One of the reasons Panerai watches are immediately recognizable is that there is a design standard that applies to (almost) all of the brand’s models. These standards include a large padded case, a clear and easy-to-read dial with several oversized Arabic numerals, and (for at least half of the collection) a bridge-shaped crown for protection.
So how do you create a completely new model if the silhouette of the watch is essentially untouchable? One way is to introduce new and innovative materials, which is exactly what Panerai has done in 2015. Let’s get familiar with the Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 616.
What is Carbotech?
Carbotech is Panerai’s name for a carbon fiber composite material that was never used in watchmaking before PAM 616. carbotech is essentially layers of carbon fiber compressed together with a polymer called polyether ether ketone (PEEK) under high pressure to form large blocks that can be cut and molded as needed.
The resulting material is not only extremely robust and durable, but also features an attractive wavy, almost marble-like pattern. Furthermore, due to the organic way in which the pattern is formed, the two cases of the Panerai Carbotech PAM 616 will never be the same. In addition to its aesthetics, Carbotech is also ultra-light, hypoallergenic and corrosion resistant – all good things when your main purpose is to sit on your wrist for diving.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech PAM 616
To create the Luminor Submersible 1950 PAM 616, Panerai molded Carbotech material into the familiar 47mm Submersible case silhouette with a unidirectional rotating diving bezel and lever bridge for the winding crown. Unlike other Luminor and Radiomir watches, inspired by vintage Panerai watches produced for the Italian Navy, the Submersible is a true dive watch collection.
As a result, the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech PAM 616 is water-resistant to 300 meters and is sufficiently luminous. The black dial includes a date window at 3 o’clock, a running seconds hand at 9 o’clock, and some blue dots for added color. Protecting the face of the Panerai Submersible Carbotech is a flat sapphire crystal that barely protrudes from the bezel.
Turn the watch over and you’ll see the titanium caseback with a black hard coating protecting the P.9000 automatic movement inside the watch. Inside, the P.9000 movement runs at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), providing the user with a 72-hour power reserve thanks to its double barrel.
The Carbotech PAM 616 also comes with a highly comfortable black rubber strap with an accordion component for an optimal fit and a blue OP logo to match the dial details.
The Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech PAM 616 manages to maintain the basic elements that make up a Panerai watch, while bringing something completely new to the table. For lovers of carbon fiber and large personalized watches, the PAM 616 is indeed an ideal choice.
