Due (pronounced do-eh) is the Italian word for “two.” So, when Panerai launched the Luminor Due in 2016, it represented the next step in the evolution of the watch known for its large size, military roots, and maximalist attitude. While the Luminor Due retained the signature design details of the original Luminor — such as the oversized crown-protecting bridge and cushion shape — the cases were slimmed down, the overall package lightened, and a dash of dressiness was added. Panerai has continued to expand its dressier watch collection, and now, the company has announced a new model to join the lineup: the Panerai Luminor Due PAM01424, which pairs a steel case with a new burgundy dial just in time for Chinese New Year.
The Panerai Luminor Due PAM01424 sports a 42mm stainless steel case that’s around 13mm thick. While 13mm is not considered slim by any stretch of the imagination, because this is a Panerai watch with a date window and automatic movement, it is thinner than it would be if it weren’t a Due. Plus, the case is water-resistant to 50 meters, which is still far from the type of water resistance that made Panerai famous but a step up from the less-than-ideal 30-meter depth rating of older Luminor Due watches that bothered many. The cushion-shaped case, lever-operated moon-shaped crown guard, and round bezel are all polished, while the solid steel caseback is brushed.
The dial of the Luminor Due PAM01424 is a gradient sun-brushed burgundy shade that transitions from a lighter center to noticeably darker edges. The dial is “sandwich-style,” characterized by recessed hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova that glows bright green in the dark. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock, a running seconds indicator at 9 o’clock, and the customary oversized Arabic numerals at 6, and 12.
Adding to the more refined look of this Luminor Due is the PAM01424’s matte black alligator strap. However, thanks to the PAM Click Release System, that formal strap can be easily switched out for a laid-back one — like the black rubber strap pictured above. According to Panerai, the steel deployant buckle of the PAM01424 is new to the Luminor Due 42mm range and includes improved ergonomics.
Like the other 42mm Luminor Due watches with date windows, the PAM01424 runs on the Caliber P.900 automatic movement. The 171-component movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and supplies the watch with a three-day power reserve via a single barrel.
The new burgundy Panerai Luminor Due PAM01424 watch will retail for 7,300 USD, which is the same price as the other steel variants in the collection. However, Panerai has said that it will only be available in China as a boutique exclusive. No word yet if distribution will eventually widen to other markets. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
