Introducing: The NEW Panerai Luminor Chrono PAM01218 Full Review
Earlier this year, Panerai released a trio of Luminor Chronos at Watches and Wonders Geneva. Released in different colour dials of black, blue and white, many Panerai enthusiasts have voiced that the white is their favourite and i can see why. This is the Panerai Luminor Chrono PAM1218.
View our brand-new PAM1218 for sale here⮕
This model has a 44mm case diameter and on my wrist (7.25”) it sizes very well. The symmetrical aesthetic from the two pushers and the dial layout gives the watch a classy feel, even though it is unmistakably a Panerai at heart.
The 1218 has a thin polished bezel in a brushed steel case. The type of steel grade, 316L, is frequently used in the watch industry and interestingly, the L stands for “low carbon content”. The piece comes with black alligator and navy rubber straps, easily interchangeable to go with the occasion.
The dial is white with luminous arabic numerals and hour markers. It has a hollowed chronograph minutes counter at 3 oclock and small seconds counter at 9 oclock, the central chronograph seconds hand and the tachymeter scale in the external rehaut. The luminescent material is a cool anthracite grey that contrasts beautifully with the crisp white of the dial, and displays an impressive glow in the dark.
The splashes of blue on the minute counter and the tip of the chrono hand gives this piece an extra bit of character, adding style to its sophisticated design.
You have to admit, it’s a very good-looking watch. The symmetrical, clean look of the dial, the colours of anthracite, white and blue working together and Panerai’s iconic crown guard feature, it’s hard to fault it. However, one thing that many have questioned is the use of the literal word “chronograph” on the dial? In its support, it could be to add symmetry to the dial’s text placement, but if there was anything I could change about this watch, it would be simply to remove that word.
This Luminor Chrono is powered by the caliber P.9200, an automatic movement with a 42 hr power reserve. It is based on the ETA 2892-2 with a module for the chronograph.
It was also a pleasant surprise to learn that its RRP is only £8,000, considering the high prices that certain new Panerai can fetch for nowadays in the boutiques.
Overall, I am impressed with the execution of this new Luminor Chrono. Its symmetrical aesthetic, clean colour and sleek case design makes this piece a great addition to any collection with the ability to wear it for any occasion.