Glowing At The Press Of A Button
Ever wondered how far technology can be pushed in the realm of luxury watches? Panerai’s new Submersible Elux LAB-ID answers that question with groundbreaking innovations. They bring an otherworldly glow to your wrist at the touch of a button.
At first glance, the Elux LAB-ID might seem like just another model in the Panerai Submersible series. But a closer look reveals features that feel straight out of a James Bond gadget workshop. While there’s no “Q” or “00” designation, owning this marvel will certainly make you feel like a secret agent—provided you have the budget to match. Priced at £92,200.00, this watch is an investment in cutting-edge technology and design.
With its 49mm brushed Ti-Ceramitech™ case, the Elux LAB-ID is not for the fainthearted. This is a watch that demands attention, combining rugged durability with a host of advanced features. The case material, a patented Panerai innovation, combines titanium with a ceramised layer to offer unprecedented resistance to wear and stunning aesthetic appeal.
Photo Credit – Panerai
Revolutionary Lighting Technology
The Elux LAB-ID’s standout feature is its exceptional luminescence and visibility in all lighting conditions. Unlike conventional watches, it achieves its stunning illumination without relying on batteries or active electronics. Instead, it utilises a microgenerator ingeniously integrated into the traditional clockwork mechanism.
How It Works
This microgenerator operates through a sophisticated assembly of custom-made coils, magnets, and a stator. When the rotor spins at an impressive 80 revolutions per second, it generates a 240 Hz electrical signal. This energy powers the watch’s luminescence, lighting up the twelve indexes on the dial, the patented hands, and the dot on the unidirectional rotating bezel. Additionally, a linear power reserve indicator at the 6 o’clock position on the dial shows the residual energy available for illumination.
Another remarkable achievement of the Panerai Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is its ability to deliver continuous illumination for up to 30 minutes. This is particularly impressive considering it operates without traditional batteries and relies solely on the limited energy generated by its microgenerator.
Photo Credit – Panerai
Panerai’s Ideas Laboratory
Such groundbreaking projects stem from Panerai’s Research and Development Department, known as the “Laboratorio di Idee” or “LAB-ID.” This department is the birthplace of Panerai’s most technical and experimental creations. The Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 proudly carries the LAB-ID designation, signifying its status as one of the brand’s most innovative and boundary-pushing products.
Panerai’s Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 represents a culmination of advanced horological innovations, highlighted by the groundbreaking Power Light function. This function relies on four dedicated barrels, while the remaining two barrels ensure the P.9010/EL movement maintains its precision over a three-day power reserve, even if the Power Light’s energy is depleted.
Photo Credit – Panerai
The dial of the Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is meticulously designed, featuring a linear Power Light reserve indicator and a small seconds sub-dial at the 9 o’clock position. The bezel incorporates a patent-pending light system that illuminates the counterclockwise rotating bezel, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. The iconic crown-protection bridge, a hallmark of Panerai’s design, safeguards the winding crown from impacts. In a nod to its unique place within the Submersible series, the traditional “REG TM” mark has been replaced with “SUB LAB.”
The watch’s indices and hour hand are accented with green SuperLuminova® X2, a new grade of luminescent material that maintains its brightness 10% longer than SuperLuminova® X1 after 180 minutes in the dark. The blue-accented minute hands and dots on the bezel are illuminated by SuperLuminova® X1. Complementing the watch’s robust yet sophisticated design is a blue rubber strap and an additional bi-material strap.
In Conclusion
The Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 stands as a pinnacle of Panerai’s relentless pursuit of horological excellence and innovation. Available as a limited edition of 150 pieces, with 50 pieces released annually over three years, this exclusive model exemplifies Panerai’s enduring legacy of merging artistic creativity with technical mastery.
This is no ordinary watch—it’s something truly special. The PAM01800 is the culmination of eight years of intensive research and development by Panerai’s elite team. Each element of its design and functionality pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking. From its advanced Power Light function to its revolutionary Ti-Ceramitech™ case, every detail reflects a commitment to pioneering new frontiers in timepiece technology.
While I may never have the opportunity to see or wear this remarkable watch, the mere fact of its existence represents a significant milestone for Panerai. The Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and craftsmanship are driven to their utmost limits. Although such cutting-edge technology might eventually filter down into more accessible models, for now, I can only admire and respect the incredible achievement that Panerai has unveiled.
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