At a glance, Panerai’s latest Luminor unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2020 might look like, well, just another Luminor. But the Luminor Marina Titanio DMLS (PAM01117) is more than that. It incorporates a new type of luminous paint with an extra-bright glow, while boasting a titanium case produced via a process similar to 3D printing. And most crucially, the watch is covered by a 70-year warranty.

Given that Panerai’s identity is inextricably linked with legible, glow-in-the-dark dials, the new “lume” found on the Luminor DMLS makes sense. The watch features Super-Luminova X – a lot of it.

Beyond the usual dial and hands, the new Luminor also had luminous paint on the flange around the dial, crown locking bridge and lever, and the stitching of the fabric strap.

The use of “lume” as a decorative element brings to mind the Lumen series of A. Lange & Söhne (which is a sister brand of Panerai within Swiss luxury group Richemont), but here the luminous paint is executed in clean lines for a geometric pattern.

Though the Luminor DMLS is a large 44 mm in diameter, it is only 100 g, making it the lightest Panerai watch with a metal alloy case. The case is produced via direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), the same process to make the case of the Lo Scienzato Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Titanio PAM00578 from 2016.

DMLS is a form of 3D printing where a laser is used to melt titanium powder tiny amounts at a time, layer by layer as the case is built up. The nature of the process allows negative space to be formed within the case, leaving its interior hollowed out and especially lightweight.

Perhaps most interesting is the 70-year warranty, which has the same terms and conditions as the standard international warranty that covers ordinary Panerai watches. This is despite the fact that the Luminor DMLS contains a standard P.9010 movement, a slim automatic with a three-day power reserve.

All of those features result in a surprisingly high retail price of €19,000, which is hard to digest, even in the dark.

The Luminor DMLS is a limited edition of 270 watches, delivered with an additional rubber strap and packaged in a box with a luminous motif on its lid.

Key facts and price

Panerai Luminor Marina Titanio DMLS 44 mm
Ref. PAM01117

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 15.65 mm
Material: Titanium
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: P.9010
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds; date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3Hz)
Power reserve: 3 days

Strap: Fabric with luminous stitching and velcro fastener; additional blue rubber strap

Limited edition: 270 pieces
Availability: At Panerai boutiques starting November 2020
Price: €19,000

For more information, visit Panerai.com