ReviewDual Core: Introducing Panerai’s Luminor Quaranta BiTempo Watches
The new Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo timepieces are now available with a GMT complication, enclosed in well-proportioned, 40mm stainless-steel cases
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Ever since their establishment in 1860, Panerai have been at the helm of crafting some of the most robust and reliable watches, offering phenomenal water-resistance. They are known for their long-standing association with the Italian Navy, which began around 1916 with the brand supplying precision instruments to meet their military requirements; and have grown from strength to strength over the years. The Luminor collection is one of their main pillars and the name was patented on 11 January, 1949, when the brand realised that the subject of radioactivity associated with luminescent materials had to be handled with sensitivity… And after several years, the Luminor (the name derived from the low-radiation tritium-based compound responsible for the luminescence), finally became one of the most recognisable timepieces from Panerai, characterised by the signature sandwich-dial and crown-protection bridge.
Of course, like any iconic collection or line, the Panerai Luminor has also evolved, with the brand adding features such as the chronograph, GMT, increasing the power reserve, and even giving it an exhibition caseback (normally brands refrain from doing so for dive watches). Another interesting thing to note is that while earlier, the Luminor watches used to come is bulky oversized cases, over the years, they have also decreased the case proportions, as witnessed in one of their recent launches—the Luminor Quaranta BiTempo. Read on for more details.
Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo—A Well-Proportioned, Dual-Time Watch
Replete with a fine blend of Italian savoir-faire and rich heritage along with Swiss horological expertise, the Panerai Luminor Quaranta watches are hallmarks of timeless heritage and modern innovation, and stand out for their distinctive aesthetic and smaller dimensions. The new Luminor Quaranta BiTempo timepieces exhibit the same characteristics and are armed with the added advantage of a GMT function.
Crafted in stainless-steel, these watches come in a well-proportioned case size of 40mm, which is water-resistant to 100m and the new models are available either with a black or white dial, presented on a black leather strap. The dials feature luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers, with a prominent date window positioned at three o’clock and small seconds at nine o’clock, which balance the overall symmetry on the watch face. One can also see the name ‘BiTempo’ inscribed on the dial, meaning ‘dual time’ in Italian, which is a nod to the watch’s main feature.
The addition of the GMT function enables wearers to simultaneously track local time and a second time zone, an essential feature for any globetrotter. In low-light conditions, the gilded tip of the GMT hand illuminates in blue while the indexes glow in green, enhancing the watch’s legibility and aesthetic appeal. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to maintaining continuity with its rich history, the timepiece also showcases distinct indexes reminiscent of previous models from the 2000s along with the defining elements of the Luminor line: the cushion-shaped case and crown-protecting bridge.
At the heart of this timepiece lies the automatic P.900/GMT calibre, beating at a frequency of 28,800vph to supply the watch with a generous three-day power reserve. This is showcased through the sapphire crystal caseback, highlighting the brand’s technical supremacy and innovation. And for those who enjoy variety in their timepieces, the watch is also equipped with the intuitive PAM Click Release System, allowing for easy strap changes, and also comes with a second rubber band. The Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo watches are an ode to fine Italian craftsmanship, highlighting the maison’s rich heritage of creating timepieces that are built for supreme performance under any given conditions.