Introducing: The Panerai Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible Carbotech

January 14, 2019

Today at the SIHH in Geneva, Panerai announced a new partnership with Luna Rossa, the official challenging team of record for the next running of the America's Cup (the 36th, in case you haven't been keeping track yourself). To go along with the partnership is a small range of special Luna Rossa watches designed to echo the latest in high-end sailing technology. The piece you see here, the Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible is a 47mm dive watch that's built from the strong-but-lightweight Carbotech material, a nod to the carbon fiber hull of Luna Rossa's AC75 ship. Then there's the grey sailcloth dial, which both completes the monochromatic look (save for a handful of red accents) and adds another nautical touch. As an added bonus, it's not just any sailcloth but rather bits of cloth from actual Luna Rossa sails. When it comes to functionality, you've got a three-day power reserve and a GMT function, so even if you're not competing in the world's most famous sailing race you'll find plenty of good uses for this timekeeper. Initial Thoughts Sailing and watches have a longstanding connection that extends back way beyond the days of brand partnerships and marketing, but these days it seems like each runnings of the America's Cup offers new opportunities for watch brands to interpret the event and the sport for themselves. We've seen quite a few iterations over the last 10 years and here Panerai puts their own stamp on things. This watch manages to be both quintessentially Panerai C it's bold, it's a bit technical, and it's no-nonsense C?and a fitting watch for the America's Cup with its full-on embrace of materials from the sailing world. I have a funny feeling that this one is really going to sing in person too, with the high-contrast dial and mix of black and grey textures offering a ton of visual depth. Luckily we'll see soon enough. The Basics Brand: PaneraiModel: Luna Rossa Challenger SubmersibleReference Number: PAM01039Diameter: 47mmThickness: 16mmCase Material: Carbotech case and crown protector with titanium casebackDial Color: Grey sailclothIndexes: Dots and batonsLume: Yes, on hands and markersWater Resistance: 300 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black caoutchouc strap with brushed titanium buckle The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber P.9010/GMTFunctions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, GMTDiameter: 31mmThickness: 6mmPower Reserve: 72 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 31Additional Details: Power comes from two barrels; fitted with Incabloc shock protection Pricing & Availability Price: $19,900Availability: September 2019Limited Edition: Not a limited edition, but all pieces will be numbered and production will be limited through completion of the 2021 America's CupFor more click here.