Panerai presents at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech. Details below.
Panerai’s journey with the America’s Cup, a symbol of nautical excellence and innovation, marks a significant chapter in its storied history. The relationship began in 2017, when Panerai stepped into the sailing sport elite and became the 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.
This year the brand prepared for us the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech PAM01466 and PAM01543. The release represents a strategic alliance of high performance and cutting-edge technology in the shape of a new innovative material, Ti-Ceramitech.
“We are excited to showcase the pioneering Ti-Ceramitech, a material seven years in the making by our Laboratorio di Idee at the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel, that epitomizes our dedication to advanced technologies as well as the spirit of Luna Rossa’s quest for daring performances.”
Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai
The 44mm Ti-CeramitechTM case, is inspired by a material originally used in high-performance competitive environments and has been skilfully adapted and integrated into the world of watchmaking. Through seven years of meticulous research and development, Panerai has filed a patent application for a titanium ceramization process through Electrolytic Plasma Oxidation able to achieve a very distinctive hue of blue. This process transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer, and the specific choice of elements used, combined with the electrolyte composition, allowed for the creation of the watch’s peculiar and striking blue color, a shade inspired by the open seas. The technique yields a significantly enhanced hardness, and the resultant case is 44% lighter than steel yet has fracture toughness ten times higher than traditional ceramic. A material that can withstand high pressure, and very high thermal stress, it is an ode to the Panerai’s pursuit of creating reliable innovative instruments.
The bezel, like the case, reflects the advanced pursuits of the Maison’s manufacture. Machined titanium is ceramized and then meticulously reworked to reveal the metal beneath at strategic points, creating an eye-catching contrast of materials, punctuating the crown and its protecting lever, the edge and indexes of the bezel, the back-case, and the trapezoidal pin buckle. The blue shade resulting from the ceramization process is so distinctive that it prompted the development of a bespoke color for the accompanying straps, further accentuating the watch’s singular character. Water resistant up to 50 bar (~500 meters), these watches have been rigorously tested, subjecting them to a pressure up to 25% greater than the guaranteed water resistance value to ensure they exceed Panerai’s stringent standards. The improved value is a significant milestone in a domain deeply intertwined with Panerai’s heritage that has consistently made the Maison a preferred choice.
At the heart of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-CeramitechTM is the automatic P.900, a caliber renowned for its reliability with a 3-day power reserve. 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 stop-second function that enables precise time setting.
The new timepieces will be available starting July 2024 in the lead-up to the 2024 America’s Cup races, with PAM01466 available across all networks, and PAM01543 exclusively in boutiques.
More details on www.panerai.com.
