Panerai Luminor 1950 3Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica – 44 mm PAM00580

Panerai’s latest Luminor is a flyback chrono using the automatic calibre P.9100, inside a 44 mm matt ceramic case. True to the spirit of old Panerais, the dial of the PAM0058 simple and clean, thanks to the centrally mounted hands. The push-pieces which control the chronograph functions are positioned at 8 o’clock (flyback, reset) and 10 o’clock (start, stop), thus leaving intact the outline of the lever device protecting the crown which helps make the case of the Luminor 1950 water-resistant to 10 bar (equivalent to a depth of about 100 metres).

The ceramic used for the case is based on zirconium oxide, which is up to five times harder than steel but substantially lighter in weight. The technology behind this material is quite complex, a long, delicate process which transforms the zirconium powder into black ceramic. Every component of the case is individually moulded and undergoes successive stages of working and firing, first at a low temperature (about 100 °C) and then at a higher temperature (up to 1500 °C), for about three days. The process is concluded with the finishing stage, crucial for ensuring that the dimensions and proportions of all the components are absolutely perfect, culminating in the final bead blasting which gives it an even, matt finish.

The two sides of the Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica – 44 mm PAM00580

The see-through case back reveals the in-house calibre P.9100, which is the first automatic chronograph developed by Panerai.

With a power reserve of 72 hours, the P.9100 is endowed with the typical characteristics of a top-ofthe-range chronograph, such as the column wheel and the vertical clutch. It has two spring barrels connected in series which provide a power reserve of three days, a bidirectional rotor which winds the springs of the two barrels, and a variable inertia balance wheel which oscillates at 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz). Fitted with the device for instantly zeroing the seconds, the 8.15 mm thick movement is made of 302 components.

The PAM00580 is expected to be unveiled in January at SIHH 2015. For more info go to www.panerai.com