Less than a year before the 38th America's Cup in Naples, Panerai has unveiled two new Luminor Luna Rossa watch models.
The Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono PAM01768 with a 44mm case and tachymetric scale is designed for the navigator, while the Luminor Luna Rossa GMT PAM01791 with a 40mm case is aimed at the captain who frequently travels across time zones. Primarily, these watches emphasize Panerai's long-term partnership with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team. They also reflect the brand's commitment to creating functional tool watches inspired by competitive sailing. The mostly limited chronograph series and unlimited GMT are designed for fans of elite sailing and high-quality tool watches.
Panerai and Luna Rossa Partnership: Entering the 7th Year
Panerai's collaboration with the Luna Rossa team has been ongoing for seven years, and a year before the 38th America's Cup, the brand releases two themed sailing watch models. The lineup includes the Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono PAM01768 and the Luminor Luna Rossa GMT PAM01791. These reliable watches differ from each other but are united by a maritime design reminiscent of the silvery shimmer reflected on the sea's surface. The 44mm chronograph features a tachymetric scale for speed measurement, while the GMT offers a convenient dual time zone function for travelers crossing different zones.
Technical Features and Innovations in the New Luminor Luna Rossa
The partnership with the Luna Rossa team is more than just sponsorship. The collaboration has become a platform for Panerai's technical innovations, with previous Luna Rossa models featuring regatta countdown functions and advanced materials such as Ti-Ceramitech. Ahead of 2027, when the America's Cup will be held in Italy for the first time, off the coast of Naples, the Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono PAM01768 and Luminor Luna Rossa GMT PAM01791 are introduced.
Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono PAM01768: Limited Edition Chronograph
The PAM01768 model, priced at €11,200, is released as a limited edition of 500 pieces in a 44mm stainless steel case. This is the first chronograph in the Luna Rossa collection. The watch is powered by the automatic caliber P.9210 with an integrated chronograph, 41 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a 42-hour power reserve. The movement is equipped with an Incabloc shock protection system. In addition to the hour and minute hands, the caliber controls the central chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at the "3 o'clock" position, and a small seconds at "9 o'clock". Panerai has enhanced the automatic winding system for increased efficiency.
The navigator can use the tachymetric scale on the bezel and the red-and-white central chronograph hand to calculate the average speed over a distance of one kilometer or nautical mile, which is particularly relevant for races with a view of Naples. The chronograph control buttons are located on the left side of the case at the "8" and "10 o'clock" positions - there is no room on the right due to the massive signature Luminor crown-locking lever.
Dial Design and Package Contents
The dial is silver with a sunburst finish, complemented by rhodium elements and white Super-LumiNova X2 coating for improved readability in the dark. Gray sub-dials with azuré finishing add depth to the design without impairing information perception. The overall style is maintained in restrained tones with subtle accents inspired by Luna Rossa, without excessive branding.
The PAM01768 comes with an elastic Velcro strap, first introduced in the Luna Rossa collection. It tapers from 24 to 22mm, is easily adjustable, and comfortable, especially in wet conditions. For those who prefer classic options, a black rubber strap is included in a cherry wood gift box. Strap changes are simplified thanks to the quick-release system.
Luminor Luna Rossa GMT PAM01791: Compact GMT with Bracelet
If the 44mm chronograph seems too large or you missed out on one of the 500 pieces, there is the Luminor Luna Rossa GMT PAM01791 priced at €11,100. These 40mm steel-cased watches are the first in the Luna Rossa series to feature a metal bracelet. The tapered bracelet design gives the watch a different character compared to models on straps. If desired, the bracelet can be quickly replaced with a strap using the PAM Click system.
This new GMT model is the most compact of all Luna Rossa watches to date. Water resistance reaches 100 meters. The silver dial with sunburst finishing features a minimalist design. The white luminescent Super-LumiNova X2 ensures excellent readability in the dark, and the small red seconds hand adds a color accent. The recessed sub-dial uses a fine azuré finish to create texture. The GMT hand with a characteristic arrow shape echoes the design of Luna Rossa racing sails, highlighting the connection of the watch to the Italian sailing team without becoming an excessive decorative element.
Movement Features and 12-Hour GMT Function
Beneath the sapphire case back of the PAM01791 is the automatic caliber P.900/GMT with a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of up to three days. The movement features a stop-seconds function for precise synchronization and time setting. The watch offers a 12-hour GMT function, which is unusual for modern models. This harks back to Panerai's GMT models of the early 2000s. How practical this function is remains debatable, but for brand enthusiasts and collectors, it is an interesting detail worth discussing.
Key Features of the New Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa:
- Two models - chronograph and GMT - with nautical design and technical innovations
- Limited edition chronograph PAM01768 (500 pieces) and unlimited GMT PAM01791
- Automatic calibers P.9210 and P.900/GMT with high precision and power reserve
- Unique features for sailing: tachymeter, dual time, regatta elements
- Comfortable and functional straps with quick-release system
- Connection with the Italian sailing team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and the 2027 America's Cup
How do you rate the 12-hour GMT and the new PAM01791 model in general? Do you prefer the compact 40mm Luminor or the larger chronograph PAM01768? Share your opinion in the comments.