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Inheriting the iconic Luminor Submersible design and the brand’s standard high-end diving performances, a new Panerai Submersible 1950 Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio Watch (PAM 389) comes with two very special features that make all Panerai’s fans highly exited to see this stunning model on the market. Its anti-magnetic capability classifies PAM 389 among the most quality diving timepieces. The second special feature is a Panerai first. It is a titanium bezel with a ceramic insert that gives the classic design a nice modern touch.
The renowned Italian watchmaker gave us a nice insight into this remarkable timepiece a few months before its official promotion which will be at the next year’s SIHH show in Geneva. This is the brand’s second model with a superb antimagnetic capability. Its first anti-magnetic watch was a Luminor Arktos Amagetic PAM92, launched in 2004, in the Limited Edition. (Explorer Mike Horn wore this watch during one of his Artic expeditions.) Now, it is great to see the new Submersible, significantly improved with this important feature that has become the standard for the high-end divers timepieces. Why is it so important?
Well, as you probably know, high magnetic fields can noticeably disturb the watch accuracy and in extreme situations, they can even stop the mechanism, which, off course, can be highly dangerous for a diver. However, an in-house mechanism of the PAM 389 is protected by a special case construction made of soft iron of the highest purity. This case is placed directly beneath the dial which is crafted in the same material. Together, they form a Faraday cage, providing a high resistance to magnetic fields (40,000 ampere per meter). This resistance is more than eight times greater than that specified by NIHS 90-10 norms. (NIHS is a set of quality standards established by the Swiss watch industry.) Also useful in daily life situations, this case structure protects the watch from magnetic fields generated by electric charges, computers, cell phones and other objects that can noticeably affect the rate of the watch.
Titanium Bezel with a Ceramic Insert
A titanium case has the diameter of 47 mm, which is particularly useful for divers since the robust size provides easy-handling under water, as well as superb readability of indications on the large dial. The cool-looking case recalls Panerai’s signature style from the 1950s. It incorporates an anti-clockwise unidirectional rotating bezel, made of titanium, with studs and coin-edges which also date back in the 1950s when they were used as distinctive elements of the iconic Egiziano model.
However, the bezel of the new Panerai Submersible 1950 Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio watch has its own signs of distinction. It is the first time used, black ceramic inlay that is a nice contemporary addition to the classic design. Its matte brushed finishes fit perfectly with a brush surface of the titanium case. The bezel comes with a graduated scale for calculating the time of immersion and the ratchet click at minute intervals, so that a diver gets quick information on a depth up to 300 meters (990 feet).
The matt black dial is highly legible even in the most extreme conditions, thanks to bright hands and hour indices which are all covered with white SuperLuminova. The date aperture is located at the 3 o’clock position, while the small seconds sub-dial takes the 9 o’clock position.
Inside the case, there is a P.9000 Calibre self-winding movement, entirely executed by Panerai. It comprises 197 components an Incabloc anti-shock device and oscillates at the frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour. Thanks to two barrels, this high-quality mechanism provides a superb power-reserve of 3 days. It incorporates a convenient system for setting the hour hand, which can be moved forward and backward in jumps of one hour, while at the same time adjusting the date display.
The new Panerai Submersible 1950 Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio watch is available with a Panerai black rubber strap and a large-size, brushed titanium buckle. A second interchangeable strap and tools are also included. This beautiful timepiece will be available for 8,900 euros (around $11,500).
