Based on the 2009 Luminor 1950 8 Days Rattrapante (PAM 319), the 2013 limited-edition Panerai Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanium (PAM 530) replaces the heavy (and also, pricey) rose gold with light-weight titanium but leaves intact the laconically decorated in-house automatic movement, as well as the familiar layout of its matte black dial.
Well, to be precise, the dial of this new timekeeper was slightly modified to make the watch look even soberer. As you can see, the familiar Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock were replaced with baton-shaped hour markers, and the other indices are substituted with tiny luminous dots. The same goes for the seconds track, which is now more usable thanks to its more precise scale with tiny Arabic numerals from 5 to 55.
But what is most important, is that Panerai decided to keep its signature linear power reserve indicator. Left at its usual place at 6 hours, the horizontal scale is easily readable and also gives the watch its unique “vintage” flavor.
The Caliber P.2006/3 hand-wound movement is loaded with features (including hacking seconds hand and split-seconds chronograph) but also sports an impressive power reserve of more than 192 hours (whole eight days!) thanks to its complex and efficient winding system, which includes three large spring barrels that store all the power required by this massive timekeeper.
As the base model, the watch comes in a deliberately oversized titanium body. Measuring around 47 millimeters in width, the cushion-shaped heroically built case will only look good on a similarly proportioned wrist of a man that spends at least 6 hours per week in a gym.
It is reported that the new Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanium will be officially revealed in about a month during the upcoming SIHH 2013 trade show. The minimum street price of $22,500 that the Swiss-based Italian brand recommends selling the watch at is a bit steep to yours truly.
However, it is partially justified by the gorgeous hand-wound in-house caliber and the fact that it is almost impossible to find a watch that would offer a similar combination of exterior styling and interior functionality. In other words, this timekeeper is designed by Panerai for the brand’s most loyal followers and in return the brand expects you to pay a (hefty) premium as a sign of ahem gratitude.
See also: Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days Rattrapante PAM 319
Photos: Panerai
Officine Panerai Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanium (PAM 530) specification
Price: $22,500 (MSRP)
Movement: Hand-wound, Caliber P.2006/3, in-house, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 34
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days)
Movement decoration: Brushed
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve, split-seconds chronograph
Case: Titanium
Shape: Cushion
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 47.00 mm
Dial: Black
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black rubber with large-size brushed titanium buckle; PLUS a second interchangeable strap, and a tool to change the strap and steel screwdriver
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire