Panerai Introduces The Fully Mechanical, Highly Complicated Submersible Elux LAB-ID

Building on this legacy, the new Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 reflects eight years of dedicated research and development at Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel. The new timepiece represents the Maison’s historic expertise in luminescence combined with its renowned mechanical watchmaking, creating a fully mechanical movement that can power light on demand.

The PAM01800 is a watchmaking feat with a 49mm case diameter, four patented systems, 50 bar (~500 meters) water resistance, and a 30-minute power light feature. The on-demand lighting, powered by mechanical energy storage, is activated through a patented pusher-protector system. The innovative arrangement of four dedicated energy-storing barrels drives a microgenerator that converts mechanical energy into electricity, illuminating various indicators on the dial.

Illuminating moving elements such as the hands and bezel marker required overcoming numerous challenges. The team ingeniously conducted electricity to the bezel outside of the watch case while maintaining exceptional water resistance levels. The mechanism provides continuous light for up to 30 minutes, a significant milestone given the limited energy compared to traditional batteries.

The PAM01800 features a Ti-Ceramitech™ case, crafted from ceramized titanium, a pending patent material by Panerai. This process transforms the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer, resulting in a distinctive blue hue inspired by the open seas. The technique yields a significantly enhanced hardness, with the case being 44% lighter than steel and having fracture toughness ten times higher than traditional ceramic.

The dial features a linear Power Light reserve indicator, a small seconds indicator at 9 o’clock, and a patent-pending bezel light system illuminating the counterclockwise rotating bezel. The iconic crown-protection bridge, a staple of Panerai’s design, guards the winding crown against impacts. The indices and hour hand accented with green SuperLuminova® X2 ensure luminosity 10% higher than SuperLuminova® X1 after 180 minutes in the dark. The watch comes with a blue rubber strap and a second bi-material strap.

The Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is a limited edition of 150 pieces, with 50 pieces available per year over three years. This innovative timepiece epitomizes Panerai’s pursuit of creating reliable, cutting-edge instruments, merging historic luminescence expertise with modern mechanical brilliance.