Panerai’s journey with the America’s Cup, a symbol of nautical excellence and innovation, marks a significant chapter in its storied history – Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech™ PAM01563. The relationship began in 2017, when Panerai stepped into the sailing sport elite and became an Official Partner of the prestigious sailing competition and the sponsor of the Oracle Team USA and Softbank Team Japan.
Becoming the Official Sponsor of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the first time in 2019, it was during the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada, held in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland in 2021, that Panerai culminated its nautical ties with the sailing team. This partnership emerged naturally for a brand like Panerai that makes performance and technological innovation its distinctive flags. Over these six years of cherished partnership, Panerai has relentlessly developed collections of technical watches, one for each year of preparation in the run-up to the ultimate challenge, either drawing inspiration from the technologies and materials used in the America’s Cup or from the insights and needs of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team.
“Our association with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team resonates deeply with Panerai’s maritime heritage and our pursuit of boundary-pushing performance. This partnership is a natural extension of our brand’s core values,” says CEO of Panerai, Jean-Marc Pontroué. In the run-up to the 37th America’s Cup set in Barcelona, Panerai reaffirms its commitment as the Official Sponsor, joining forces with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team for the second consecutive edition.
“The synergy with Panerai takes us on a shared journey in pushing the limits of performance, where precision, innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence are at the heart of our endeavours,” says Max Sirena, the team’s Skipper and Director.
This collaboration intersects with all the pillars of the Panerai identity, embodying Italian DNA, the Maison’s deep-rooted connection to the marine world, and its commitment to crafting instruments for modern heroes. At the Laboratorio di Idee at the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel, these watches engineered and tested for the toughest conditions, epitomizing the brand’s dedication to durability, reliability, and functionality.
The new Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech™ PAM01563
Limited to a mere 37 pieces in ode to the 37th America’s Cup, the Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech™ symbolizes technical watchmaking. This timepiece adorns the wrist of the Skipper and Team Director Max Sirena, during the races in the quest to the sporting final and is an e-commerce exclusive that will be available for 24 hours on September 5th 2024. Panerai’s capsule timepiece initiative offers unique watches available for only 24 hours, and has consistently seen high demand, resulting in all pieces being sold out, making them sought-after items among collectors.
Echoing the pioneering spirit of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team, the watch’s case, the rotating bezel, and the lever bridge that protects the winding crown are made of Carbotech™, whose special structure is designed to enhance both the aesthetics and the performance of the material. The manufacturing process of this material involves compressing carbon fiber sheets at a precise temperature and high pressure along with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a superior polymer that reinforces the composite, enhancing its strength and longevity. The resultant Carbotech™ plates boast superior mechanical properties, and performance in term of strength-to-weight ratio enabling very comfortable ergonomics while being resistant to tough wear conditions. Notably lighter than titanium and ceramic, Carbotech™ shines in resistance to external forces and corrosion. Its uneven, matt black appearance, which varies according to the cutting of the material, lends every singular watch a slightly different appearance. The screwed case back, which helps to ensure the watch’s high degree of water resistance, is made of titanium with black DLC treatment, and it 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.
At the heart of PAM01563 is the automatic P.900 movement, renowned for its reliability with a 3-day power reserve. The P.900 is an automatic caliber that integrates expansive function within the confines of remarkably streamlined proportions. It measures 12½ lignes (28mm) in diameter and is only 4.2 mm thick. The energy necessary to accumulate a power reserve of three days is delivered by a bidirectional oscillating weight and stored in a single barrel. Its balance wheel, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, is securely fixed in position by a balance cock. The caliber is equipped with a stopsecond function that enables precise time setting.
The bezel rotates only counterclockwise, allowing for the calculation of immersion time – a crucial feature for an underwater instrument. Water resistant up to 30 bar (~300 meters), this watch has been rigorously tested, subjecting it to a pressure up to 25% greater than the guaranteed water resistance value to ensure it meets Panerai’s stringent standards. The watch’s technical set-up is complemented by its design, featuring a blue sun-brushed dial with a small red seconds hand that marries elegance with practicality, as well as the Luna Rossa decal.
Ensuring versatility and style, the watch comes with two strap options. The first bi-material strap features a striking red stripe with the words Luna Rossa in white against a blue backdrop, while the second rubber strap boasts a uniform blue tone. The bi-material strap combines the resilience rubber with the aesthetics of textile to reflect the watch’s robust and sporty nature.
Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech™ Technical Specifications
Ref. PAM01563 – 18.400 € / $18,100excl. sales tax
Functions
- Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Date
Movement
- Automatic mechanical P.900 calibre
- 12 ½ lignes, 4.2 mm thick
- 23 jewels
- 28,800 alternations/hour
- Incabloc® anti-shock device
- Power reserve 3 days, one barrel
- 171 components
- Power Reserve: 3 days
Case
- Diameter 42mm, Carbotech™ case
- Carbotech™ bezel
- Screw Titanium DLC case-back
- Sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 30 bar (~300 meters)
Dial
- Blue sun-brushed with luminous hour markers and dots
- Date at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock
Strap
- Bi-material rubber and blue textile with Luna Rossa red stripe, STD, 22/20.
- Trapezoidal Titanium DLC pin buckle.
Panerai
Founded in Florence in 1860 as a workshop, shop and subsequently school of watchmaking, for many decades Panerai supplied the Italian Navy and its specialist diving corps in particular with precision instruments.
The designs developed by Panerai in that time, including the Luminor and Radiomir, were covered by the Military Secrets Act for many years and were launched on the international market only after the brand was acquired by the Richemont Group in 1997.
Today Panerai develops and crafts its movements and watches at its Neuchâtel manufacture. The latter are a seamless melding of Italian design flair and history with Swiss horological expertise. Panerai watches are sold across the world through an exclusive network of distributors and Panerai boutiques.