For the Luminor and Luminor 1950 cases, Officine Panerai uses a high-tech ceramic made of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). The material is made from powder which is isostatically pressed while the final shapes of the various components are formed by grinding. This high-tech ceramic has many different qualities: extreme hardness (up to five times greater than that of stainless steel), resistance to scratches and shocks and its surface has a very high aesthetic impact.


Preparation of zirconia powder
The powder consists of about 80% zirconia powder and 20% of a binding powder. To achieve the black colour, a colour pigment highly resistant to heat is added.


Injection of the mixture into the mould
During the injection process, the zirconia powder with the binder is warmed slightly so that it flows as a liquid substance into the injection machine. This liquid substance is forced under extremely high pressure into the mould that forms the shape of the component. This manufacturing step is called the “green stage”.


Machining during the green stage
The case middle, lever and bridge are machined during the green stage. Since the consistency of the material is still very soft, the components can be shaped by turning, milling and drilling.


Removal of the binder
The binder is removed from the components by a chemical process at a temperature of approximately 100°C. It takes several hours for all the binder to be removed.


Sintering of the ceramic
Over a period of about three days, the components are heated to 1500°C and then allowed to cool down. After this stage, the components consist of 100% zirconia ceramic and have a hardness of 1200HV (5 times greater than stainless steel).


Grinding the ceramic in the hard stage
The grinding phase gives the components their final dimension. In order to achieve the required tolerances, special diamond grinding tools are used. Since the ceramic is extremely hard, the grinding process is very time consuming.


Finishing
The finishing of the ceramic component is carried out by sandblasting.

Panerai watches are produced to very high standards of quality. It is worth remembering that the mechanical parts run 24 hours a day when used, so the watch must undergo regular maintenance to ensure long life and good operation.

WATER-RESISTANCE
Have watch checked periodically for water-resistance by an Authorized Panerai Service Centre and renovate it every two years with regular servicing, or whenever the watch has to be opened. The restoration of water-resistance necessarily involves replacing the seals in order to ensure the maximum water resistance and protection. Where the watch is used in underwater sports activities, it is recommended that it should be checked every year before the underwater activities begin.

THE MOVEMENT
Have the movement of watch checked periodically by an Authorized Panerai Service Centre in order to preserve its perfect operation. If the watch has a tendency to gain or lose time to a significant degree, the movement may need to be overhauled. The movements are designed to withstand temperature variations between -10°C and +60°C (14°F and 140°F). Outside this range of temperatures, operational variations exceeding those set out in the specifications of the movement may be noticed. In addition, there is a risk that the lubricants contained in the movement may deteriorate, resulting in damage to some of its parts.

CLEANING THE EXTERIOR
To keep the exterior in perfect condition, we recommend washing Panerai watch with soap and warm water, using a soft brush. After this operation, and also after immersion in the sea or a swimming pool, carefully rinse the watch with fresh water. All Panerai watches can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. 

THE STRAP
Panerai straps must be washed in warm water and left to dry. It is important not to dry them on a hot surface or expose them to direct sunlight, because the rapid evaporation of the water could damage their shape and quality. After each immersion in the sea or a swimming pool, carefully rinse the strap with fresh water. It is recommended that the strap and the buckle should be replaced by an Authorized Distributor or a Panerai Service Centre, in order to avoid any problems caused by incorrect replacement. Only an Authorized Distributor or Panerai Service Centre can guarantee the use of genuine Panerai straps, properly designed to fit the dimensions of the case and manufactured according to the quality standards of the brand. All alligator leather used by Officine Panerai comes from farms in Louisiana, USA. Officine Panerai’s suppliers have committed to the highest standard of responsibility and have given their assurance that such farms in Louisiana contribute to the stable growth of wild alligators, thus protecting this endangered species. Panerai does not use leather coming from endangered species taken from the wild.