Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 concept watch

Panerai has unveiled a new LAB-ID concept watch, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800. Price € 108,000

Panerai has unveiled a new LAB-ID concept watch, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800.

Reflecting Panerai’s technical expertise, the LAB-ID ("Laboratorio di Idee," Italian for "Ideas Laboratory") represents the brand's commitment to continuously seeking innovative solutions to enhance the standards and performance of its creations, starting with the debut of the LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech PAM700 in 2017.

Produced in a limited edition of 150 pieces,  with an availability of 50 pieces per year over three years, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID is fully mechanical and features 6 barrels and a 4 patents system that transforms the mechanical energy stored into the barrels in luminosity to light up the dial, the hands and the bezel.

Elux, short for ‘elettroluminescenza’ (electroluminescence), is a technology patented by Panerai on June 15, 1966. Originally, Elux was used in electroluminescent panels designed to enhance the luminescence of Italian Navy naval instruments.

Its Power Light function can be activated on demand for a total length of 30 minutes, by opening the patented pusher-protector system and pressing the pusher at 8 o’clock. 

This illuminates the 12 indexes on the dial, the patented hands, and the dot on the unidirectional rotating bezel. The linear power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock shows the remaining energy for the light.

The compact 8 x 2.3 mm microgenerator features custom-made coils, magnets and a stator to optimize energy efficiency. It incorporates a high-speed rotor operating at 80 revolutions per second, generating a 240 Hz high-frequency electrical signal.

Illuminating moving elements such as the hands (patented) and bezel marker (patent pending) was particularly challenging, requiring the conduction of electricity to the bezel outside of the watch case while maintaining exceptional water resistance.

The indices and hour hand are accented with green Super-LumiNova X2, now in a new grade that ensures 10% higher luminosity than Super-LumiNova X1 after 180 minutes in the dark. The blue-accented minute hand and dots on the bezel are illuminated by Super-LumiNova X1.

The watch comes in a 49 mm case crafted from Ti-Ceramitech, a ceramized titanium, a high-tech material developed by Panerai resulting from a titanium ceramization process through Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation. This process transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer. It is 44% lighter than steel with a fracture toughness 10x higher than ceramic.

Water resistance is ensured up to a pressure of 50 bar (~500 meters / 1,650 feet).

 

Comprising 363 components, the self-winding P.9010/EL Calibre operates at a frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour is equipped with six barrels: four dedicated to providing the energy required for a 30-minute on-demand Power Light function and two dedicated to maintaining a three-day power reserve for timekeeping. 

The new Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 concept watch has a price of € 108,000 (including VAT) / US$ 96,300 (excluding sales taxes). panerai.com