ReviewNo Batteries Required: Inside Panerai’s Revolutionary Submersible Elux LAB-ID

On June 15, 1966, Giuseppe Panerai filed a patent in Florence, Italy for ‘Elux’, an electroluminescent technology poised to transform naval operations. This invention, born from Panerai’s longstanding collaboration with the Italian Navy, offered a solution for illuminating instrument panels and signage in the challenging low-light conditions of Mediterranean naval operations. Elux, short for ‘elettroluminescenza’, promised uniform, energy-efficient lighting that could withstand the rigours of military use—from submarine control rooms to aircraft carrier decks. It was a natural evolution for a company that had already revolutionised underwater timekeeping with its Radiomir and Luminor watches, further cementing Panerai’s reputation as a pioneer in maritime visibility solutions. Nearly six decades later, that same inventive spirit has resurfaced in Panerai’s latest creation: the Submersible Elux LAB-ID. 

At first glance, its 49mm deep blue-grey hue Ti-Ceramitech case might suggest just another oversized diver. We know Panerai loves their big divers. But this timepiece is a bit different, representing a blend of Panerai’s storied past and its current technical ambitions. With the press of a button, the PAM01800 lights up in a way that sets it apart from its peers. Hands, indices, and even the bezel pip glow with an intensity that outshines traditional lume. Yet, in a nod to its mechanical heritage, this illumination isn’t powered by batteries or quartz, but by an intricate system of springs and gears, offering a novel approach to on-demand illumination in a mechanical watch.

With the press of a button, the PAM01800 lights up in a way that sets it apart from its peers

The Heart Of Illumination: P.9010/EL Movement

At the heart of the Submersible Elux LAB-ID beats the P.9010/EL movement, a 363-component powerhouse that’s redefining what a mechanical watch can do. Panerai has packed six mainspring barrels into this movement—two for timekeeping, offering a robust 72-hour power reserve, and four dedicated to illumination. 

The star of the show is a tiny microgenerator, barely larger than a fingernail at 8mm x 2.3mm. This little dynamo spins at a dizzying 80 revolutions per second, cranking out a 240 Hz electrical signal. It’s mechanical watchmaking meets Tesla, all without a battery in sight.

Elux LAB-ID: Lighting Up The Deep

The result of this mechanical-electrical fusion is a lighting system that puts traditional lume to shame. With the press of a button at eight o’clock, protected by a patented safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation, the face puts on a light show. Hands, indices, and even the bezel pip glow with a continuous intensity that lasts for up to 30 minutes on a full wind.

This isn’t just a party trick—it’s a genuine functional innovation. In situations where traditional lume might have faded to illegibility, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID allows the wearer to activate bright, consistent illumination on demand. It’s a feature that could prove useful in real-world diving scenarios, not to mention a conversation starter at dimly lit dinner parties.

Engineering Wizardry

The Submersible Elux LAB-ID showcases Panerai’s engineering prowess in two key areas: water resistance and power management. In a remarkable achievement, Panerai’s engineers have managed to conduct electricity to exterior parts of the watch, including the bezel, while maintaining an impressive 500m water resistance. The specifics of how they’ve accomplished this feat remain undisclosed, but it’s a testament to the technical challenges overcome in the watch’s development.

To conserve power, of the 60 LEDs arranged in a ring beneath it, only 15 positioned under the luminous pip are activated at any given time. This ensures the relevant bezel marker remains brightly lit regardless of position, while significantly reducing power consumption.

The hands presented another unique challenge. To accommodate the necessary electrical components, they’re noticeably thicker than standard watch hands. While this might seem like an aesthetic compromise, it’s a small price to pay for the ability to read your watch at a 500m depth, without squinting. Plus, the chunky hands lend the watch a distinctive look that sets it apart from other Submersible models.

Ti-Ceramitech: The Case For Innovation

The 49mm case is a testament to Panerai’s materials science chops. Dubbed Ti-Ceramitech, this deep blue-grey hued case is the result of seven years of research. It’s titanium that’s been zapped with plasma electrolytic oxidation, creating a ceramic outer layer that’s tough as nails but light as a feather. Well, 44 percent lighter than steel, to be precise. And 10 times more resistant to fractures than conventional ceramics.

The use of Ti-Ceramitech isn’t limited to the main case body. The bezel and caseback are also crafted from this material, ensuring consistency in both aesthetics and performance. The result is a watch that feels surprisingly light on the wrist despite its substantial 49mm diameter.

Practical Considerations

Despite its impressive technology and avant-garde construction, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID doesn’t neglect the practical aspects of a dive watch. It boasts a water resistance of up to 500m, making it suitable for serious diving expeditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel allows for precise tracking of dive times, while Panerai’s iconic crown protector ensures the watch remains watertight even in challenging conditions.

A Word On LAB-ID

Within Panerai’s Neuchâtel facility, the Laboratorio di Idee, or LAB-ID, serves as the brand’s research and development centre. This is where concepts like the Elux LAB-ID move from idea to reality, often through years of trial and error. The lab’s projects push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, exploring new materials, techniques, and functionalities. The ‘LAB-ID’ designation marks the most experimental of these creations, signalling timepieces that incorporate cutting-edge innovations. While not all Laboratorio projects make it to production, those that do offer a glimpse into potential future directions for Panerai.

Final Thoughts

The Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID is an impressive piece of engineering. It’s a mechanical watch that lights up at the push of a button—no batteries required. That’s cool, full stop.

But let’s be real: at around ₹80 lakh (USD converted to INR) for one of 150 pieces, it’s more science experiment than practical timepiece. Will this tech ever make it into watches regular folks can buy? Who knows. For now, it’s a glimpse of what’s possible when watchmakers decide to get weird. And sometimes, that’s enough.