REVIEW: PANERAI LUMINOR MARINA VS. PANERAI SUBMERSIBLE

1St Rolex Boca Raton Web Series April 18, 2021 | 0

The Panerai Luminor model began its life as an instrument watch for the Italian Naval Force. Now, this unique timepiece is one exotic sport watch loved by a ton of watch enthusiasts. This wristwatch is loved by celebrities as much as regular wristwatch lovers love it.

The watch is instantly noticeable due to its huge cushion-style case, unique crown guard, and fierce-looking and highly luminescent dial. The Luminor parades an array of very solid design codes as well.

You can easily make the mistake of seeing every Luminor timepiece as the same. While, in fact, you have a long list of varieties of this wristwatch model to choose from.

The Separation

A slight change occurred to the Panerai wristwatch brand in 2019. They created a standalone collection from the Panerai Luminor collection. This was possible with the separation of the Submersible model from the Luminor collection.

Now, there are two new standalone varieties. First is the Luminor Marina. Then, there is the Submersible variety too.

What do you know about these two varieties of the same brand (Panerai Luminor and the Submersible)?

Do you have an idea about the significant differences between them?

If you don’t have answers to any of these two or both, then keep reading.

In this review article, we will compare Luminor Marina vs. Submersible. That way, you will understand how these two Panerai watch varieties differ.

Let us begin with a brief introduction to these two varieties.

Panerai Luminor Marina

Unlike other models produced by Panerai, Luminor Marina watches stand out in various ways.

First, these wristwatches come with a small seconds’ sub-dial fixed at 9 o’clock.

Then there are several varieties of this one wristwatch model. Most of these varieties are limited editions with only a few pieces.

For example, Panerai Luminor Marina “Miami” PAM00468 is one elegant and outstanding watch. It is a limited-edition model. Just about 100 pieces of this watch were made.

There is the trademark black dial with large numbers on the front view of this 44mm stainless steel PAM00468. Also, there are the seconds, minute, and hour hands to add to the elegance of this piece.

On the other side of this watch, the case back to be precise, another lovely sight appears. You’ll notice an homage paid to the Miami Bal Harbor Panerai boutique on it.

There are other varieties of this Panerai Luminor model. They include, but not limited to:

Panerai Submersible

Do you need a diving watch? This model is the closest to a diving watch amongst all the models the Panerai brand offers.

This wristwatch model adds a unidirectional rotating bezel to give that resemblance to a regular diving watch.

For example, the Panerai Luminor 1950s Submersible PAM00305 comes in a relatively large 47mm size. Still, this timepiece manages to stay light thanks to its titanium material used.

You will find round lume plots and stick indexes at the 6 and 12 o’clock positions on this wristwatch’s black dial. Besides, the wristwatch features a date window at 3 o’clock. On the other side of this date window, there is the seconds sub-dial.

Like other Panerai Submersible wristwatches, this wristwatch features a trademark design detail. On this wristwatch protector, you will find the “REG” and “T.M” engravings. Again, like other regular Submersible models, the Panerai PAM00305 features a signature black rubber strap.

Panerai Submersible wristwatches can pass easily as diving watches. They are very stylish too and a product of top-quality materials.

Panerai Luminor: A Model With Many Types

In all, the Panerai Luminor model is a wide collection with many types. The simplest of them all is the Luminor Base type. The wristwatch is functionally made to showtime. It only has a minute hand and an hour hand at the center. The hands point to a combination of Arabic numerals and stick indicators.

On the flip side, there is the Luminor Marina model. This model has a seconds marker that is always running. This marker is placed at 9 o’clock. Sometimes, it also comes with a date window fixed at the 3 o’clock position.

Asides from these two, there are other complicated Luminor models. These have chronographs, GMTs, as well as power reserve indicator complications.

On a deeper look, what separates this flagship watch (Panerai Luminor Marina) from its modern dive wristwatch (Panerai Submersible) counterpart?

Keep reading to find out!

Panerai Luminor Marina In-depth Review

Over time, there are several wristwatch releases from this outstanding watchmaker known as Panerai. From this long list of Panerai’s watch models, only one stands out as the brand’s flagship model. And that is the Luminor model.

· Origin of Collections’ Names

The name of the collection itself is from a tritium-based luminous substance. Panerai patented this substance (Luminor) in the 1940s. The patency of this Luminor substance marked a new beginning for this watchmaker.

Before this substance, there used to be another one. It was a radium-based luminous substance known as Radiomir. Panerai formerly used this substance on its wristwatches. This substance gave the name Panerai Radiomir to another of the brand’s collections.

· The Dial

Panerai Luminor watches are well-known for their stark dials and highly luminescent elements. These elements bring out the outstanding legibility the watch has even in low-light situations.

· The Crown Protection System

A specific style trait that defines the Luminor model is its crown-protection system. The crown protector arches over the winding crown to properly shield the crown

This crown protector is operated using a lever. The lever system helps to shove the crown into the case when you lock it. This produces an airtight seal that extends to enhance the water resistance level.

Watches under the Panerai Luminor model also parade huge cushion-shaped cases. There are also steady bezels and thick lugs.

