Panerai’s iconic watch, the Luminor Marina, is now presented in a Carbotech case with the P.9010 Manufacture automatic mechanical movement.
Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech 44MM
The Case and Dial
Carbotech, a special layered carbon fibre material unique to Panerai watches is not cold to the touch like a metal case. The texture one sees on it is unique to each, as the material is laid up as thin sheets of carbon fibre, compressed in a controlled temperature under high pressure with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). The resultant material is a composite which has exceptional characteristics in strength and durability. And within the structure, the mechanical properties of Carbotech are higher than ceramic or titanium, is hypoallergenic and not subject to corrosion. The Carbotech material looks very similar to the NTPT Carbon material used by Richard Mille.
NTPT describes their material as thin ply prepreg carbon, where carbon layers are laid at an angle to each other with prepreg resin between the sheets in a controlled environment. This results in the swirls and patterns on the material when cut, and shows up on the TPT Carbon. And Carbotech cases.
Available in 44 millimetres, the new Luminor Marina Carbotech has an all-black case and dial with blue lume. Symmetrical with the date at 3 o’clock is the counter at 9 o’clock in which the blue small seconds hand rotates, blue being the colour of Panerai and the sea, the element with which the brand has always been historically linked.
The key difference between the new Luminor Marina and the previous generation models is its slimmer case profile. The new edition wears slimmer due to the thinner 9000 caliber. The iconic sandwich dial is still utilised, as with the 12, 6, 9 layout.
A closed caseback is used instead of an open-caseback, which gives the watch a more military tool watch identity, although a see-through caseback does not reduce the waterproof rating at 300m.
The Movement
The bidirectional winding P.9010 Manufacture movement, automatic with a power reserve of three days, can be admired through a sapphire glass caseback. The calibre uses the same display as with previous generation calibers, with a seconds at 9 subdial. It is also fit with a hacking mechanism, and a quick adjust hour hand. This is especially useful for frequent travellers. To note however, the P.9010 does not come with a quickset date function.
Concluding thoughts
The watch is priced competitively as a modern entry level luxury sports watch. It is a price premium over the regular steel models, but in exchange has the novelty of a carbon case. The slimmer than before case profile and iconic design makes for an appealing daily wear. Armed with a 3 days automatic movement and 300m water resistance, the Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech 44mm is priced at US$12,800 before tax.
