LUMINOR CHRONO DAYLIGHT 44MM, TITANIUM

Solid yet lightweight. Traditional yet modern: these are just some of the qualities of the Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm, Titanium, the new descendent of the legendary model - the Luminor. Developed for special military missions more than 60 years ago, it put Officine Panerai at the cutting edge of the professional underwater watch sector.

From its celebrated predecessor, the modern model has inherited both the shape of the case as well as the distinctive lever bridge, which has the twin function of protecting the crown as well as guaranteeing its water-resistance by keeping it firmly pressed against the case itself.

New features, however, are many: no longer just a watch indicating hours and minutes, this is a chronograph featuring date display and powered by an automatic movement which bears the C.O.S.C. chronometer certification as proof of its precision. For the first time in this line, the chronograph-controlling push pieces are cylindrical instead of rectangular and rounded. Also of note is the material used to craft the case and innovative bracelet. In fact, the traditional steel has been replaced by titanium, a metal which combines hardness and durability with extreme lightness. The alloy used for the new Luminor is grade five titanium, which implies a far more complex and specialised surface finishing process, yet presents the great advantage of being hypo-allergic, temperature- and above all corrosion-resistant, a vital characteristic in a watch designed to be in frequent contact with sea water.

The case, measuring 44mm in diameter, is characterised by large straight strap attachments and by the lever bridge, with two short cylindrical chronograph-controlling push-pieces on the same side, inserted obliquely into the carrure, and which, thanks to their shape and reduced projection, are quicker to operate. Made in brushed titanium, the case is surmounted by the bezel, which is also brushed but with edges in polished titanium and features the tachymeter scale with engraved numbers. The watch’s water-resistance up to 10 bar (100 metres) is completed by the caseback, also in titanium and secured by screws.

The dial of the Luminor Chrono Daylight 44 mm in titanium is blue, with markers and numerals coated with luminous material, the same as the hour and minute hands as well as the smaller hands of the sub-dials. These include the continuous seconds sub-dial (positioned at 9) the chronograph hour (at 6) and minute counter (at 3). The dial is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal of no less than 2.5 mm thick, resistant even at great depths.

Special attention is deserved by the unusual features of the bracelet - innovative in its construction and not just for the metal used. Proof of the ongoing search for excellence, the bracelet is crafted in brushed titanium, with a polish finish on the points of contact between the links, recalling the play on contrasts between the carrure and the bezel. A highly complex process has been used to make the links, which are asymmetric and rounded both horizontally as well as vertically, allowing for optimum continuity with the design and the surface of the case, as well as making them exceptionally soft to the touch.

The watch is fitted with an automatic movement, the calibre Panerai OP XII, with 13 ¼ lignes, 27 jewels and decorated oscillating weight and bridges. With a power reserve of 46 hours and an Incabloc anti-shock device, this movement has obtained, following 16 days of testing, the C.O.S.C. chronometer certification.

The Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm in titanium (PAM00327) is also available with an alligator strap and adjustable, personalised Panerai buckle in brushed steel and titanium (PAM00326). The bracelet or strap can be easily replaced using the special tool supplied with each watch.