The Luminor Due Collection, which is the latest model family added to the famous Italian origin brand Officine Panerai’s product line, is the guest of our Hands On corner with the Luminor Due 42 Automatic Acciaio PAM00906 model which attracts attention with its unusual ivory dial and blue accents.
I believe there is not any watch enthusiast who does not know about Panerai’s story. The brand, which has started as a watch supplier to the Italian Navy, became one of the few watch manufacturers who managed to create their own fan bases thanks to its cult design details and un-changing DNA.
When we look at the locomotive product groups of the brand, which designed oversized watches from day one, we can see that the prominent models are mostly 44mm or 47mm diameter timepieces. It possible to see that the Paneristi group, which is composed of brand’s loyal fans, thinks the same as they are constantly dragging the brand’s young model family Luminor Due through the mud. This reaction, which initially seemed over-traditionalist and non-progressive started to make sense after the release of the 38mm versions and made me feel an empathy with the fellow Paneristi. Why a brand that built its entire Heritage over watches designed with big, water resistant cases decides to offer 38mm diameter and only 30 meters water resistant timepieces while its popularity is at peak level? The answer to that question can be given in different ways as the watchmaking industry is blown with the ultra-thin watches trend recently. However, this is not the reason. Panerai simply wanted to reach a different user profile… The ones that wanted a Panerai for its cool looks, glorious Heritage etc. but ended up not buying one due to the size criteria. Considering the sales figures, Panerai seems to have what they wanted.
The model we have here for review from this new collection is the Luminor Due 42 Automatic Acciaio PAM00906 that attracts attention not only with its 42mm diameter case but also with its blue accented ivory dial.
PAM906 is offered in a popular Luminor style stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter, which can be considered a compact size for Panerai. The case, which shines out with its remarkably thinner design, is equipped with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal on the front face and a solid case back at the rear face. This case back, which is designed as snap-on style instead of the screw-in style that we are familiar with from the older Panerai models, keeps the case at a certain height in terms of fineness. However, it lowers the water resistance rating, which is more like a trade mark for the brand, to a level of 30 meters only which is far below for today’s standards. The brand specific crown-guard is present at the right side of the case. Supported by shot lugs, fully polished 42mm diameter case offers a great wrist comfort.
The interesting details of the PAM00906 is not limited to the case dimensions. The model comes with an ivory colored dial, which is quite rare for Panerai. The dial is accompanied with blue accents such as large Arabic numeral hour markers and hands. The indices and hands are beige Super LumiNOVA applied, a nice color tone that mimics the patina of radium, for optimum legibility under any occasion. The date window located at 3 o’clock position performs its task without disturbing the visual integrity of the dial.
The model is powered by the Caliber OP XXXIV that we are familiar with from different models in the product line. Exclusively designed to fit in the slim Luminor Due style case, 25 jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers an efficient 3-day power reserve when fully wound.
PAM00906 comes on a textured leather strap finished in matching blue tone. The strap is adorned with contrasting white stitches and secured by Panerai signed stainless steel pin buckle.
The PAM906 is definitely an interesting model. The blue accented ivory dial is the main reason for the model’s extra ordinary look. Despite owning several Panerai watches in the past, I never saw myself as a Panerista. Therefore I am not against the idea of having what I like re-designed in a more practical manner. I like the Luminor Due 42mm as much as I like the 38mm. However, I cannot help thinking that the ivory dial color is not the perfect choice to go along with the masculine character of the brand.
