Famous for its early innovations in the field of luminescence, such as the renowned Radiomir and Luminor compounds, Panerai always draws from its rich archives to explore sources of inspiration for new striking concept watches.
In its relentless pursuit of innovation, Panerai identified Elux, a technology historically patented on June 15th, 1966 as a result of years of diligent research, marking a significant leap forward in the field of luminescence. An abbreviation of ‘elettroluminescenza’ to mean electroluminescence, Elux were originally electroluminescent panels composed of uniformly luminous surfaces available in various sizes, shapes and materials with their luminescence constantly maintained by an electric field.
Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee carries on the essence of the historic family-owned Officine Panerai workshop through its continuous search for innovative technical solutions to elevate the standards and performance of its creations.
Building on this legacy, the new Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is the culmination of a journey that draws from the historic patented Elux Panerai invention. Reflecting eight years of dedicated R&D at Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel, the new timepiece represents an actualised mission that exemplifies the Maison’s historic expertise in luminescence with its renowned mechanical watchmaking – the creation of a fully mechanical movement, that can power light on demand.
PAM01800 is a watchmaking feat with four patent* system, 50 bar (~500 meters) water resistance and a 30-minute power light feature, all encapsulated in a 49mm case diameter. On-demand lighting powered by fully mechanical energy storage, a breakthrough innovation. With a simple gesture of opening the patented pusher-protector system and activating the mechanism through the pusher, the watch illuminates through a mechanism conceived by the Panerai Laboratorio di Idee. This feat is achieved through an innovative arrangement of four dedicated energy-storing barrels – out of six available in the movement – precisely engineered to unwind in a microgenerator that converts mechanical energy into electricity.
The compact 8 x 2.3 mm micro-generator features custom-made coils, magnets and a stator and, to optimise energy efficiency, it incorporates no active electronics, a high-speed rotor operating at 80 revolutions per second, and generates a high-frequency electrical signal of 240 Hz.
Thanks to its magnetic drive allowing smart lighting, it illuminates only the well-positioned LEDs below the dot, resulting in the lighting of only 15 LEDs simultaneously versus a total amount of 60 LEDs within the ring. Another remarkable achievement is the mechanism’s ability to provide an extended duration of continuous light for up to 30 minutes, a significant milestone given the limited energy available compared to traditional batteries. The innovations continue with the Power Light function that relies on four dedicated barrels, with two remaining barrels to ensure the precision of the P.9010/EL over the three days power reserve even if the power light energy is depleted.
Through seven years of meticulous research and development, Panerai has filed a patent application for a titanium ceramisation process through Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation to achieve a very distinctive hue of blue. This process transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer, and the specific choice of elements used, combined with the electrolyte composition, allowed for the creation of the watch’s peculiar and striking blue colour, a shade inspired by the open seas.
The dial features a linear Power Light reserve indicator, also a distinctive Panerai feature, with a small seconds indicator at the 9 o’clock position, while the patent pending bezel light system illuminates the timepiece’s counterclockwise rotating bezel. Adding to its robust functionality is the iconic crown-protection bridge, a staple of Panerai’s design language, which securely guards the winding crown against impacts. In this iteration, the historical REG TM mark has been inventively replaced with SUB LAB, marking this model’s special identity within the Submersible series.
The Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is a limited-edition of 150 pieces, with an availability of 50 pieces per year over three years.
Technical Specifications:
Submersible Elux LAB-ID
PAM01800
Movement: Automatic mechanical, P.9010/EL caliber, 13 3/4 lignes, 10.80mm thick, 55 jewels, Glucydur® balance wheel stop, 28,800 vibrations/hour, Incabloc® anti-shock device, 6 barrels: 4 dedicated to lighting, 2 dedicated to time indication, 363 components.
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Power Light function, Linear Power light reserve indicator, calculation of immersion time, stop-seconds for precise time setting.
Power Reserve: 3 days for time indication. 30 minutes for on demand Power Light Function.
Case: Diameter 49mm, Blue Ti-Ceramitech™ case. Blue Ti-Ceramitech™ bezel. Screw Ti-Ceramitech™ case-back. Sapphire crystal. Patented pusher protection system.
Strap: Blue rubber bracelet, STD, 26/22 Trapezoidal. Titanium pin buckle.
Water resistance: 50 bar (~500 meters).
Price: On request
For more information please visit Panerai