One thing is peculiar to the Panerai Luminor collection. It allows an option of manual or automatic wind models.

· Water Resistance

The Panerai Luminor Marina wristwatches also provide water resistance. Their water-resistance ratings commonly range between 100 and 300 meters.

· The Case Varieties

There are varieties of case sizes of Panerai Luminor watches for you to select from. You can choose between the 42mm size, the 44mm size, and the 47mm size.

· The Case Materials

This case is made from the best of materials. Whether it is gold, steel, Carbotech, or titanium, you will undoubtedly get the best. However, know that Panerai’s primary material is the carbon-based alloy.

· The Luminor 1950 Model

It is necessary to consider the Luminor 1950 model. Formerly, Panerai used to set the Luminor Marina model aside from the Luminor 1950 model to make two different collections. However, this is not the case anymore.

Just as the name suggests, this model took inspiration from Panerai watches produced in the fifties. A defining feature of this model is the broader and rounder case edges. Then there are the more noticeable dome crystal and more extended lugs.

If you want to recognize a Luminor 1950 model from afar, watch out for the “REG. T.M.” engravings. You will find them on the crown guard.

Panerai Submersible In-depth Review

The Panerai brand is sought after due to how well its wristwatches make use of horology. The way the watches stayed in demand, especially from the Italian Naval Forces from 1930 till date, is also impressive.

The classic version of these Panerai wristwatches serves as sources from which this watchmaker takes insight. Thanks to these vintage timepieces, the brand stayed relevant with all of its productions.

· Standard and Satisfactory Model

However, the present Luminor and Radiomir models fail to attain the standard of the contemporary dive wristwatches.

Still, Panerai makes high-quality and modern diving wristwatches under the umbrella of a new model. This model is the Panerai Submersible. Submersible watches satisfy the current ISO 6425 requirements completely.

· The Crown Protection System

The Submersible bears certain similarities to the Luminor Marina model. One of these similarities is the model’s crown protection system that extends out of its case. This system achieves the same result as the Luminor Marina model, which is providing solid protection.

· The Bezel

Yet, contrary to what the Luminor offers, the Submersible contains unidirectional rotating bezels. These bezels are also external rotating ones. They come with inscriptions for up to 60 minutes. With that, these watches can calculate elapsed time even when underwater.

· The Dial

Panerai Submersible watches come with dials that have a home to broad sword-shaped pointers. The tips of these pointers are luminous to enable and enhance the dial’s legibility underwater.

The dial again comes with a date window and an ever-running seconds’ hand.

It is not only the time and date Submersible models that are available. There are also some other Submersible Chronographs versions.

· Water Resistance

Most of the watches under the Submersible model are water-resistant. Their water-resistant strength extends to as deep as 300 meters. Some gold editions of this model cannot go that deep. They are only rated up to 100 meters.

Every one of the pieces produced under this current production model is products using automatic movements.

· The Case Varieties

Presently, the Panerai Submersible model offers three case sizes for you to choose from.

Within the Submersible range, you can choose between these three. It is either the 42mm case size, the 44mm case size, or the 47mm case size.

· The Case Materials

Similarly, there are varieties of case material options to select from. It can either be red gold, titanium, steel, bronze, BMG-TECH, or Carbotech materials.

The BMG-TECH is a huge metallic glass material. This material is lighter and more rigid than steel.

· The Straps

The strap used for the Submersible is just like other watches in the Panerai dive watch collection. The Panerai Submersible watches are generally made to fit using rubber straps. These kinds of straps can be found on other models of the Panerai brand.

Panerai Luminor Marina Vs. Panerai Submersible

· The Functional Difference

In summary, the significant difference between these two models of the Panerai brand is in their function. While the Panerai Submersible functions as a dive watch, the Luminor Marina does not.

The Panerai Luminor Marina might take the inspiration for its design from old Panerai watches formerly created for military diving. Yet, in the present day, only the Panerai Submersibles can serve that function.

· Panerai Submersible Is A Standalone Collection

In addition, you must not forget that the Panerai Submersible now has a different status. This model is now a standalone collection on its own.

In 2019, after the separation, Panerai announced three new limited editions of this new standalone collection. These three limited-edition watches made exclusive appearances the same year.

The first appearance was “Diving with Guillaume Néry.” The second was “Exploring with Mike Horn.” While the last appearance was “Training with the Italian Navy.”

These appearances were parts of the launching of this new standalone collection.

These kinds of appearances are presently peculiar to the Submersible collection. It will not be a surprise if Panerai confirms new explorations subsequently.

Note: For each of these appearances, the price of entry was a limited-edition Panera Submersible wristwatch. Good marketing strategy!

Conclusion

Each one of you will have a different need and a preference. Regardless of your need, the Panerai brand can solve those needs with at least one of its watches.

You can choose the classic and practical feel the Luminor Marina offers. If not that, there is still the technical and sporty sensation provided by the Luminor Submersible.

In all, Panerai watches provide remarkable designs blended with their quality performance. So, regardless of which of these two Panerai models you go for, one thing is sure. These Panerai timepieces cannot but satisfy not just the wearer but also onlookers.

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REVIEW: PANERAI LUMINOR MARINA VS. PANERAI SUBMERSIBLE