Panerai unveils a timeless tribute to Chinese New Year with limited edition Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688 watch that merges the elegance of a burgundy dial with Panerai Goldtech™.
This auspicious pairing, complemented by the lucky number 88 in the reference – deeply rooted in Chinese tradition – is an ode to fortune, abundance and the perpetual arrival of prosperous years to come. The first of Panerai’s watches with this distinctive feature, the dial of the Luminor Perpetual
Calendar beautifully integrates Chinese characters for the day and date indicators, with the rotating disc specifically personalised for this watch.
“With the Luminor Perpetual Calendar, we pay tribute to the rich cultural significance of
Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO, Panerai
the Chinese New Year. For the first time ever, we have personalized the dial with Chinese
characters which embodies our commitment to crafting timepieces that resonate with our
global audience, celebrating their unique heritage and values.”
The elements of the dial are kept to a minimum, including minutes, hours, day, date, 24H GMT hand and 24H sub-dial at 9 o’clock, with small seconds and a day-night indicator, maintaining the characteristic clarity and simplicity of Panerai design. Key indications such as month, year, and leap year are visible through the sapphire open case back, a window to the P.4100 movement’s prowess. The only indication of the actual degree of complexity within is the inscription ‘Calendario Perpetuo,’ an ode to Panerai’s Italian spirit.
The P.4100 calibre was chosen for this timepiece to symbolise a lasting legacy for generations to come (PAM01688 ensures a correct calendar function until 2399). Panerai’s Perpetual Calendar features an intuitive function where adjustments are made only with the crown allowing changes to the day, date, month, and leap year without using a tool or corrector, including during month-end periods and approaching midnight. This innovation is the result of research and development that spanned over five years by Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee.
With a three-day power reserve, the watch’s energy is stored in two barrels with off-centre micro-rotor that winds the movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), to ensure precision and reliability in timekeeping. The off-centre position of the micro-rotor allows for more space to display all the information – with just 15 ½ lignes (35.1 mm) in diameter and 7mm in thickness – resulting in a highly functional timepiece for everyday wear despite the number of features it sustains.
The timepiece is set in a 44mm Panerai Goldtech™ case, a gold material developed by the Maison that includes a combination of platinum and copper, giving an intense red hue and improving durability. Water resistant up to 5 bar (~50 meters), the watch has been rigorously tested, subjecting it to a pressure up to 25% greater than the guaranteed water resistance value to ensure it fulfils Panerai’s stringent standards.
The dial shade is perfectly matched with a matt black alligator strap, hand finished to achieve an aged effect, burgundy security stitching points at the case and equipped with a Panerai Goldtech™ buckle for ease of wear, added security and an elegant finishing touch to protect the complication. With a second black rubber strap, PAM01688 is presented in a wooden box as part of the Maison’s limited-edition releases. Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688 is a boutique exclusive available worldwide.
Technical Specifications:
Luminor Perpetual Calendar Chinese Characters
PAM01688
Movement: Automatic mechanical, P.4100 calibre, 15 ½ lignes, 7.0 mm thick, 55 jewels, 28,800 alternations/hour, Glucydur® balance, KIF® anti-shock device, two barrels, 429 components, seconds reset Stop Balance wheel.
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, perpetual calendar (day, date, month, leap year and year), 24H GMT, power reserve, seconds reset.
Power Reserve: 3 days.
Case: 44mm, brushed Panerai Goldtech™ case, polished Panerai Goldtech™ bezel. Screwed see-through sapphire crystal caseback glass.
Dial: Burgundy sun-brushed shaded sandwich with Chinese characters.
Strap: Black alligator strap, Panerai Goldtech™ buckle
Water resistance: 5 BAR (~50 meters)
Price: RRP £37,300
For more information please visit Panerai