versions or blue alligator leather for the blue version. And Panerai now introduces the PAM Click Release System for tool-free adjustments on the fly for these. Meanwhile, the light blue dial version comes with a stainless steel bracelet.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 44mm
Lug-to-Lug: 53.5m
Case Thickness: 15.5mm
Case Material: AISI 316LVM stainless steel
Water Resistance: 500m
Movement: Caliber P.980 automatic (Richemont Group manufacture)
Band: Black or blue alligator leather strap or stainless steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Available to order now via Panerai’s website, the Luminor Marina 500m models start at $8,800 for the leather strap versions, $9,700 for the steel version.
Recap
Panerai Luminor Marina 500m
Panerai’s Luminor Marina is one of the most purpose-built divers around, and it now comes with 500m of water resistance in the same exact dimensions as before.
