Introducing: The Panerai Luminor Chrono

Quick Take One of Panerai's major pushes for the 2021 Watches & Wonders is its new Luminor Chronograph line, which features new automatic chronograph caliber, the P.9200. At launch, we have three different versions of this watch in the main collection, all made of stainless steel, with dials in blue, black, or white. We also have a bracelet option as seen in the below blue-dialed reference, with links inspired by the Luminor safety clasp. Though chronographs are not likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think Panerai, the company actually has quite a bit of experience here. There are, of course, the Mare Nostrum watches, and somewhat more recently, there are also the P.2004 based examples with 8-day power reserves, which come from the first big move the company made into in-house movement making in the early 2000s. Initial Thoughts The new Luminor Chronograph comes in three steel variations at launch, each making the most of the Luminor case shape by balancing it out and positioning the chronograph pushers over on the left-hand side. Though they have a pleasingly balanced look, there's no getting around the fact that they're big watches – 44mm by 15.65mm. Of the three versions you see here, I think the white sandwich dial with grey Super-LumiNova is the winner. I've never really been a huge fan of white-dialed Panerais, preferring a classic black sandwich instead, but this one feels fresh. Part of me is a little surprised to see such a concerted push on the chronograph front from Panerai. I mean, this is a watchmaker associated first and foremost with robust, highly water-resistant tool watches. Panerai is one of just a handful of watchmakers that have leveraged an instantly recognizable case shape and dial design to become a known quantity among the general public. Chronographs are popular, and one of the only complications that encourages interactivity on the part of the wearer. When I wear one, I often find myself going through the motions of starting, stopping and resetting it. Having more chronographs just makes good sense. The Basics Brand: Panerai Model: Luminor Chrono Reference Number: PAM01109, PAM01218, PAM01110 Diameter: 44mm Thickness: 15.65mm Case Material: Steel Dial Color: Black, white, or blue Indexes: Sandwich structure Lume: Yes Water Resistance: 10 bar Strap/Bracelet: Alligator leather or stainless steel bracelet (blue dial version) The Movement Caliber: P.9200 Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph Diameter: 13 1/4 lignes Thickness: 6.9mm Power Reserve: 42 hours Winding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vph Jewels: 41 Pricing & Availability Price: PAM01218 (white dial) and PAM01109 (black dial), $9,200; PAM01110 (blue dial with bracelet): $10,000. Availability: July 2021 Limited Edition: No For more, visit Panerai.A new movement and new chronograph collection.