Panerai has been affiliated with the prestigious America’s Cup since 2017. Additionally, since 2019, the brand has sponsored the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, regularly celebrating that connection with Luna Rossa watches. For Watches and Wonders 2024, we get five new additions to that yacht-racing-inspired collection. Let’s have a closer look.

The new Panerai Luna Rossa additions include a Carbotech Tourbillon (PAM01405), two Ti-Ceramitech Submersibles (PAM01543 and PAM01466), and a stainless steel Submersible (PAM01565). Additionally, there is a new GMT version (PAM01507) in titanium.

Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Tourbillon GMT PAM01405

Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Tourbillon GMT PAM01405

The first new Panerai we’ll have a look at is the flagship of the new range. This is a 45mm Carbotech Submersible with a skeletonized dial, tourbillon, power reserve indicator, and GMT complication. The case is made of Panerai’s Carbotech material. Carbotech is made by compressing carbon fiber sheets with Polyether Ether Ketone under a specific pressure, at a specific temperature. The resulting material has an uneven matte black appearance, and it is touted as particularly strong and resistant to wear. Additionally, the PAM01405 is water resistant to 300 meters.

Inside ticks caliber P.2015/T at a pace of 28,800vph. This 7.8mm-thick caliber features a tourbillon at 10:30 and a fully open-worked architecture. Paired with the skeletonized dial, this allows for a great view of the watch’s inner workings. Additionally, this hand-wound caliber displays what remains of the four-day power reserve through the display case back. The GMT hand is a subtle hint to the Luna Rossa yacht, representing a set of sails.

The PAM01405’s black-and-white aesthetic is punctuated with red accents. Most prominently, there is the red stripe on the rubber-and-fabric strap, which is emblematic of that other sponsor of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team. The PAM01405 is a limited edition of just 20 pieces, and the price is on request.

Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech PAM01543

Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech PAM01466 and PAM01543

The next two new releases show that Panerai’s involvement with sailing inspires new technology. The PAM01466 and PAM01543 feature 44mm Ti-Ceramitech cases. Inspiration came from ceramic-coated materials used to reduce friction in certain parts of the racing yachts.

The case is made of titanium, which, through a rather complicated process, receives a dense ceramic surface layer. Electrolytic Plasma Oxidation is then used to turn the material into the desired dark blue hue. The resulting case is 44% lighter than steel, and Panerai claims it boasts a fracture resistance ten times greater than ceramic. Additionally, the bezel is in the same material with exposed titanium for the markers and edge.

Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech PAM01466

Behind your choice of a grainy white (PAM01543) or sunburst blue (PAM01466) dial ticks the familiar caliber P.900. This is an automatic movement with a date at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock, measuring 4.3mm thick and ticking away at 28,800vph. Additionally, it is protected from water ingress down a depth of 500 meters. These models, too, come on a rubber/textile strap with a Luna Rossa stripe, and they have a price of €16,900.

Submersible Luna Rossa PAM01565

Submersible Luna Rossa PAM01565 and PAM01507

The next new Panerai release is the Submersible Luna Rossa. This limited edition of 300 pieces is available exclusively through the Panerai webshop for €11,500. However, as a watch, this is the simplest of the bunch. Don’t be fooled, though; there is still plenty to appreciate.

The 42mm Submersible case of this PAM01565 is fashioned out of the familiar 316L stainless steel. The unidirectional bezel is adorned with a matte ceramic insert for maximum scratch resistance. Water resistance is rated at a plentiful 300 meters. Additionally, the dial is sunburst blue with a vignette effect, fading to black. On the dial, we find a subtle red accent in the seconds hand, echoing the Luna Rossa stripe on the rubber/textile strap. Behind the dial, we find the same caliber P.900 as in the Ti-Ceramitech models.

Submersible Luna Rossa PAM01507

Lastly, there is the GMT version in titanium, PAM1507, retailing for €12,500. This model shares the same 42mm case but in titanium with a matte blue ceramic bezel. The GMT hand is, again, a set of sails in red. Inside ticks Panerai’s caliber P.900/GMT24H. Also, just like its three-hand counterpart, this watch is water resistant to 500 meters. Furthermore, this model is fitted with the latest grade X2 Super-LumiNova, which is promised to be 10% brighter than previous generations after 180 minutes in the dark.

Initial impressions

Panerai opted to release only Luna Rossa models at Watches and Wonders 2024, showing its dedication to the America’s Cup. My initial impression is that the brand launched a cohesive, coordinated collection.

I have often declared my love of base models and authentic Panerai designs. This time, however, I find myself leaning toward the higher-end introduction. I genuinely like the look of the Tourbillon GMT, with its subtle red accents on a crisp white-on-black color scheme. Additionally, the way Panerai skeletonizes its watches, with the characteristic egg-crate patterns, is growing on me too.

I am also quite eager to go hands-on with the new Ti-Ceramitech models. I am curious what the material looks and feels like in real life. Also, I am eager to learn if other colors and black are achievable.

What do you think of the new Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa models? Let us know in the comments section below!