Submersible Elux LAB-ID
#PowerLightAtYourCommand
Introducing Submersible Elux LAB-ID concept watch
The new Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is the result of 8 years of R&D in our Manufacture in Neuchâtel, the new timepiece is a concept watch and a showcase of innovations thanks to 4 dedicated patent applications.
The core of the new Elux LAB-ID is the luminescence and visibility in every light condition, thanks to the Power Light function that can be activated on demand for a total length of 30 minutes, by simply opening the patented pusher-protector system and click on the dedicated pusher located at 8 o’clock.
This energy illuminates the 12 indexes on the dial, the patented hands and the dot on the unidirectional rotating bezel. At 6 o’clock on the dial, the linear power reserve indicator shows the residual energy available for lighting up the watch.
#PowerLightAtYourCommand
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The historical background and the source of inspiration
Building on Panerai innovations in the field of luminescence, such as the renowned Radiomir and Luminor compounds, the new Submersible Elux LAB-ID is the culmination of a journey that took the name from the historic patented Elux Panerai invention and the expression of the Laboratorio di Idee.
Elux, an abbreviation of ‘elettroluminescenza’ to mean electroluminescence, is a technology historically patented on June 15, 1966 by Panerai: Elux were originally retro-illuminated panels with electroluminescence technology, designed to enhance the luminescence of naval instruments of the Italian Navy.
A concentrate of high technology & exclusivity
The new Elux LAB-ID is able to transform mechanical energy in luminosity to light up 160 micro-LEDs located on the dial indexes, the hands and the bezel.
By pressing on the pusher at 8 o’clock, the energy stored in 4 dedicated barrels is released in a microgenerator that converts this energy into electricity.
This tool watch is fully mechanical and features a total of 6 barrels, 50 bar (~500 meters) water resistance and 30 minutes of on demand Power Light function, all encapsulated in a 49mm case diameter.
Completing the watch’s innovations are the indices and the hour hand accented with green Super-LumiNova® X2 now in a new grade that ensures a luminosity 10% higher than Super-LumiNova® X1 after 180 minutes in the dark**.
The blue-accented minute hands and dots on the bezel are illuminated by Super-LumiNova® X1.
Panerai Ti-Ceramitech™
PAM01800 is set in 49mm Ti-Ceramitech™ case, crafted from ceramized titanium, an innovative material developed by Panerai.
After 7 years of Research and Development, Panerai unveils a new material: Ti-Ceramitech™, a high-tech material resulting from a titanium ceramization process through Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation that transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer with a peculiar blue color.
The result is a material 44% lighter than steel featuring a fracture toughness 10x higher than traditional ceramic.
P.9010/EL Calibre & energy storage
Automatic calibre made of 363 components with 6 barrels, of which 4 barrels are dedicated to store the energy required to ensure 30 minutes of on-demand Power Light function & 2 barrels are dedicated to ensure 3 days of time indication.
The 6 barrels can be re-winded either by automatic or manual winding systems.
To improve the winding speed, the oscillating mass weight has been increased by 235% compared with traditional P.9010 calibre and equipped with a new ball bearing to ensure shock resistance.
Energy conversion, mechanical energy into light
The calibre is equipped with an ad-hoc microgenerator able to transform the mechanical energy stored in the 4 dedicated barrels into necessary electricity for the Power Light function.
Optimizing the energy efficiency has been one of the main challenges, considering the limited amount of energy stored in the barrels.
The compact 8 x 2.3 mm microgenerator features custom-made coils, magnets and a stator to optimize energy efficiency, it incorporates a high-speed rotor operating at 80 revolutions per second, generating 240 Hz high-frequency electrical signal to power the 160 micro-LEDs located on the dial, hands and bezel.
How to activate the Power Light function
The Power Light Function feature is at the heart of this new LAB-ID.
Easy to use, consistent with Panerai functional design, this feature is activated thanks to a dedicated pusher located on the case at 8 o’clock.
Since the new Submersible Elux LAB-ID is a diving watch, it is mandatory to protect all external components affecting its proper functioning in case of external shocks.
To do so, Panerai developed & patented a dedicated Pusher protected system.
This new system pays tribute to the crown protecting device, one of the most emblematic elements from Panerai’s DNA.
The protection guard is made of Ti-Ceramitech™ while the push piece is rubberized to ensure a smooth & precise use of the device.
This protection is a fundamental security for an innovative & reliable instrument.
Hands & Bezel lighting systems
Illuminating moving elements such as the hands (patented) and bezel marker (patent pending) was a particularly ambitious process.
Overcoming numerous challenges, Panerai has ingeniously conducted electricity to the bezel outside of the watch case while maintaining exceptional water resistance levels up to 50 bar (~500 meters).
For the hands lighting system, the electricity is transferred from the dial to the top of the hands where the micro-LEDs stand through a patented system of high precision springs and 3D electronic circuit ensuring the electrical contact without generating excessive perturbation torque.
For the bezel lighting system, the electricity is guided outside of the case below the bezel where a ring of 60 micro-LEDs is located.
This ring is equipped with 12 magnetic switches that allow to light up only the segment below under the luminous dot.
LAB-ID stands for “Laboratorio di Idee”, representing the commitment for continuous search of innovative technical solutions to raise the standards & performance of our creations.
Since 2017 Panerai presented three concept watches. These innovative timepieces introduced innovations in the field of materials, dials & movements.
Today, Panerai unveils a new LAB-ID™ watch in 150 limited-edition pieces, with an availability of 50 pieces per year over three years: Submersible Elux PAM01800 is fully mechanical and features 6 barrels and 4 patents* system, transforming the mechanical energy stored into the barrels in luminosity to light up the dial, the hands and the bezel.
#PowerLightAtYourCommand
* Blue ceramised Titanium patent and Bezel with luminescent index patent pending. Luminescent hands patent and Push button protection lever patent granted.
** according to the corresponding protocol described in the ISO 17514 norm.
Panerai is not the registered owner of the Super-LumiNova trademark.