Drawing inspiration from the history of Panerai, the new Elux Lab-ID achieves a feat that few other watches have accomplished. Today, Panerai unveiled an incredible watch that I can only describe as the pinnacle of the brand. Yes, it is massive, robust and bold. This is definitely not the watch I would choose from the brand's collection. And yet, the new Submersible Elux Lab-ID (ref. PAM01800) is extremely cool.
An imposing case for revolutionary technology
This new Submersible, 49 mm in diameter and 21.9 mm thick, has a case, bezel and back in Blue Ti-Ceramitech. But it’s what’s hidden inside (and visible through the dial) that’s truly astonishing. The P.9010/EL caliber has six barrels that not only provide a three-day power reserve, but also 30 minutes of mechanical lighting powered by a microgenerator to illuminate the dial indexes (as well as the luminous point on the dial). telescope).
A highly complicated watch despite its apparent simplicity
This watch is extremely complex despite its simple appearance, and its functionality is protected by four patents. By opening the pusher guard located at 8 o'clock, the wearer accesses a button which activates the power supply of the four barrels to flow into a microgenerator which converts mechanical energy into electricity and illuminates what would normally be luminescent pads charged by light, but which in this case are LEDs.
An impressive technological feat
The watch also lights up moving parts like the hands and bezel (illuminating only 15 of the bezel's 60 LEDs at a time), which was a particularly complicated feat. The system works with custom-made coils, magnets and stator, without any active electronics. It also has a linear power reserve indicator “Power Light” at 6 o’clock with a small seconds at 9 o’clock.
A fascinating historical heritage
In 1966, Panerai identified a new material called Elux, an abbreviation of “elettroluminescenza” meaning electroluminescence, completely free of radioactive materials but capable of illuminating technical equipment even in the darkest environments. They created electroluminescent panels composed of uniform luminous surfaces available in different sizes, all shock resistant and energy efficient enough to be powered by a battery.
An imposing but surprisingly portable case
Yes, this watch pushes the boundaries of large watches, even for Panerai. At 49mm in diameter and 21.9mm thick, is it too big and too thick for daily wear? Almost certainly. But if you're going to make a watch this size, you better make use of all that space. Panerai does just that, and more. I mean, six barrels in the movement? It's simply incredible. However, portability remains relatively decent thanks to the Blue Ti-Ceramitech body.
An ingenious mechanical light
The main feature – the switchable light – isn't blinding like a flashlight in broad daylight, but it certainly serves its purpose. In a selectively lit store like the Panerai flagship store on Madison Avenue (where I photographed this watch), it was sometimes difficult to tell if I had left the Elux on until I covered the dial to check.
I like the idea of a mechanical light that stays on without your interaction. For my nostalgia for the Timex Indiglo I had as a kid, holding a button down while diving could be annoying. Here you can see the cover of the button that triggers the light.
A high price for an exceptional watch
The new Submersible Elux is quite expensive. But lately I've been feeling a little bored with most of the new stuff; it seems that brands lack innovation. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to find my cure for newness at Panerai, but kudos to the brand for releasing this piece.
With the Submersible Elux Lab-ID, Panerai pushes the limits of watchmaking innovation by offering an extraordinary luminous watch. Drawing on its rich heritage, the Italian brand reinvents the concept of the diver's watch with a bold, massive and technologically stunning piece. Although not intended for every wrist, this watch perfectly embodies the avant-garde spirit and technical expertise of Panerai. A true watchmaking feat that will not fail to appeal to watch enthusiasts looking for originality and performance.
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