Panerai might be a watch manufacturer well-steeped in history since its establishment in 1860, but it doesn’t mean it’s behind time. In fact, the Swiss brand is well ahead of it, because it now has a watch with a guarantee that might potentially outlive you.
Outfitted with innovative materials within, the Panerai LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days PAM 700 is a space-age timepiece with a 50-year guarantee.
That zero isn’t a typo. To achieve this incredible feat, Panerai’s Laboratorio Di Idee (or LAB-ID) has utilised innovations in the new P.3001/C Calibre movement that eliminates the need for traditional oils and lubricants.
Two dry lubricated mainspring barrels have a multi-layer coating with a final layer of DLC. Its bridges and main plates are made from low-friction tantalum-based ceramic, which contains a high percentage of carbon. This renders lubrication of the gear train pivots unnecessary.
You also won’t have to worry about oiling the escape wheel teeth — the silicon escapement and lever are both mainly made of silicon, with an additional layer of DLC too.
Traditional ruby jewels are also no longer required in the gear train with the use of the rare tantalum metal. There are four DLC-coated ones in the watch: One on the upper jewel and cap jewel on the upper balance pivot, with two corresponding ones on the lower pivot. Again, all of them don’t need to be traditionally oiled.
Within the 49mm Luminor 1950 Carbotech (a composite material based on carbon fibre) case is the P.3001/C Calibre, which as its model name suggests, will provide three days of power reserve. A seconds reset function enables the seconds hand to return to zero when the time is being set.
To make the blue Superluminova stand out even more, Panerai covered its dial with carbon nanotubes, which simultaneously absorb more light and reduce reflection to make it well, blacker than black.
With a 50-year guarantee, Panerai is really standing behind its technology and dedication to innovation. The LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days PAM 700 might be a futuristic watch that looks slightly out of place with the other heirlooms, but its legacy will surely live on. Only 50 pieces will be available and sold at an equally astronomical price of €50,000 (S$75,250).
Shatricia Nair
Managing Editor
Shatricia Nair has a passion for motoring, beauty, and wellness, and is perpetually knee-deep in the world of V8s, retinols, and latest fitness trends. She has nine years of experience writing for digital media, and her bylines have appeared in Prestige, and Augustman. She'll do (almost) anything for good chocolate chip cookies.
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