Panerai Introduces The Luminor Marina Quaranta

The Panerai Luminor Quaranta is a downsized 40mm version of the legendary large steel dive watch that has been a much-loved icon from the Italian brand’s catalogue since the 1990s.

Panerai is a prestigious and well-respected watchmaker, notable for developing robust timekeeping instruments for the Italian Navy during the 20th Century. Founded in 1860, the manufacturer first developed its practical military timepieces for the wrists of Italian Naval Officers but later these were enjoyed by watch enthusiasts for their strong and durable case designs that could handle tough environments. The 1990s marks the release of a very important large-sized steel diver’s watch from Panerai – the Luminor. During this same time, Panerai watches were getting the recognition they had always deserved from diving enthusiasts and Panerai fans, as well as professional divers and military personnel. A resurgence in tough tools occurred and influential personalities on the big screen (such as Silvester Stallone) further enhanced the reputation of the Italian-born brand, making each timepiece stylish and fashionable.

Since then, the Panerai Luminor has always been a firm favourite amongst collectors. It is loved for its simple, luminous and easily-readable dial, its crown protecting system, and large cushion-shaped case that stretches right up to a confident 48mm. Now Panerai has released a smaller and more manageable variation of its popular Luminor Marina line – the Luminor Marina Quaranta. The three new models are all crafted from stainless steel and house the trusty Calibre P.900 inside their tough 100-meter water-resistant cases. There’s also a choice in dial colour; a rich blue, clean white and classic black. Before we delve into the new Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta watches – a quick look at the history of the iconic Luminor dive tool.

The History of the Panerai Luminor Watch

The 1940s is a key decade for Panerai because it outlines the beginning of the brand’s Luminor watch and its Luminor Marina model (with its innovative luminescent material and small seconds sub-dial that is still present in the new Luminor Marina Quaranta watch today). The manufacturer had already developed patents and the design concept for the Luminor much earlier than its official release to the public. Before this point, Panerai was well-respected for its Radiomir watches. The dial used a radium-based powder for its luminosity, which was later found to cause harm due to its toxicity and radioactive content. The Panerai Radiomir was, however, a reliable and legible timekeeping tool for the frogmen commandos of the First Submarine Group Command.

After the initial success of the Panerai Radiomir, the brand continued to evolve its watches to suit the needs of the Royal Navy with tools that featured bold Arabic numeral hour markers positioned at the cardinal points on the dial, improved water resistance, and a clever sandwich dial. Soldered wired lugs were introduced in 1940, along with an improved movement that offered an impressive 8-day power reserve. Nine years later, a new luminous substance was developed by Panerai called Luminor, marking the birth of the famous watch. It was both safer and more luminous. This revelation was paired with a signature crown protecting device that was patented in 1955 to uphold a 200-meter water resistance within the case. The Egyptian Navy began utilising these tools as well as the Italian Navy. It was estimated that around 300 models were supplied to the military before the 1990s when the Luminor was made available to the public.

In 1993, as part of three limited-edition timepieces released by Panerai, the Luminor Logo watch made its debut – a nickname given to the model for its use of the “OP” logo. Just two years later, the Panerai Luminor caught the attention of famed Hollywood actor, Sylvester Stallone, who requested that Panerai made him a special edition model. The Luminor Submersible was released, gaining an even larger following with fans of both the actor and the brand itself. Once the Richemont Group gained ownership of Panerai, more Luminor and Luminor Marina watches were made. Luminor Base watches were amongst these new releases, bearing a 44mm diameter and a reliable hand-wound movement. Vintage-inspired Luminor watches like the 1950 models have proved equally as popular. In-house made movements began working their way through the collection from 1995 and the brand began experimenting with different materials like its proprietary Carbotech, made from carbon fibres that have been compressed and fused under extreme temperatures.

The Luminor Marina Quaranta Watches

Now it is time for the Luminor range to grow once more with the recently released Quaranta - a 40mm model that celebrates the legendary watch in a whole new light. Firstly, and most noticeable, is its downsized diameter -a daring and brave move by Panerai, especially since the manufacturer is known for its beast-sized tool watches. Despite this, there is a brushed effect across the surface of the watch’s stainless steel case that makes the watch feel somewhat larger in character once on the wrist. Perfectly suited to this new and smaller size is the Luminor dial, with a small second sub-counter located at 9 o’clock and a date window balancing the display out at 3 o’clock.

What makes the Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta watch even more appealing is the fact that there are no hidden differences in the design of this model compared to the familiar tool that the nation has come to know and love so much. The difference in the Quaranta watch is its size. The model still retains its elegant and refined styling but in a scaled-down package. That said, the case of the new Panerai Quaranta watch is still able to hold a reliable movement inside its dimensions. The P.900 movement is just 4.2mm thick and offers an impressive three-day power reserve. It oscillates 28,800 times per hour and comprises a total of 25 jewels, offering simple seconds, minutes, hours and date functions.

The choice in white, blue or black dials within the new Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta range offers plenty of versatility. The white dial ref. PAM01271 is a clean and fresh option, married to a timeless black alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching that will pair well with any outfit. The Arabic numeral hour markers and stick indexes convey the very essence of the Luminor watch with perfect proportions, whilst the polished and brushed surface of the AISI 316L steel case adds a sense of depth and dimension to the design.

The Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta watch with a blue dial ref. PAM01270 features a deep and entrancing blue sunray dial with hour markers and hands that pop. Like the other two models, this 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel model measures a 40mm diameter, features the prominent and patented crown protection system, and offers a small second sub-counter at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. This Panerai Quaranta watch is fitted on a stylish blue alligator leather strap with a steel fastening that has been engraved with the famous Panerai logo.

The Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta watch with black dial ref. PAM01272 is arguably the most classic of all three. It features a rich black dial and Panerai’s signature blue colour in the hand of the running seconds sub-counter at 9 o’clock. The luminous hour markers and indexes assist with timekeeping in dark conditions and, once again, the “Luminor Marina” lettering stands proudly at 12 o’clock above the “Panerai Automatic” lettering. This model is fitted on the same black alligator leather strap used for the white iteration, creating a design that is sure to complete casual, smart or professional attire effortlessly.

If you’d like more information on any of the three new Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta watches we’ve featured here in this article today, you can check out the range online here online at Berry’s Jewellers, call us on 0113 201 0512 or speak to an expert via Live Chat on our website.