Panerai spent 8 years of research and development to create a concept watch that featured electric lighting in a fully mechanical watch.

The Submersible Elux LAB-ID represents a true horological innovation, from a watch brand you don’t typically associate with cutting-edge watchmaking advancements. Present in an oversized 49 mm diameter case — which is water-resistant to 500 meters — is made from Panerai’s proprietary lightweight blue  Ti-Ceramitech™ material that’s said to be tougher than traditional ceramic alloys.

As the subject of 4 patent applications, the Submersible Elux LAB-ID has a large pusher on the case flank at 8 o’clock that’s used to wind the 4 auxiliary power barrels that drive the watch’s on-demand electrical illumination system, seen on the hour markers and hands. A linear power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock shows how much of the 30-minute maximum Power Light reserve remains.

For timekeeping, there are two traditional mainspring barrels that are wound automatically by wearing the watch, or that can be manually wound using the crown. The maximum timekeeping power reserve is 72-hours. The 4Hz caliber P.9010/EL movement has 6 total power barrels that animate the hours, minutes, small seconds, power light function, and linear power reserve indicator.

The Submersible Elux LAB-ID (Ref. PAM01800) is delivered with a matching dark blue rubber strap with a titanium pin buckle and is being produced in a limited edition of 150 pieces for approximately $100,000 each.

Learn more at Panerai.

 

Photos by Panerai.