Traditionally all about vintage-inspired, “Marina Militare” dive watches, Panerai has recently been rolling out complications with a minimalist, contemporary execution, such as the recent Luminor pepertual calendar.

Sharing a similar aesthetic perhaps more practical – and certainly more affordable – is the new Luminor BiTempo PAM 1360 and PAM 1361, a GMT wristwatch with striking baby-blue accents on a blue or black dial.

The PAM 1361 with a radially-brushed blue dial

Initial thoughts

Given its large diameter and clean dial, the Luminor accommodates complications well while still maintaining its characteristic minimalist style – if the additions are integrated properly. Panerai managed that with the BiTempo, which manages to incorporate a date, second time zone, and power reserve indicator without hindering the recognisable Panerai aesthetic. In fact, the BiTempo could pass for a time-only Luminor from across a room.

That said, the second time zone isn’t a new complication for the brand – the movement is an existing calibre – so the novelty is mainly in the facelift that changes dial details like the enlarged date display and blue accents. While I appreciate that the baby blue indicators are legible, I find the colour overly pastel for the low-key, military-inspired styling.

Legible both day and night

Twin time zones

The BiTempo has a 44 mm Luminor 1950 case with its trademark crown guard. The “sandwich” dial has the signature Luminor layout with oversized Arabic numerals at the quarters, but with additional indicators for the date, GMT, and power reserve indicator.

The PAM 1360 with a matte black dial

The dual time zone display is done as cleanly as possible thanks to the cal. P9012. The movement has a 12-hour GMT hand for the second time zone instead of the usual 24-hour hand, which eliminates the need for an additional 24-hour scale. And the GMT hand can also be hidden under the local-time hand when not in use, further enhancing the minimalism of the dial.

That said, the 12-hour format for the second time zone means it’s not possible to discern day and night from the dial, so the wearer has to know that.

Fortunately only the tips of the hands are coloured in blue

While the dial design is simple, the execution is slightly more elaborate than on Panerai’s entry-level models. It has the two-piece, “sandwich” construction that reveals the hour markers through apertures in the dial.

Interestingly, the dial design departs slightly from the traditional Panerai dial with a printed minute scale, something that is traditional absent from Panerai dials.

Earlier models lack the bevelling on the date window, which gives the watch a sense of luxury

Panerai has several two time zone calibres in its stable, with the P.9012 in the BiTempo being one of the more upscale. Amongst other things, the P.9012 is powered by twin barrels that give it power reserve of three days.

Beyond its obvious features, the P.9012 also has a zero-reset, hack seconds – the seconds hand halts and instantaneously flies back to 12 o’clock when the crown is pulled to set the time, a useful feature rarely found in watches in this price range.

The movement is visible through the display back and has the typical Panerai aesthetic of an almost monochromatic, industrial finish of matte, brushed bridges.

Like many Panerai movements, the P.9012 has a full balance bridge for improved shock resistance

Key Facts and Prices

Panerai Luminor BiTempo
Ref. PAM01360 (black)
Ref. PAM01361 (blue)

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: P.9012
Functions: Hours, minutes, zero-reset hack seconds, GMT, power reserve indicator
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: Three days

Strap: Alligator with pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Panerai boutiques and retailers
Price: Unavailable at press time

For more information, visit Panerai.com.