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 according 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 your watch checked periodically for water-resistance by an Authorized Panerai Service Centre and restore it every two years with regular servicing, or whenever the watch has to be opened. Restoring the watch’s water-resistance necessarily involves replacing the seals so as to ensure the maximum water-resistance and security. Where the watch is used in underwater sports activities, it is recommended that it should be checked every year before the season of underwater activities begins.

THE MOVEMENT
Have the movement of your watch checked periodically by an Authorized Panerai Service Centre so as to maintain its perfect operation. If the watch
tends to gain or lose time significantly, 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 your Panerai watch with soap and warm water, using a soft brush. After this operation, and also after bathing in the sea or a swimming pool, carefully rinse the watch with clean 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 to expose them to direct sunlight, because the rapid evaporation of the water could damage their shape and quality. After each bathe in the sea or a swimming pool, carefully rinse the strap with clean water. It is recommended that the strap 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 skins coming from fragile or endangered species taken from the wild.

THE BRACELET
The Panerai bracelet can be washed with soap and warm water, using a soft brush. After this operation, and also after bathing in the sea or a swimming pool, rinse the bracelet carefully with clean water and dry it with a soft, dry cloth. It is recommended that links should be added to or removed from the bracelet by an Authorized Distributor or a Panerai Service Centre, in order to avoid any problems caused by incorrect replacement.

ATTENTION
Do not use the watch at a depth greater than that indicated.
The presentation case of your Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic
contains:  

• Instruction booklet
• Certificates booklet
• Second interchangeable strap (for the alligator or leather strap version only)
• Tool to change the strap/bracelet (only for cases in steel and titanium)
• Steel screwdriver