Luminor Marina Goldtech™ Sole Blu
Lifestyle
Celebration of an icon
The fabled history of Panerai Luminor started at the beginning of 1950 when the Italian Navy expressed its need to find a solution that improved upon the screw crown previously used. Until that moment they adopted a first model developed in 1935 by Mr. Giuseppe Panerai from a prototype with a 9-karat gold case that set in motion the evolution of a model destined for greatness too. But this is another story.
Panerai watches today known as “Luminor” were born as “reference 6152/1”. They represented a new phase in the development of Panerai, with strap lugs manufactured from a unique block of metal and the protective bridge, which was first registered for a patent in the mid-1950s although it represented the most important improvement to a Panerai watch’s functionality.
70 years ago the Florentine luxury watchmaker patented the name LUMINOR to define its auto-luminescent substances. The tritium-based paint continued serving Panerai until 2009, when the fluorescent alternative ‘Luminova’ took its place providing a groovy glow that contribute to enhance the watch in-the-dark experience.
Beginning in 1993 Panerai entered the commercial market with its innovative and completely unexpected products, gaining an unimaginable success.
Three years later, a gold-plated Luminor became the focal point of an incredible episode. In September 1996, during a visit to Berlin, Sylvester Stallone, attended the VIP opening of the local Planet Hollywood restaurant along with many other celebrities. It was there that he presented his friend and fellow film star Arnold Schwarzenegger with a 44mm Panerai watch (Pre-Vendome Luminor Panerai Daylight Reference 5218-203A), a unique piece made exclusively for Stallone. The episode established the place of this unique gold-plated piece in the annals of watch tradition.
From that groundbreaking moment in Panerai history, starting from the gold of the very first prototype, the use of precious materials has remained constant in the Florentine watchmaking collection, to celebrate its major Icon: the Luminor.
Since 2002, with the arrival of Vendôme Group, Panerai has only deepened its commitment to innovation and technological advancement. One of the key results of this focus was the introduction of the first Luminor Marina in yellow gold that already featured a striking carbon fiber dial.
The first chronograph in red gold arrived in 2007, equipped with the P.2oo4 movement. Combined with a dial in intense blue and green flashes of luminescence, the warm light of the red case gave a Mediterranean spirit to the elegant chronograph: a perfect Panerai cocktail.
In 2010 the iconic Luminor case emerged dressed in red gold and exhibiting the height of technological sophistication, manufacture movement P2005: the Tourbillon.
In 2011 it reached its peak with the introduction of a red gold Luminor case dedicated to Galileo Galilei: l’Astronomo. The imposing timepiece was, at 50mm, the largest Luminor ever and demonstrated what could be created by blending extraordinary elements: a tourbillon with sunrise and sunset indicators, an equation of time and, on the back, a reproduction of the sky with moving stars. The Panerai’s strong orientation toward innovation characterizes the new Luminor Marina Goldtech™ Sole Blu – 44mm.
A contemporary manifestation of landmark elements from Panerai’s heritage, the Luminor Marina Goldtech™ Sole Blu – 44mm exhibits a singular identity thanks to the precious metal from which it is forged. Its red gold is derived from an extraordinary formula recently perfected by Panerai Laboratorio di Idee and characterized by a high percentage of copper combined with platinum. Both materials are key to ensuring a unique tone and an extreme degree of mechanical and oxidation resistance.
The aesthetic dimensions of this new execution amplifies the potential of gold, which is accentuated by alternating satin and glossy finishes and enhanced by the dynamic character of the deep blue sandwich dial with satiné soleil decoration.
The Luminor Marina Goldtech™ Sole Blu has a power reserve of three days ensured by the presence of two barrels and features the rapid time adjustment function. It is water-resistant up to 5 bar (about 50 meters deep) and outfitted with a blue alligator leather strap with beige stitching and a trapezoidal pin buckle in brushed Panerai Goldtech™.
The Luminor Marina Goldtech™ Sole Blu is the best creation to celebrate a precious and iconic watch as the Luminor is for Panerai and its incredible history.
