The Italian connections here are no coincidence. From Milan to Florence, the Luna Rossa team and its sponsors are chock-full of Italian design and engineering partnerships; Panerai itself has had a longtime association with the Italian Navy, having been a national provider of divers’ and sailors’ timepieces—a history that has produced a long line of iconic watches over the years, culminating in this yachting season’s latest: the Luna Rossa collection.
Blue like the sea, and red as the official shade of Luna Rossa; the collection is designated in these colour codes. The Luminor Luna Rossa Quaranta PAM01408 cuts a sleek impression with its black 40 mm Steel DLC (diamond-like carbon) case and a blue sun-brushed dial that features the date at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock.
Powered by the automatic P.900 calibre with a three-day power reserve, its 40 mm case size is a perfect fit for all-around wear. The collection also features off-colour variants, such as the 42 mm Luminor due Luna Rossa PAM01381, which comes with a grey bi-material rubber/textile strap.
For the traveller, the Luminor Luna Rossa Quaranta BiTempo PAM01404 delivers with its automatic P.900/GMT calibre with a three-day power reserve. Displaying two time zones, the tip of the GMT hand is gilded in red in tribute to the colour of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team’s boat sail. The watch is set in a 40 mm steel case and features a blue sun-brushed dial.
To bring a slice of the sailing adventure to its clients, Panerai has also introduced the stunning Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono Carbotech PAM01519, an ‘Experience’ edition that will allow owners of the timepiece to partake in an immersion experience specifically curated by the Maison. Limited to 37 examples in honour of the 37th America’s Cup, the watch is set in a 44 mm Carbotech case with a blue sun-brushed dial, the watch will season over time according to wear, creating a specific look unique to each watch.
The structure of Carbotech is designed to enhance both the aesthetics and the performance of the material where thin sheets of carbon fibres are compressed at a controlled temperature under high pressure together with a high-end polymer, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), which binds the composite material, making it stronger and more durable. In homage to the sailing experience, the Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono also features the Speed Tachymeter Scale, to measure the average speed of the yacht over a defined distance. Finally, the 37 owners will also be invited to a unique set of curated experiences in Cagliari, Sardinia, all centred around the sea and the sport of yachting.
“These timepieces embody the shared legacy of Panerai and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, and we are honoured that our official sponsor has once again found inspiration from our bond with the sea,” says Max Sirena, team director and skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. “With their unmistakable design and cutting-edge functionality, these watches will serve as our indispensable companions throughout our journey towards success in the 37th America’s Cup.” Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué adds, “Our collaboration with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team represents the perfect union of two brands that share the same spirit of innovation, passion for excellence, and love for the sea. Through our common values, we aim to inspire and empower contemporary navigators, pushing boundaries and exceeding limits in pursuit of their dreams.”
