Panerai recently added one of horological world’s most challenging complications to its portfolio with the new P.4100 movement. This perpetual calendar is able to indicate the date, automatically recognize months with less than 31 days, and indicate the leap years. It makes its debut at the heart of two references: the Luminor Perpetual Calendar Goldtech and Luminor Perpetual Calendar Platinumtech. Both are available as limited editions.
The new P.4100 automatic movement was created in-house at Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee, and crafted at its Neuchatel manufacture. Changes to the day, date, month and year are done with intuitive adjustments made through the crown, eliminating the need for a tool or corrector.
Inside, the movement has dual barrels, capable of storing power for up to three days. An off-centre, micro-rotor winds the movement that beats at 4Hz. The rotor’s size and placement allow the calibre to measure only 7mm thick despite the number of features it supports.
Elements visible on the dial have been kept to a minimum to maintain Panerai’s characteristic clarity. Along with the central hour and minute hands is an independent 12H GMT Hand. A subdial is at 9 o’clock has two hands, one for the 24H indicator and another for the seconds. The date and day of the week are displayed at 3 o’clock.
Above the 6 o’clock marker, one finds the words “Calendario Perpetuo,” the only indication of the degree of complexity within. The key indications of this perpetual calendar – month, year and leap year – along with power reserve indicator are only visible through the sapphire caseback.
Customers can choose between two 44mm sized cases. One is the Luminor Perpetual Calendar Goldtech (PAM00742), available in a limited edition of 270 pieces. A blue sun-brushed dial beautifully contrasts with the proprietary gold metal. Two straps in coordinating deep blue tones, one in a supple patina alligator and a second in rubber, provide the option to display either a refined or sporty look with the same watch.
The second model is the Luminor Perpetual Calendar Platinumtech (PAM00715). Panerai has produced few references using this proprietary platinum material. This case has a complementary green sun-brushed dial. This case also comes with a choice of two straps in matching dark brown colour – an alligator Patina or rubber. This model is limited to just 100 pieces.
Both the Goldtech and Platinumtech models are water-resistant up to 5 bar (about 50 meters deep), and will be available exclusively at Panerai boutiques.
