Panerai Luminor 42mm is the watch that we all expected, easier to wear with the same iconic case. We have a 2mm drop, is it enough? I would say yes. If you ever tried a Panerai Luminor and you felt it was way too big, you are probably right, but today we have good news.
Panerai just announced three new Luminor watches: PAM01710, PAM01711 and PAM01714, and it is the first time in history when the model shrinked down to 42mm from 44mm. A truly dive watch that we love!
On the paper might sound like a small change, but it’s not! Panerai Luminor has been the same, big , 44mm and not for everyone since the public launch in 1993. So they finally understood that not everyone wants a watch the size of a hockey puck.
Panerai Luminor 42mm is here, but first we need to understand it’s history
To understand why Panerai Luminor 42mm is important and got everyone’s attention, we need a tiny bit of history. It will be quick.
Panerai used to be a secret project for the Italian military for decades. The watches were made exclusively for Italian Navy divers, and regular people like you and me couldn’t buy one. Everything changed in 1993, september 10 to be exact, when CEO Dino Zei made the company public.
They released two watches: Luminor ref 5218-201/A and the Mare Nostrum Chronograph. The first Luminor watch became the blueprint for every Luminor that followed.
For the military, the watches used to be even bigger, they had 47mm case diameter and when they launched the models for public it was shrinked to 44mm and they introduced angular shape with solid lugs and that beautiful curvy crown protecting bridge that is easily recognizable.
It’s nice to see that now, 30 years later, we have the Panerai Luminor 42mm.
Panerai Luminor 42mm what is new with this one?
Obviously the reduced dimension to 42 mm, the thickness is 13.8mm. The PAM01710 and PAM01711 come in polished and brushed steel, while the PAM01714 comes in a full black DLC treatment that covers the case, the bezel and the buckle.
We still have the crown-protecting bridge, honestly it wouldn’t be a Panerai without it, a domed sapphire crystal on top and a screwed caseback. Water resistance is formidable, 500 meters. It is known that Panerai tests every single one of their watches at its Neuchatel manufacture pushing the pressure 25% past the rated limit. A good way to test and be sure that nothing leaks.
The Dial of Panerai Luminor 42mm
So each one is different, as it should be.
- PAM01710 has a matte black dial, ecry printed numerals, beige lume and it comes with beige canvas strap
- PAM01711: comes with a matte forest green dial, same ecru printing and a matching green canvas
- PAM01714: The dial is matte blue, beige lume, blue canvas strap and the blacked-out DLC case. Probably my favourite!
All three models have the small seconds at 9 o’clock. We have no date window. But I get it, the dial is not just for looks, it is a practical military watch.
The numerals are printed and then built up with layers of Super-Luminova, which gives them a small raise, like a three dimensional feel that you can actually see.
The Movement of Panerai Luminor 42mm
All three models come with the same automatic Calibre P.980 which is built on a ValFleurier base. It runs at 4Hz or 28.800 vibrations per hour, has 177 components and 23 jewels. The most beautiful thing? A solid 72 hours power reserve!
Panerai Luminor 42mm has a traversing balance bridge that holds the regulating parts really steady, and also an Incabloc shock absorber that is very useful when you inevitably hit your watch on a doorframe or table. When you set your watch, the seconds stop completely, so you can set the time down by the second. Military precision! The movement is tested in six different positions before it reaches your wrist.
If you flip your watch you will not see any of this because the caseback is solid steel, but Panerai still finishes their movement properly. It has horizontal brushing on the plates and a blue “Officine Panerai” engraving on the rotor.
The Strap
Each model comes with a canvas strap, made especially for this collection. It is reinforced with leather around the stitch holes, this assures you that the strap will not break. We have the Panerai 22/20mm lug dimensions and the brand’s Click Release system, so if you don’t like the canvas strap, it’s really easy to change it with something else.
Specifications for Panerai Luminor 42mm
| Feature | PAM01710 | PAM01711 | PAM01714 |
| Case diameter | 42mm | 42mm | 42mm |
| Case thickness | 13.8mm | 13.8mm | 13.8mm |
| Case material | Brushed and polished steel | Brushed and polished steel | Steel with black DLC coating |
| Dial color | Matte black | Matte green | Matte blue |
| Water resistance | 500m / 50 bar | 500m / 50 bar | 500m / 50 bar |
| Movement | Calibre P.980 (automatic) | Calibre P.980 (automatic) | Calibre P.980 (automatic) |
| Components | 177 | 177 | 177 |
| Jewels | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4Hz) | 28,800 vph (4Hz) | 28,800 vph (4Hz) |
| Power reserve | 72 hours | 72 hours | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, stop-seconds | Hours, minutes, small seconds, stop-seconds | Hours, minutes, small seconds, stop-seconds |
| Strap | Beige canvas | Green canvas | Blue canvas |
| Price | €6,500 | €6,500 | €7,500 |
| Availability | Permanent collection | Permanent collection | Permanent collection |
Panerai Luminor 42mm is the watch that we fans needed
I’m a fan of Panerai, I have one on my list of the watches I want to buy. With the new dimension is easier for me to buy it…if I would have the money, of course.
The good thing is that neither of these models are a limited edition. So they are here for a long time. The price is acceptable in my opinion and the fact that they listened and thought about the people that couldn’t wear such a big watch, makes me think that they are heading in the right direction with this one!
Would I buy one? Yes! It’s on my to buy list. So 42mm it is.
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