Watches and Wonders
In Depth (Literally): Panerai Introduces New Luminor Marina Novelties with 50-Bar Water Resistance
Five new editions combine form and function with technical prowess for serious divers plus materials and colorways to please casual beach bums as well.
By Barbara Palumbo
Contributor
Panerai is always one of the brands that retailers and members of the press look forward to visiting during Watches and Wonders, and this year was no exception. The brand’s massive and creatively decorated booth, freshly brewed coffee, and general lust for life are just a backdrop to the durable, reliable timepieces introduced.
How Did We Get Here?
The first collection of Luminor watches, as well as the first Luminor Marina watches, were introduced as a commercialized watch by Panerai in 1993 after years of being known mostly for their military timepieces and instruments. The name, “Luminor” was originally patented by Panerai in 1949. However, that moniker would go on to be used solely as an identifier for the luminescent and self-luminescent materials used by Giuseppe Panerai and his brand at the time.
Radium, as we all now know, was dangerous – hence the story of the Radium Girls. So, a name change, and eventually, a change in materials consisting of a luminescent tritium-based substance (a hydrogen isotope), seemed the way to go.
Decades later, the name “Luminor” would become practically synonymous with Panerai as well as the diving world and the collectors within it. As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” (but they never said anything about offering it in different calibers, water resistant depths, materials, or colorways).
How Low Can They Go?
The latest Panera Luminor Marina references – of which there are five – all boast an astounding water resistance of 50 bar (which, to the non-diving human, means 500 meters). Granted, thus far, the deepest recorded scuba dive in history was performed by Ahmed Gabr in 2014 ,and it was 332.35 meters total.
So, chances are, all 1640+ feet of water resistance likely won’t be needed if you’re headed out snorkeling in Aruba or taking a dip in the country club pool.
However, just because you may not use it does not mean it’s not impressive. Think about it… do you use every function available on your imported espresso maker or your high-tech treadmill? Of course not, but it’s kind of cool knowing they are there, right?
So, wear the fact that one of these Panerai timepieces can go deeper than any human ever has with pride, and like most Panerai collectors, feel free to talk about it in your WhatsApp chat groups.
Turn Up The (vo)Lume
Another major change to these recent versions of the Luminor Marina is a brighter, longer lasting luminescent glow thanks to the latest Super-LumiNova X2 in varying colors (depending on the reference). The introduction of the Super-LumiNova X2 into a Panerai core collection ensures the watch is easily readable even in low-light conditions.
Let’s Talk Numbers
Now, it’s time to get into the actual references released at the 2025 edition of Watches and Wonders.
First up are three Luminor Marina models in steel: the first being the PAM03312 with black matte sandwich dial, Arabic numerals, and hour markers highlighted in a bright green Super-LumiNova X2 coating. The date window is at 3 o’clock, and the small seconds marker is at 9 o’clock.
This edition – as with the following two – are equipped with the automatic mechanical P.980 caliber movement, which offers a three-day power reserve and Incabloc anti-shock device. The black version comes on a black alligator strap with cream-colored stitching, steel trapezoid buckle, and PAM click release system.
The PAM3313 is identical in millimeter diameter, water resistance, caliber movement, power reserve, and placement of date and small seconds. However, the dial is crafted in blue with a sunburst finish, and the Arabic numerals and hour markers are coated with a white Super-LumiNova X2. A perfectly matched blue alligator strap with off-white stitching accompanies this reference.
Finally, in the 44mm steel leather strap category is reference PAM3314, which again, is the same as its aforementioned family members across the board only with a white matte sandwich dial, Arabic numerals, and hour markers coated with gray Super-LumiNova X2. It’s all topped off with a black alligator strap featuring cream-colored stitching.
Next up is the Luminor Marina PAM03323. This edition is like the three previously mentioned editions and is also crafted in steel. However, the PAM03323 is not only encased in steel but also accentuated by its polished and brushed full steel bracelet and accompanying quick length adjustment. The dial features a delightful blue finish in a brushed design, and its Arabic numerals and hour markers are once again coated in a white Super-LumiNova X2.
Finally, the last reference introduced in the Luminor Marina collection is the 44mm Luminor Marina Titanio. The reference PAM03325 houses the automatic mechanical P.980 caliber movement made up of 177 components offering a three-day power reserve, hours, minutes, small seconds, and date complications.
What sets this final reference apart is its case material: brushed Grade-5 titanium. Its bezel is also crafted in polished Grade-5 titanium, as its see-through sapphire crystal caseback. The dial is a deep green with a sunburst finish, and its hour markers are coated in white Super-LumiNova X2 material. The strap is a lovely soft grey color with off-white stitching, and the buckle is also made in Grade-5 titanium.
Panerai knows its base. The brand knows what hits and what misses. This may seem like a safe choice for its newest references. However, classically designed pieces are often the ones that sell, and at the end of the day, that’s really what matters most.
Pricing & Availability
All five new versions of the Luminor Marina are available today with three models setting you back $8,800 (the PAM03312, PAM03313, and PAM03314) while the remaining two (the PAM03323 and PAM03325) are priced a bit higher at $9,700. For more information, head over to Panerai’s website.