Having already launched the Luminor Chrono Carbotech as the PAM01419 Navy Seals limited edition, Panerai is now adding it to the regular production line-up as the Luminor Chrono Carbotech PAM01219. Featuring the same carbon composite case and ETA-based P.9200 movement, the PAM01219 has a restrained, functional dial with blue accents.

Initial thoughts

The PAM01219 is a new version of the ETA-powered Panerai chronograph, so while it’s nothing novel technically, it is appealing for the no-frills design and lightweight carbon composite case.

Prior versions of this chronograph were either less interesting, like the base model PAM01109 in steel, or over designed, like the PAM01419 Navy Seals edition with its sniper crosshair sub-dials. Stylistically, the PAM01219 is clear, clean, and free of superfluous elements.

However, the PAM01219 is too expensive. It’s priced at about US$17,000, which is pricey any way you slice it, especially since most watches with the same movement from rival brands cost less (and much less in the case of the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono). At the same time, Panerai’s own catalogue includes the PAM00335 that has a ceramic case and in-house movement boasting an eight-day movement and mono-pusher chronograph, which makes it comparatively better value at just over US$20,000.

Large, lightweight, and ETA

The PAM01219 is classic Panerai in style with a clean dial that is a key part of its appeal. The dial is also symmetrical with a 30-minute chronograph counter at three o’clock balanced by the constant seconds at nine.

Perhaps the ideal Panerai case size that’s not too big and not too small, the 44 mm case takes the Luminor 1950 form with the distinctive bowl-shaped case middle. It is made of Carbotech, which is Panerai’s term of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, essentially a high-end plastic containing sheets of carbon fibre. T

Carbotech is formed by baking the polymer and carbon fibre in an oven, creating a light and strong material that also has a woodgrain appearance resulting from the constituent sheets. According to Panerai, the resulting case is 14% lighter than a similar case in titanium.

Concealed under the solid titanium back is the P.9200 movement, which is actually an ETA 2892-A2 with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module on top.

Easy to service and familiar, it’s a common calibre more affordable chronographs and can be found in brands ranging from Breitling to Bell & Ross. Longines also utilises a comparable movement in its Heritage Classic, albeit with an in-house chronograph module. The movement is typically found in less expensive watches, which is one reason why the PAM01219 is more expensive than it should be.

Key facts and price

Panerai Luminor Chrono Carbotech
Ref. PAM01219

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Carbon fibre composite
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: P.9200
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Rubber-lined fabric with pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: Panerai boutiques and retailers
Price: €16,900; or 24,200 Singapore dollars

For more information, please visit Panerai.com.