Although the unusual Luminor Submersible Bronze was the real show-stopper for the 2011 Submersible range, the new Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Regatta 3 Days GMT Titanio (PAM 371) looks like a more rational choice for those looking for an oversized diver from a major brand.
If you compare both models, you will immediately notice only two major differences.
First, the PAM 371 comes in a more customary-looking titanium case, which is, while more prone to scratches, is also less heavy than the bronze one. Second, the PAM 371 is powered by the in-house Panerai Caliber P.9001 automatic movement that offers GMT functionality.
The second time zone is indicated with a subsidiary hour hand that sports the same blue color as the dial and effectively blends into the timekeeper’s face save for its triangular head, which is covered in Superluminova.
Like the rest of the Luminor Submersible range, the new 1950 Regatta 3 Days GMT Titanio sports an anti-clockwise unidirectional rotating bezel with a graduated scale for calculating the time of immersion and ratchet click at minute intervals.
If the price is not an issue (and the Italian brand wants you to pay an impressive $12,500 for this piece of rugged-looking luxury,) this is the model of choice for those wishing to explore the world of Panerai, but still would like to look different from the rest of Paneristi crowd. At least, the Submersible range looks different from the rest of the growing family of monozygotic twins.
Perhaps, the only thing that can seriously damage the timekeeper’s sales figures is the size of its titanium case. The fact that it measures whole 47 millimeters in width is further exacerbated by its impressive thickness of 18 millimeters from top to bottom.
Of course, the thickness of this new PAM 371 is partially justified by its 2.90 mm synthetic sapphire crystal that is supposed to protect the expensive mechanism at extreme depths that this specimen is rated for. However, wearing this timekeeper with anything more formal than a pair of jeans and some sporty shirt may be considered a sign of bad taste even by the most liberal people that also happen to know a thing or two about style.
On the other hand, fine watches and other sorts of luxury accessories are often nothing more than a vehicle designed to deliver personal statements and such, so if you feel that this new member of the Luminor family speaks to you, you should absolutely go ahead with this device. After all, life is not that long.
See also: Panerai Luminor Composite 1950 3 Days (PAM 375)
Photos: Officine Panerai
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Regatta 3 Days GMT Titanio (PAM 371) specification
Price: $12,500 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Panerai caliber P.9001, 31.02 mm in diameter, 7.90 mm in height, 29 jewels, 28,800 vph, two barrels, 229 components, in-house, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, GMT
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case: Titanium
Shape: Cushion
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 47.00 mm
Lug width: 26 mm
Case height: 18.00 mm
Dial: Blue
Hands: Open-worked
Water resistance: 300 meters
Strap: Personalized rubber strap and large-size brushed titanium buckle AND a second interchangeable strap, a tool to change the strap and a steel screwdriver
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective, 2.90 mm thick
Back: Sapphire