Panerai Luminor: watches that combine light and technology

Florentine watchmaker Panerai began manufacturing the Luminor, one of its most iconic models, in the immediate post-war period. With features including a bridge with locking lever and Angelus movement, the Panerai Luminor is named after the new self-luminous substance used on its dial.

In the wake of medical investigations into the consequences of atomic bombs and radioactive substances, Panarai decided to replace the old “radiomir” with a new luminescent solution called Luminor, whose trademark was patented in 1950.

Indeed, luminescence is the distinguishing feature of Panerai timepieces: it is no coincidence that the brand celebrated the registration of its trademark with three new limited-edition series inspired by the concept of luminosity, whilst continuing to showcase the industry-leading materials technology long associated with this Florentine maison.

The new editions of the Luminor all play on innovative use of next-generation SuperLumiNova TM. In these watches, luminosity extends beyond the dial to outline the crown, crown-protecting bridge and locking lever, before tracing all the way around the wristband in the form of luminous stitching.

The three new Luminor Marina watches feature a 44 mm diameter case and are water resistant to 300m. They all use the P.9010 movement – an automatic calibre entirely designed and manufactured by Panerai.

The Luminor Marina is not the brand’s only innovation, however. For the first time, Panerai addresses the female market, with the Luminor Due 38mm, available in four versions: two with Aisi 316 L stainless steel cases (with anthracite soleil dial or in ivory with blue digits) and two in red gold (with black soleil dial or, as before, ivory with blue digits).