Watches And Wonders 2024: Panerai’s New Submersible QuarantaQuattro Strengthens Partnership With Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli

Panerai’s association with the America’s Cup marks a symbol of nautical excellence and innovation and is a significant chapter in its storied history. Known for its maritime heritage and pursuit of boundary-pushing performance, the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa range is a testament to the Maison’s technological prowess as well as its keen sense sustainable innovation. At this year’s Watches And Wonders audiences can expect the launch of a new material that has been developed over a period of 7 years. The Ti-Ceramitech, is inspired by a material originally used in high-performance competitive environments and has been skilfully adapted and integrated into the world of watchmaking. Packed with some seriously impressive elements the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa is yet another step forward in the pioneering spirit that the brand Panerai is known for. 

Stronger Than Ever
Through seven years of meticulous research and development, Panerai has filed a patent application for a titanium ceramization process through Electrolytic Plasma Oxidation able to achieve a very distinctive hue of blue. This process allowed for the creation of the watch’s peculiar and striking blue color, a shade inspired by the open seas. The 44mm Ti-Ceramitech case is 44% lighter than steel yet has fracture toughness ten times higher than traditional ceramic. A material that can withstand high pressure, and very high thermal stress, it is an ode to the Panerai’s pursuit of creating reliable innovative instruments. 

At the heart of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech is the automatic P.900, a caliber renowned for its reliability with a 3-day power reserve. The P.900 is an automatic caliber that integrates expansive function within the confines of remarkably streamlined proportions. It measures 28mm in diameter and is only 4.2 mm thick. The energy necessary to accumulate a power reserve of three days is delivered by a bidirectional oscillating weight and stored in a single barrel. Its balance wheel, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, is securely fixed in position by a balance cock. The caliber is equipped with a stop-second function that enables precise time setting.

Exploring The High Seas
The bezel, like the case, reflects the advanced pursuits of the Maison’s manufacture. Machined titanium is ceramized and then meticulously reworked to reveal the metal beneath at strategic points, creating an eye-catching contrast of materials, punctuating the crown and its protecting lever, the edge and indexes of the bezel, the back-case, and the trapezoidal pin buckle. The blue shade resulting from the ceramization process is so distinctive that it prompted the development of a bespoke color for the accompanying straps, further accentuating the watch’s singular character. Water resistant up to 50 bar (~500 meters), these watches have been rigorously tested. 

The dial is accented with a decal of Luna Rossa and small red second hands, a subtle nod to the sailing team’s vivid identity. The date window stands at 3 o’clock while a discreet seconds subdial rests at 9 o’clock, surrounded by luminous hands and hour markers that ensure legibility in the ocean’s depths or the dark of night. Ensuring versatility and style, the watch comes with two strap options. The first bi-material strap features a striking red stripe with the words Luna Rossa in white against a blue backdrop, while the second rubber strap boasts a uniform blue tone.